Asian vegetarian to slam expert attention (5,4)

I believe the answer is:

panda bear

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'asian vegetarian' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'slam expert attention' is the wordplay.
'slam' becomes 'pan' (I've seen this in another clue).
'expert' becomes 'dab' (as in a dab hand).
'attention' becomes 'ear' (having someone's ear is having their attention).
'pan'+'dab'+'ear'='PANDA BEAR'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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