MasterChef winner hopes to start fusion restaurant

IN the nail-biting finale of ­MasterChef Australia season 9 on July 23, Diana Chan won the title by beating her rival Ben Ungermann by just one point.
Chan, a 29-year-old accountant, not only won the special gold shield trophy but also the US$250,000 (RM1.07 million) grand prize, as well as earned herself a monthly food column in Delicious magazine.
In an email interview, Chan (who was previously interviewed by theSun on June 19) shares her jubilation over the win, as well as her upcoming plans.
How does it feel to win the ­competition?
"I feel over the moon. The love and support from my family and friends here in Australia and back in Malaysia has been overwhelming, and I am so grateful for their support."
You were consistent throughout the competition, but really started to shine during the second half of the show.
Did it take you a while to hit your stride?
"I had my ups and downs in the ­competition, but I think I was fairly consistent throughout the show.

"Sure, there were some challenges that really put you to the test, and the beauty of it is that you never know what challenges they are going to throw at you, and there's also an ­element of luck involved on each day. Some days you have a good day, and some days you don't."
When did it hit you that you could actually win?
"I think it really dawned on me when I got down to the Top 5. I was up against stiff ­competition, and I knew that ­getting to the finale, let alone winning it was never going to be easy."
What are your plans now that you have won?
"I have been inundated with plenty of amazing opportunities, but the main goal is my food concept of a fresh casual restaurant serving wholesome nutritious meal with fusion flavours, incorporating some of my Malaysian heritage.
"(I would also like) to host a food and travel show throughout Malaysia, and have it ­broadcasted both in ­Australia and Malaysia."