MasterChef star Khanh Ong tells of his plans to change the world
First the kitchen, now the world. MasterChef favourite Khanh Ong has revealed his new career goal, that’s going to change the world. Find out what he has planned.
Fiona Byrne
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MasterChef favourite Khanh Ong has conquered reality TV, now he is aiming to change the world.
“The first time I did MasterChef I realised I wanted a career in food,” Ong said.
“This time round, I have a career in food and that is not going to leave me, and I realised during filming that what I want to do now is change the world.
“It is a ridiculous thing to say openly, but I want to change the world.
“I want to push diversity, I want to push the LGBTQI+ community, I want to push the issue of refugees, and I want to share my story.
“I did not grow up with a gay Asian refugee on my TV screen and I think it is needed.
“There are so many people growing up who need to understand that people do understand what they are going through.
Ong said he hoped he could encourage people to listen to, and learn from others, and be kinder.
“With COVID-19 people have really come to understand what they care about and what is really important to them,” he said.
“It has made them realise what they love. I think the world is already stating to change for the better.
“Even from a TV standpoint nastiness is no longer what people care about and it is all about showing that love and support for each other and being kind to each other.
“That is what I want to do with every project I am a part of, it all comes down to treating each other with respect.”
Thinking big is nothing new for Ong who has found success in many different areas.
He has been DJ, runs a bar and restaurant in the Melbourne CBD, is a fashion designer, a cookbook author, TV presenter, and is now writing a memoir based on his family’s journey to Australia.
Ong was born in an Indonesian refugee camp as his parents tried to get to Australia from Vietnam. The family arrived in Melbourne when he was 2.
Ong is the 2020 ANZ & Mardi Gras Community Grants ambassador and is supporting Volley with the release of its Volley Pride shoes and socks range.
“The community grants open on Wednesday and are open to organisations, groups or individuals that have a connection with the LGBTQI+ community,” he said.
“It is all about championing diversity, inclusion and respect.”