Returning for its ninth exceptional season in 2017, MasterChef Australia Season 9 is set to make things bigger, brighter and bolder than ever before, combining more big name international guests with bright new talent and exciting challenges to create a truly remarkable series. 

After scouring the country for the best amateur cooks, the confident and the humble will cook side by side, putting themselves in the spotlight during a rigorous judges’ audition process that sees only the most deserving and talented cooks prevail.

Gary Mehigan, Matt Presto and George Calombaris are back to share their own unique talents and insights with the newest bunch of contestants. Encouraging and challenging, they will push the contestants to cook smarter, extend their creativity and overcome obstacles in ways they never dreamt possible.

On Monday, MAG speaks to Sarah Tiong, a risk consultant. Inspired by chefs and cooks including Ben Shewry, Brent Savage, Clayton Wells, Shannon Bennet and Sam Miller, there is no question that this fiercely competitive cook will put her nose to the grindstone to get the most from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

Born and raised in Sydney, Sarah has always been involved in the kitchen and her mother would routinely teach her the recipes and techniques from her own childhood in Malaysia. She remembers fondly her cooking an array of cuisines growing up and recalls the unique aroma of fermented beans, wine and ginger as a marinated pork belly was prepared for family dinners. Cooking for friends and family since she was 15, Sarah began taking her passion seriously and developing her own recipes from when she was 17.

Join MAG and Sarah on AFO LIVE at 12noon, Monday, the 19th June.