MasterChef star Poh Ling Yeow reveals shock new career move away from the kitchen: ‘Couldn’t be prouder’

Poh Ling Yeow announced a surprising career change on Monday when she revealed she’ll be working closely with Tourism NT.

The MasterChef star, 51, who is best known for her cooking skills and TV work, has now landed the role of ambassador for the Northern Territory. 

She revealed she wishes to inspire Australians to discover a holiday up north that is ‘different in every sense’. 

‘As someone who adores travel, learning, and finding inspiration in new places, the NT is a dream destination,’ Poh said.

‘From the breathtaking Top End to the awe-inspiring Red Centre, I’ve fallen in love with it all—and I couldn’t be prouder to showcase everything this extraordinary place has to offer!’ 

In her new role, Poh will spotlight the ‘unparalleled beauty, rich cultures, vibrant food scene and artistic heritage’ of the Northern Territory.    

Poh stepped into the role after gracing the cover of The Australian Women’s Weekly for the first ever Outback Christmas issue last year.

She has since been exploring the vast territory, famous for its red desert landscapes, and visiting some iconic destinations. 

Travelling through Top End, the celebrity cook enjoyed stops at Litchfield National Park, Finniss River Lodge and the Territory’s tropical capital, Darwin.

She then made her way down to the Red Centre where she visited Alice Springs (Mparntwe), Hermannsburg (Ntaria), Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole.

Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve and the majestic Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa National Park were also on her list of travel destinations. 

Tourism NT Chief Marketing Officer Tony Quarmby shared his delight at welcoming Poh Ling Yeow as the newest ambassador for the NT. 

‘Poh’s passion for food, art, culture, the outdoors and exploration perfectly capture the essence of the Territory,’ he said.

‘Everywhere she went, she connected effortlessly with visitors and locals alike, with fans from Australia and around the world flocking to meet her. 

‘Poh’s genuine warmth, authenticity and deep connection to the landscapes and stories of the Territory make her the perfect inspiration for others to explore our incredible destination.’  

Poh’s new gig comes after she admitted in her Women’s Weekly interview that she feels ‘guilty’ over the death of her beloved mother.

The former MasterChef contestant-turned-judge lost her mother Christina to cancer in November 2022 and was working overseas when she passed away.

Poh shared her regrets in November about going on the overseas trip, saying it is something she still regrets as she reflected on Christina’s long cancer battle.

‘She was ill, she encouraged me to go, but I shouldn’t have—it will be a wound forever,’ she told The Australian Women’s Weekly during the Christmas issue.

‘She never complained once in all her treatment—so stoic. I was convinced she was going to win the battle and buy at least a couple more months, if not years. 

‘I took her courage for granted, but it turned out to be the worst rolling of a dice ever.’ 

Earlier in the year, Poh broke down in tears on MasterChef as she discussed her relationship with her late mother.

Wiping away tears, the Malaysian-born presenter said her mother struggled to show affection until Poh shot to fame on MasterChef in 2009.

The heartbreaking moment began when contestant Nat revealed her mother told her she was proud of her for the first time when she landed a spot on the show, with Poh then detailing her own experience.

‘After I was on MasterChef, it was one of the first times my mum had ever expressed that she was proud of me,’ Poh shared through tears.

Overwhelmed with emotion, she continued: ‘I think that’s why when I’m in this kitchen I am very emotional because it affected so much of my life outside of cooking.

‘Cooking became that thing that bonded us because we did have that very Asian thing of having trouble expressing our love.

‘So, it’s just so amazing how this kitchen connects us in so many different ways.’