PETALING JAYA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2025 – Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia)’s acclaimed Star Academy programme is back, and raising the bar in the services sector once again. This year’s regional training sessions and National Championship invite partner bartenders from across the country to sharpen their skills, showcase their mastery, and compete for the coveted National Top Bartender title. The programme will be held in Selangor, Perak, Johor, Penang, Sabah, and Sarawak, with an aim to engage more than 1,300 bartenders.
Driven by a bold ambition, Star Academy continues to elevate Malaysia’s service standards while contributing to the growth of the nation’s tourism industry since its inception in 2018. The programme has trained over 11,000 bartenders in mastering the art of the perfect pour. This year, the programme continues its mission with renewed energy, blending innovation and quality bartending services.
Martijn van Keulen, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, said, “We believe that excellence in service begins with investing in people. Now in its eighth edition, Star Academy continues to champion this ambition by equipping local talents with advanced skills that prepare them to thrive in a competitive, ever-evolving F&B landscape. Through this programme, we aim to shape future-ready bartenders who drive Malaysia’s hospitality and tourism experience.”
This year’s Star Academy programme continues to deliver in-depth training on the art of the perfect pour, covering essential elements such as optimal temperature, gas pressure, and glassware cleanliness. From past programmes, partner bar owners have seen tangible improvements in service quality and bartender confidence. With enhanced technical skills and deeper brand knowledge, bartenders are now delivering elevated experiences.
Leslie Gomez, Founder and Managing Director of Olive Tree Group shared, “Star Academy has truly raised the bar for our team. Our bartenders are now more confident, precise, and passionate about delivering the perfect serve every time.”
Kent Chua, Founder of The Beer Factory, echoed the sentiment, “Star Academy takes our bartenders beyond routine, making them more confident and proud of their craft. In a tough industry, that pride sets them apart, and it’s the same drive that has made us home to world bartender champions.”
Revolutionising Training with VR Technology
As part of its continued innovation in bartender training, Star Academy 2025 introduces “Tap Into The Future,” an all-new immersive VR training experience that redefines how skills are taught and mastered. This cutting-edge enhancement delivers a fully multisensory learning experience where bartenders engage their sight, touch, and sound to enhance memory retention and deepen mastery of pouring techniques and product knowledge. The VR module provides a gamified, scenario-based learning environment, making complex concepts more accessible and enjoyable for bartenders.
Star Academy Alumni Shine on the World Stage
Star Academy has a proud legacy of nurturing world-class bartending talent. Our journey began with Eddy Jay Jaimin from The Beer Factory, who made his mark on the global stage as our first champion at the Global Bartender Finals in Amsterdam. This legacy continued in 2024 with Jason Dennis Dcruz from Rockafellers by The Olive Tree Group, who triumphed at the Global Bartender Finals, competing against elite bartenders from around the world.
These two historic victories reinforced Malaysia’s reputation for top-tier bartending and showcased the transformative impact of the Star Academy programme.
“Every year, we see incredible growth in our bartenders, not just in skill, but in confidence and passion. For 2025, I’m excited to see how they embrace the new VR training and push their limits. I hope to witness bold creativity, stronger mastery, and maybe even discover the next National Champion who will make Malaysia proud once again,” commented Cian Hulm, Trainer and Commercial Quality Manager of HEINEKEN Malaysia.”
Ready to Raise the Bar?
HEINEKEN Malaysia’s partner bartenders across Malaysia are invited to step up, stand out, and sign up for the Star Academy 2025 journey. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a transformative journey in service excellence. Training dates and registration details are available now on the webpage. Register and book your spot today!
For more information on HEINEKEN Malaysia, please visit www.heinekenmalaysia.com.
