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Martin Yan, Host The celebrated host of over 3,000 cooking shows, broadcast worldwide, Martin Yan enjoys distinction as a certified Master Chef, a highly respected food consultant, a cooking instructor and a prolific author. His diverse talents have found expression in 30 cookbooks, including the awardwinning Martin Yan’s Feast, Martin Yan’s Asian Favorites, Chinese Cooking for Dummies, Martin Yan’s Chinatown Cooking (intro by Julia Child), Martin Yan’s Quick & Easy, and his latest, Martin Yan’s China (a cookbook that documents his travels throughout the far reaches of China, and his culinary discoveries). Born in Guangzhou, China, to a restaurateur father and a mother who operated a grocery store, Chef Yan possessed a passion for cooking at an early age. His formal induction into the culinary world began at age thirteen, with an apprenticeship at a popular Hong Kong restaurant. He refined his natural talent at the Overseas Institute of Cookery in Hong Kong, and then pursued an MS in Food Science at The University of California/Davis in the US. He discovered a flair for teaching when he became an instructor in the university’s extension program. In 1978, he pioneered a daily TV Chinese cooking show: the now classic “Yan Can Cook.” A valued instructor at top culinary institutions, Chef Yan has taught at The Culinary Institute of America, Johnson & Wales University, The California Culinary Academy and The Chinese Cuisine Institute in Hong Kong. In 1985, he founded the Yan Can Cooking School in California and in 2007 founded The Martin Yan Culinary Arts Center, a unique international culinary academy for professional chefs in Shenzhen, China. Also a restaurateur, his Yan Can and SensAsian Restaurants offer inventive pan-Asian menus. |
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Theresa Lin Cheng, Co-Emcee Complimented as “The Julia child of Taiwan” by Director Ang Lee of Eat Drink Man Woman, Theresa Lin was born in Tainan, Taiwan, and graduated from Fu-Jen Catholic University. She is broadly popular throughout the worldwide Chinese community as the author of 16 seminal cookbooks in Chinese, which are distributed generally throughout Asia and in Chinese-language bookstores around the world. Her popularity became fame through her role as the executive food designer of the hit film Eat Drink Man Woman, which won an Oscar nomination as Best Foreign Film. She has been retained as a food consultant for dozens of gourmet Chinese restaurants and food companies around the world, and her advice is invaluable in establishing menus that appeal to the discerning fanciers of fine foods, Chinese and international. She has committed to act as the spokesperson, in both Asia and in the United States, for Royal Star at the Venetian, created as America’s finest Hong Kong style Chinese restaurant in Las Vegas. As its consultant, she gives the benefit of her vast knowledge to the kitchen and menu planning, directly involved to ensure that her goal will be reached—that Royal Star at the Venetian and has won the Best Chinese Restaurant Award in both years 2000 and 2001. She hosts talk shows “Eat Drink Man Woman” (weekly) and “What’s Cooking” (daily) at KAZN AM 1300 radio station for 10 years in Los Angeles. In addition, she also hosts a cooking demonstration program on Power TV Cable Channel, Local TV Channel 18, and HK Jade Channel (TVB). |
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Derek Uehara, Co-Emcee Familiar and friendly face within the Las Vegas community, Derek can be seen hosting, leading, and directing galas, formal functions, and informal gatherings throughout the valley. Derek serves as Master of Ceremonies, facilitator, and auctioneer for groups such as the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Las Vegas program, the Asian American Advertising Federation, Lions Clubs International, and countless other star-studded events. Derek is Assistant Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch where he manages the financial affairs for over 100 clients in 12 states. Derek is a Certified Financial Manager (CFM) and holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation, a distinction held by less than 10% of investment professionals. Derek is locally recognized as a dedicated public servant to the community. In 2007, he was named Lion’s Region Chairman of the year and he also received the Lions’ International President’s Award (the 2nd highest honor bestowed), in recognition of his humanitarian efforts in the service of mankind. In 2008, Derek was honored with the Golden Hand Service Award. |
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Rena, Rui Hong Rui Hong, known as Rena, was born in Guangdong, China, and then moved to California when she was in middle school. Graduated from North Carolina University, she has obtained double degrees from both Business Management Department and Accounting Department. Hong speaks fluent Mandarin, Cantonese, English and Spanish. She is fond of aerobic exercise, skiing, piano playing, ballet and singing. Despite being a regional sales manager in the world renowned company Cisco, she has made many other achievements in her spare time, such as actress in film and TV program, and advertising spokeswoman for many products. Hong said that it is a brand new beginning for her to be recognized by the competition. She hopes to make a further success in her acting career. |
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Cathy,Tsue-Ting Shen Cathy, Tsue-Ting Shen, is the first Taiwanese who has ever entered the Top 2 competition of Miss Asia International. In August, she was awarded the champion in the 2007 Miss Globalcity Pageant (Taiwan) Final. Graduated from Mass Media Department in San Diego College of California University, Shen is pretty talented and outstanding in many fields. Besides her interest in skating and reading, she has started to learn piano playing, singing, ballet and ballroom dancing at an early age. Through continuing efforts, she has won numerous awards and honors, including top 20 of Miss Asian America Pageant Final 2006 and top 5 of Miss Asian California Pageant 2007. She has won the first prize twice in the Piano Competition of North Dekalb, North Fulton as well. She is dedicated to improve and boost the Asian community. |
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Mariyah Moten Mariyah Moten is the recipient of Bollywood Music Award, and was awarded top 5 of Miss Pakistan National Pageant as well. In recent years, she has served as a spokeswoman for international jewellery products and fashionable dresses, and has been a contract actress of New York Cinema Institute. Mariyah believes that the participation in the beauty competition can not only enrich her life experience, but also have a positive influence on her future career. She hopes to continue her success as a model in the future. |
