Regional champions from six states gathered to compete at the 2023 Star Academy National Finals.
KUALA LUMPUR, 22 September 2023 – Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia) today celebrated the 2023 Star Academy National Finals, crowning J’Shua Chua, from JJ Wine and Tapas, Johor, as he emerges as the 2023 National Champion, walking away with an all- expense paid trip to the Home of Heineken® – Amsterdam!
Today’s 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 today’s riveting finale.
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!”
With a mission to raise the bar for the industry, the National Star Academy Championship and Training provided bartenders from KL/Selangor, Johor, Penang, Perak, Sabah, and Sarawak with an immersive experience as they engaged their senses in mastering beer taste profiling, as well as perfected the Heineken® Star Quality Serve and Guinness Perfect Pour.
The Star Academy National Finals saw trainers Cian Hulm, Commercial Quality 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 the HEINEKEN Company, all the way from Amsterdam.
At the Star Academy National Finals 2023, 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. Beyond that, the bartenders’ presentation skills and engagement with the audience were also put to the test.
The brewer crowned the national champion crowning J’Shua Chua, from JJ Wine and Tapas, Johor, alongside Yeoh Seng Yao from Maze Eatery and Bar, Perak, who emerged as the runner- up; as well as James Aloysius Mojitu from Stylo Marriott Sabah who came in at third place.
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!”
For more information on HEINEKEN Malaysia’s Star Academy, visit https://star- academy.heinekenmalaysia.com/. HEINEKEN Malaysia’s beers, stout, cider and all related promotions and activities are strictly for non-Muslims aged 21 and above only. HEINEKEN Malaysia advocates responsible consumption and urges consumers to not drink and drive.
