HEINEKEN Malaysia Crowns the Top Bartender Regional champions at the 2023 Star Academy National Finals

A few weeks ago, I was invited to witness the crowning of the Top Bartender Regional champions from six states at the 2023 Star Academy National Finals. The event which took place at  The Space, Menara Ken TTDI on 22nd Sept was organized by Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia).

The 2023 National Star Academy Championship and Training, which HEINEKEN Malaysia inaugurated earlier this year, came to a conclusion at the final showdown. The brewer had successfully given bartenders across the country the product knowledge and technical know-how to pour the ideal glass of beer. The brewer was also looking for the best barman in each region to participate in today's exciting finale during the training.

In his opening remarks, Jimmy Ding, Sales Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia said, “For bar-goers to be able to enjoy their favourite beers, we at HEINEKEN Malaysia know that our commitment to serving our customers the best beers goes beyond the brewery. We truly value our partner bartenders and believe that it is crucial to educate and equip them with the knowledge and skills they’ll need to serve top-quality beers. We were immensely proud to have over 1,250 participants join this year’s National Star Academy Championship and Training, working hand-in-hand with us to raise the bar together!”

The National Star Academy Championship and Training gave bartenders from KL/Selangor, Johor, Penang, Perak, Sabah, and Sarawak an immersive experience as they engaged their senses to master beer taste profiling and perfect the Heineken® Star Quality Serve and Guinness Perfect Pour with the goal of raising the bar for the industry.

Cian Hulm, one of the judges.

Key judges for the Star Academy National Finals included trainers Wayne Wong and Cian Hulm from HEINEKEN Malaysia, who oversee commercial quality, as well as Gerard Anselm, a star academy trainer from HEINEKEN Malaysia, and Thomas van Boheemen, a star quality manager from the HEINEKEN Company, who travelled all the way from Amsterdam.

The best bartenders in the area competed in the Star Academy National Finals 2023 to see who could serve Heineken® Star Quality Pour and Guinness Perfect Pour the fastest and most accurately. In addition, the bartenders' presenting abilities and audience interaction were evaluated.

The brewer named J'Shua Chua of JJ Wine and Tapas in Johor the national champion. Yeoh Seng Yao of Maze Eatery and Bar in Perak was named the runner-up, and James Aloysius Mojitu of Stylo Marriott Sabah took third place.

Check out the a brief video of winners announcement below:-

National Champion J’Shua Chua, from JJ Wine and Tapas, Johor, said, “I’m so glad to be able to be a part of this year’s Star Academy’s National Finals! Indeed, the competition was tough, and I’ve been able to challenge myself alongside my fellow bartenders across Malaysia. Thank you, HEINEKEN Malaysia and cheers, to the perfect glass of beer!”

National Champion J’Shua Chua, from JJ Wine and Tapas, Johor

For more info on HEINEKEN Malaysia’s Star Academy, visit https://star-academy.heinekenmalaysia.com/ and for the latest event and promotion updates from HEINEKEN Malaysia, you can head on to their website at www.heinekenmalaysia.com  

.: Peace Out :.