THIRD SEASON OF FOOD HERO SET TO RAISE THE BAR IN 2016

Asian Food Channel and Food Network’s hunt for the next food host is expected to draw fierce competition across Asia-Pacific. The digitally-enabled competition expects to surpass past seasons’ participation numbers and increase engagement among food lovers in the region. the search for the region’s best home cook and host kicks off in Asia as Food Hero returns in its third season. 

Building upon the momentum and success from previous seasons, the digitally-enabled competition will look to crown one winner who will go on to host his or her own Asian Food Channel and/or Food Network programme. “As the leader in lifestyle programming with two dedicated regional channels focused on food, we are always looking to grow our pool of on-air and digital talent. Continuing the Food Hero competition is not only a great platform to uncover fresh talent, it is also a great way for our viewers to connect over the common passion point around the love for food,” said Carl Zuzarte, Senior Vice President of Programming and Production at Scripps Networks Interactive, Asia-Pacific. 




 Food Hero 2016 – 5 Simple Steps to Participate! 1. From 23 May onwards, interested participants can download the Food Hero mobile app from either App Store (on Apple) or Google Play (on Android). 2. After downloading, participants will be prompted to register their information to sign in. 3. The mobile app provides instructional videos and tips on how to shoot and submit a winning entry. Participants can also draw inspiration from various recipes from past contestants and watch previous Food Hero winners share their food story. 4. Participants can record their entry that best demonstrates their cooking and hosting skills. 5. They can then upload their video entry and also view submissions by other participants. Upon closing of competition on 21st August (three months period to submit entries), a panel comprising of production and creative experts will evaluate the entries based on the participant’s personality, on-screen appeal and their creativity in producing original and engaging content. 

Michele of Food Hero

Top entries will be shortlisted to participate in a series of culinary and travel-related challenges to better evaluate them in ‘live’ scenarios. Last year, Ili Sulaiman from Malaysia and Debbie Wong from Hong Kong overcame fierce competition and was crowned Food Hero 2015 champions, joining the likes of TV hosts Sarah Benjamin (Singapore) and Michele Lean (Malaysia) who won the first edition of the competition. 

 “The moment I realized I wanted to make a career out of food was probably when I saw Martin Yan on TV and I remember thinking that’s exactly what I want to be. Someone who’s passionate about food and sharing their food story with the world,” said Wong, who has since hosted a number of Food Network productions like Food Wars Asia Season 2 and Kitchen Quickies. “I took part the first time around and I didn’t get through but being the winner for Food Hero last year has opened many doors for me and given me the confidence to host my own shows and better run my own establishment,” said Sulaiman who owns ‘DISH by Ili’, a food delivery service providing wholesome and nutritious meals in Malaysia. Starting today, interested participants can visit www.foodhero.asia and sign up for the Food Hero mailing list to receive the latest updates and exclusive content leading up to the competition.