Poh Ling Yeow on ABC's "Talking Heads" - Part 1

Summary

In this candid and introspective interview, Poh Ling Yeow reflects on her unconventional journey to becoming a beloved figure in food and cooking. From her early struggles with cultural identity as a shy Chinese-Malay girl in Malaysia to her unexpected path through Mormonism and graphic design, Poh's story is one of self-discovery. She shares how her love for food, family, and creativity ultimately led her to embrace her true self. Her personal anecdotes, including her bond with her aunt and the significance of food in her life, offer an engaging glimpse into her growth and transformation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Poh Ling Yeow, initially known as Sharon, had a dream of becoming a makeup artist, but later found her passion for cooking.
• 😀 Poh's interest in makeup was partly driven by a desire to change her own appearance and feel comfortable in her skin.
• 😀 Growing up in Malaysia, Poh felt out of place and struggled with fitting in, both culturally and socially.
• 😀 Poh's love for food was deeply rooted in her Chinese-Malay background, with food playing a central role in family life and as a symbol of affection.
• 😀 Poh’s journey from Malaysia to Australia marked a significant shift in her life, where she finally felt a sense of belonging.
• 😀 Initially, Poh did not embrace her Chinese identity and even struggled with the food from her culture, feeling alienated at school in Australia.
• 😀 Her relationship with food was not only about nourishment but also about emotional comfort, especially in a family that was not overtly affectionate.
• 😀 Poh’s time in the Mormon Church was an important phase in her life, providing a sense of safety but eventually leading to feelings of guilt and restriction.
• 😀 A transformative experience in Canada, where she encountered people outside of her Mormon values, led Poh to reassess her beliefs and ultimately leave the church.
• 😀 Poh’s art journey, particularly her work as a painter, allowed her to explore and express her identity as a Chinese-Australian, leading to a deeper understanding of herself.

Q & A

What was Poh's early struggle with identity in Malaysia?

Poh struggled with a sense of not fitting in during her childhood in Malaysia. She felt out of place, and this feeling persisted even after her family moved to Australia.

How did Poh's early experiences with food shape her later life?

Food played a significant role in Poh's upbringing, with her aunt cooking constantly. Poh notes that food was used to express affection and love in her family, compensating for the lack of direct affection at home.

What was Poh's initial career aspiration before food?

Poh initially aspired to be a make-up artist and fantasized about working with stars in New York, though she acknowledged it was a path she ultimately did not pursue.

Why did Poh feel pressured to be the 'good Chinese girl'?

Poh was raised in a strict household with high expectations, which led her to feel a societal pressure to adhere to the ideals of being the 'good Chinese girl' and follow traditional values.

How did Poh's transition to Australia impact her perspective?

Upon arriving in Australia, Poh felt a sense of relief and belonging, describing how she instantly loved everything about the country, from the street signs to the wildlife, a stark contrast to her previous struggles in Malaysia.

What role did food play in Poh's emotional experience growing up?

Food was a central emotional and cultural anchor for Poh, especially as she navigated her identity in Australia. Her aunt's cooking provided comfort and a way to feel connected to her heritage.

What was Poh's experience with the Mormon church, and how did it shape her identity?

Poh joined the Mormon church during her teenage years, finding comfort in its clean-cut, guilt-free environment. However, over time, she felt trapped by its restrictions and left the church after realizing that it no longer aligned with her personal values.

How did Poh's travels influence her personal growth?

Poh's travels, especially her time in Canada, were transformative, exposing her to new perspectives and challenging the values she grew up with. It led to her questioning her past beliefs, particularly those related to Mormonism.

What significance did Poh's art have in her self-discovery?

Poh's art, particularly her paintings, became a journey of self-exploration. She realized that much of her artwork focused on her identity as a Chinese-Australian, with her first exhibition reflecting the acceptance of aspects of herself that she had once hated.

Who is Zed, and what does he represent in Poh's life?

Zed is Poh's pet, a constant source of comfort and joy in her life. He represents continuity and emotional support, having been with her through difficult periods and providing a sense of stability and happiness.