Ping Coombes
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MasterChef Winner and Bath-area local Ping Coombes to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate
Thursday, 16 May, 2024Bath-based MasterChef winner, Ping Coombes, is to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Bath Spa University next month.
A decade on from winning Series 10 of MasterChef, Ping will be awarded the Honorary award for Social Inclusion in celebration of her inspirational personal story, her passion for food and her heritage, and her contributions to the local community.
Growing up in Ipoh, Malaysia, surrounded by amazing food, Ping was inspired by her mother’s cookery. Now living in the UK and travelling globally, she draws inspiration from her heritage but delivers her food with modern twists and ingredients found locally. Ping stunned the judges with food inspired by her Malaysian heritage. She took the famous trophy home again, winning BBC MasterChef Champion of Champions in 2022 and becoming the first double MasterChef Champion. She was named as one of Tatler Asia’s Most Influential People in 2022.
Ping regularly hosts supper clubs and events across the country, including her hometown of Bath at venues including Bertinet Kitchen, as well as masterclasses at her Ping at Home Kitchen, and Divertimenti Cookery School.
Ping said:
"On the 10th anniversary of being crowned Masterchef Champion, I'm extremely honoured to be awarded the first ever Honorary Doctorate of Social Inclusion from Bath Spa University. I'm so looking forward to putting on my graduation robe in June! Thank you so much for this recognition, especially from such a renowned University in a city I have called home for the last decade! The last 10 years have been filled with unforgettable experiences, accolades, personal growth, and adventures. I have loved every moment. May the next 10 years be as wild and fun!"
Bath Spa University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sue Rigby said:
“As the Sunday Times University of the year for Social Inclusion, I am delighted to announce Ping as the recipient of our first Honorary Doctorate for Social Inclusion. Our Honorary degrees recognise individuals for their enrichment of academic, social, economic, or cultural spheres, embodying the spirit of our BSU."
Ping will receive her award during a special event at the University's Newton Park campus, on Wednesday 12 June.
Awardees are nominated by current members of the BSU students and staff community.