TAIPEI - A STUDENT in Taiwan has died right after winning an eating contest at a university campus, apparently choking on Chinese steamed buns filled with cheese and eggs, local newspapers say.

Apple Daily and United Daily News say 23-year-old Chen Chun-ing dashed to the bathroom after swallowing two buns in one minute.

Other students found him lying on the floor soon afterward.

The papers say Mr Chen was rushed to hospital but failed to respond to resuscitation efforts.

As competition winner, Mr Chen would have won NT$2,000 (S$90). -- AP