He made an appearance at a charity fund raising banquet in Ho Chi Minh city on Tuesday. His participation is part of "Journey to connect love", a charity campaign to help children living in remote areas go to school. 

Yan contributed three books about his culinary career for an auction, and they fetched VND45 million ($1,942). In the next few days he will stay in the city and take part in a local food tour. He will also attend activities related to the charity.  

Martin Yan was born in Guangzhou, China. The 70-year old started his career at the age of 13, when he worked in a restaurant in Hong Kong belonging to one of his relatives. 

He acquired a master’s degree in food science from the University of California in the U.S. He first appeared on television in a culinary show in 1978 and has since hosted more than 3000 shows.  

He has traveled all around Vietnam for a 26-episode documentary called "Discover Vietnam with Martin Yan".

He has written more than 30 cookbooks including "Martin Yan's Feast: The Best of Yan Can Cook", "Martin Yan's Asian Favorites" and "Martin Yan's Quick and Easy."