J’Shua Chua, from JJ Wine and Tapas, Johor, emerged as the national champion in the Heineken Malaysia’s Star Academy National Finals 2023 at The Space, Menara Ken TTDI, Kuala Lumpur on September 22.
Chua beat off five other state winners, including from KL/Selangor, Johor, Penang, Perak, Sabah and Sarawak, to walk away an all-expense paid trip to the Home of Heineken – Amsterdam.
“The competition was tough, and I’ve been able to challenge myself alongside my fellow bartenders from across Malaysia,” said jubilant Chua.
Fans witnessed the final showdown as the region’s top bartenders tested their abilities in serving the Heineken Star Quality Pour and Guinness Perfect Pour. The bartenders’ presentation skills and engagement with the audience were also put to the test.
The final showdown marked the end of Heineken Malaysia’s 2023 National Star Academy Championship and Training launched earlier this year where the brewer successfully equipped bartenders across the nation with the product knowledge and technical know-how to serve the perfect glass of beer.
During the training, the brewer was also in search of each region’s top bartender to compete in the national finale.
Jimmy Ding, the sales director of Heineken Malaysia stated in his opening speech: ”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.”
Ding added: “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.”
Yeoh Seng Yao from Maze Eatery and Bar, Perak, and James Aloysius Mojitu from Stylo Marriott Sabah were named first and second runners-up respectively.
The panel of judges included trainers Cian Hulm, commercial qquality manager, and Wayne Wong, commercial quality lead of Heineken Malaysia as the key judges; as well as two special guest judges – Gerard Anselm, Star Academy trainer from Heineken Malaysia, and Thomas van Boheemen, Star quality manager, from Heineken Amsterdam.
