Training empowers bartenders to elevate service standards, vie for global draught crown
Raising the bar in the services sector once again, the “Star Academy Programme” is inviting partner bartenders to sharpen their skills and showcase their mastery.
The programme by Heineken Malaysia Bhd will hold regional training sessions and national championship towards the coveted National Top Bartender title.
The programme will encompass sessions in Selangor, Perak, Johor, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak, with the aim of engaging more than 1,300 bartenders from across the country.
Since its inception in 2018, Star Academy has trained over 11,000 bartenders in mastering the art of the perfect pour, Heineken Malaysia said in a media statement.
This year, the programme continues its mission with renewed energy, blending innovation and quality bartending services.
Heineken Malaysia managing director Martijn van Keule said they believed that excellence in service began 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,” said van Keule.
The “Star Academy Programme” delivers in-depth training on the art of the perfect pour, covering essential elements such as optimal temperature, gas pressure and glassware cleanliness, the company stated.
“From past programmes, partner bar owners had seen tangible improvements in service quality and bartender confidence.
“With enhanced technical skills and deeper brand knowledge, bartenders are now delivering elevated experiences,” it added.
Olive Tree Group founder and managing director Leslie Gomez said: “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.”
The Beer Factory founder Kent Chua said the programme took their bartenders beyond routine, making them more confident and proud of their craft.
Heineken Malaysia said that as part of its continued innovation, “Star Academy 2025” would introduce “Tap Into The Future”.
“It is an all-new immersive virtual reality (VR) training experience that redefines how skills are taught and mastered.
“This cutting-edge enhancement delivers a fully multi-sensory learning experience where bartenders engage their sight, touch and sound to enhance memory retention and deepen mastery of pouring techniques and product knowledge,” it said.
The VR module provides a gamified, scenario-based learning environment, making complex concepts more accessible and enjoyable.
Star Academy’s journey began with Eddy Jay Jaimin from The Beer Factory, who made his mark on the global stage as the first champion at the Global Bartender Finals in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in 2016.
This legacy continued in 2024 with Jason Dennis Dcruz from Rockafellers by The Olive Tree Group taking the Heineken Global Draught Champion crown.
“Every year, we see incredible growth in our bartenders, not just in skill but in confidence and passion too,” said Heineken Malaysia trainer and commercial quality manager Cian Hulm.
“For 2025, I’m excited to see how they embrace the new VR training and push their limits.
“I hope to see bold creativity, stronger mastery and maybe even discover the next national champion who will make Malaysia proud once again.”
For details on “Star Academy 2025” participation, visit www.heinekenmalaysia.com
