IT WOULD probably surprise no one that Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia, the world's largest online encyclopedia, has strong views on the harmful effects of fake news. What not many people may know, however, is that the Internet entrepreneur is also passionate about the culinary arts, does all the cooking at home, and his current fascination is with Asian (particularly Indonesian) cuisine.

"My family says 'you've got to go on MasterChef!' I don't know," a bemused Mr Wales tells The Business Times during a recent video call from London. The American-born Mr Wales, who is also Chair Emeritus of Wikimedia Foundation, took British citizenship last year.

A passion for new recipes and cuisines mirrors what he does at his day job - trying out new things and exploring online opportunities. Mr Wales does not think of himself as some kind of messiah or tech guru who gave the world an incredible resource like Wikipedia, used by millions, including school children, as a learning hub. Rather, he says: "I think of myself as an entrepreneur, I like to work on new projects, experimenting and learning."