Public Service Media (PSM) has officially launched the international TV franchise MasterChef in Maldives.
In a special ceremony held at TVM, the show was officially launched by Managing Director of PSM Ali Khalid. The ceremony was also attended by officials from Endemol Shine Group, which owns the franchise.
Speaking at the ceremony, Managing Director Khalid announced that the first season of MasterChef Maldives will be premiered in September 2020. Khalid said cooking is a major part of the Maldivian lifestyle, adding the show will help to launch the careers of aspiring chefs around the country. He said the show presents a golden opportunity for talented local chefs to showcase their abilities to the world.
Speaking at the ceremony, Regional Director of Endemol Shine Group Rashmi Bajpai said the show is a great opportunity for individuals pursuing careers in culinary arts. She said the agreement with PSM to introduce the show to Maldives indicates the popularity of the show in Asia.
During the ceremony, agreements were signed with the sponsors of the first season of the show. In addition to title sponsor Dhiraagu, sponsorship agreements were signed with State Trading Organisation (STO), Villa College and Bank of Maldives (BML).
During the ceremony, Chief Commercial Officer of PSM Ibrahim Nasreen shared the details of sponsorship opportunities available through the show. Nasreen said sponsorship opportunities for the show are still open for companies looking to advertise their brands through the show.
MasterChef was first launched in the UK in 1990. The show became international with the launch of MasterChef Australia in 2009 and MasterChef US in 2010. The show has also been introduced to India last year.