Heineken Malaysia Bhd has crowned Cora Jean Cantwell from Langkah Syabas Beach Resort, Sabah as the National Champion at the 2025 Star Academy National Finals, making history as the first woman to win the national title in Star Academy history.
Cora Jean stood out for her skill, confidence and mastery in perfect pour.
Her victory secured her an exclusive trip to the Home of Heineken – Amsterdam, where Cora Jean Cantwell will experience the brand’s heritage and innovation firsthand, brewing the Joy of True Togetherness.
“I feel amazing winning this competition, and I am so proud to represent Sabah at this year’s Star Academy National Finals. Thank you, Heineken Malaysia for this incredible opportunity. I am excited to go to Amsterdam!” she said.
Held at JioSpace, Petaling Jaya on Nov 28, 2025, the finals brought together fierce competition, with finalists hailing from KL/Selangor, Sarawak, Sabah, Penang, Perak and Johor.
The finals featured a distinguished panel of judges, including Cian Hulm, commercial quality manager and Wayne Wong, commercial quality lead at Heineken Malaysia, with special guest judge Jason Dennis D’Cruz, 2024 Heineken Global Draught Champion.
Heineken Malaysia managing director Martijn van Keulen said, “With over 11,000 bartenders trained to date, Star Academy reflects our commitment to elevating the services industry, strengthening the capabilities of our local F&B sector, and supporting a vibrant hospitality ecosystem.
“As one of Heineken Malaysia’s flagship programmes, we are incredibly proud to see Star Academy raise the bar for service excellence nationwide.”
Star Academy 2025 also unveiled “Tap Into The Future,” a pioneering Virtual Reality (VR) training which enhances the programme with hands-on, immersive learning.
This innovative module redefines skill mastery, offering a fully multisensory learning environment where bartenders engage sight, touch and sound. The gamified, scenario-based approach significantly enhances memory retention, deepens product knowledge, and perfects pouring techniques, making complex concepts both accessible and enjoyable, a one-of-a-kind experience by Heineken Malaysia.
Heineken and all its activities and promotions are strictly for non-Muslims aged 21 and above. Heineken advocates responsible consumption and urges everyone to #EnjoyResponsibly – when you drive, never drink.
