Six years ago, Melissa Leong was working hard to find the success she always dreamed of, even though she wasn’t quite sure what it would look like once she attained it.
She hosted the Lunar New Year in Sydney’s Parramatta for thousands of people, wearing a petrol blue Cheongsam, a traditional Chinese garment. Melissa reflected on that moment in a bittersweet Instagram post to mark this year’s celebrations.
The MasterChef judge shared a picture of her wearing her Cheongsam with the signature white border and off-white background she likes to use on her feed.
Melissa in her Cheongsam.
(Image: Instagram)She revealed the day made her think about being separated from her mum and close friends.
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But first she set the scene: “🎋🧧GONG HEI FAT CHOI! 🧧🎋 The last time I wore this cheongsam was 6 years ago, hosting Lunar New Year for @cityofparramatta in front of several thousand people, before I’d done television and when I was writing and hustling to find myself and a place in this world. So much has changed.”
On the eve of the week-long festivities, she acknowledged that despite being far from those she loves, the power of their relationships means their bonds haven’t waned.
“Tonight is the eve of the Lunar New Year and I find myself reflecting on tradition, culture and hope. It has been two years since I saw my mum or spent meaningful time with my closest Asian friends, but the strength of those who sustain us knows not of distance or time,” she revealed.
The judge has been separated due to Covid.
(Image: Instagram)She followed her bittersweet admission with well wishes for her fans to kick off the new year.
“Wherever you are, may your reunion dinner be abundant, your yee sang high and your noodles long!.”
Melissa concluded her post with a comment about her six-year-old Cheongsam, “At times like this, I am grateful for my culture, its values… and if I’m honest, for still being able to fit into this tiny vintage lurex wonder.”
“Wherever you are, may your reunion dinner be abundant.”
(Image: Instagram)In 2020, Melissa was moved to tears when contestant Poh Ling Yeow served a Malaysian feast because it reminded her of her mother, who she had been separated from for some months.
“I really miss my mum and this is… this is food she cooks. Like, the smell of that in the house on the weekend…,” she told Poh.
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