Premiering 3 September, Thursdays at 9pm on Lifetime (Astro Ch 709), three Malaysian home cooks will take centre stage in the inaugural Asian edition of MasterChef, the world’s most successful cooking competition. Competing not only for themselves, but battling it out in the name of national pride, to win the ultimate title of MasterChef Asia.

Proudly representing Malaysia are Jasbir Kaur, Marcus Low and Sophia Zulkifli.

Jasbir, the most senior contestant in the competition at 54 years-old, began her love for cooking when she moved to Sarawak, East Malaysia, after getting married. A homemaker and mother of three, she hopes to impart the culinary skills of traditional Punjabi cuisine to the younger generations. She also hopes to get professional accreditation to her cooking skills and prove that home cooks can be highly skilled in the kitchen as well.

Marcus, a 24 year-old banker, finds inspiration from established chefs, as well as modern and molecular cuisine; and prides himself on his unique ingredient pairings. Thriving under pressure, he believes that the intense competition in MasterChef Asia will be his introduction to the culinary world and the opportunity to showcase Malaysian cuisine to the world.

Sophia, a 30 year-old homemaker and mother of a 2-year-old girl, cooks every day and organizes meals for her family and friends regularly. She hopes to one day enter the culinary world as a chef, caterer or a food critic. Her diverse interest in the food industry shows her passion for food and has inspired her to enter MasterChef Asia.

Standing in their way of the ultimate title are the other home cooks from China, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The first MasterChef Asia winner will receive their very own cookbook, a USD$50,000 cash prize, USD$10,000 worth of unique leisure experiences in Singapore, USD$15,000 of Panasonic home appliances, a paid internship at one of Carlton Hotel Singapore’s restaurants and a one-week stay at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

“MasterChef Asia is the biggest original production we’ve ever undertaken on Lifetime Asia. Producing one of world’s most successful formats is testament to Lifetime being a leading entertainment destination in Asia. The series is coming together really well; there is a wonderful range of culinary creations made by these amateur home cooks and moments I was on the edge of my seat. With the passion for food we have in Asia, we believe audiences will love the show and will no doubt be rooting for their favourite contestants,” said Michele Schofield, Senior Vice President, Programming & Production, A+E Networks Asia.

MasterChef Asia Season One is presented by the Singapore Tourism Board and Knorr, in association with Panasonic, Changi Airport Group, Carlton Hotel Singapore and Air Asia. The series premieres on 3 September, Thursdays at 9pm on Lifetime (Astro Ch 709). For more information, please visit the official website at msn.com/masterchefasia.

MasterChef is represented internationally by Endemol Shine Group. The show was originally revived as MasterChef Goes Large in 2005 by Shine TV in the UK and is based on a format originally created by Franc Roddam.