Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia) has crowned Jason Dennis Dcruz from Te Amo as the 2024 Star Academy National Champion. The talented bartender, representing the KL/Selangor region, earned the prestigious title at the Star Academy National Finals held in Petaling Jaya on 13 September 2024. With this victory, Jason will now head to the Global Bartender Finals in Amsterdam, the home of Heineken®, to compete for the ultimate title of Heineken®’s World’s Best Bartender.
A Platform for Excellence in Bartending
Now in its seventh edition, the Star Academy programme is part of HEINEKEN Malaysia’s commitment to raising the standards of service and professionalism in the hospitality sector. Since its inception, the Star Academy has trained over 10,000 bartenders, enhancing their skills and contributing to the growth of Malaysia’s food and beverage industry.
Martijn van Keulen, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, expressed pride in the impact of the programme. “Through these efforts, we’re not only helping local talents shine — we’re also elevating our food and beverage sector, boosting tourism, and supporting local businesses. This is how we raise the bar for the industry and build a culture of excellence among our local bars and bartenders,” said van Keulen.
Record-Breaking Year of Participation
Jimmy Ding, Sales Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, highlighted the growing popularity of the programme, sharing that 2024 marked a record-breaking year for the Star Academy with over 1,300 bartenders participating nationwide. He noted that HEINEKEN Malaysia’s dedication to quality goes beyond brewing, emphasizing the crucial role of trade partners and bartenders in delivering the perfect pour to customers.
A Nationwide Showcase of Bartending Talent
This year’s national finals saw fierce competition among finalists from Sabah, Sarawak, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Perak, and Johor, showcasing a diverse range of skills and creativity. The judging panel included Cian Hulm, Commercial Quality Manager, and Wayne Wong, Commercial Quality Lead of HEINEKEN Malaysia, along with guest judges Gerard Anselm, Star Academy Trainer from HEINEKEN Malaysia, and Joyce Lim, Marketing Manager of Heineken® brand in Malaysia.
A Champion’s Pride
National Champion Jason Dennis Dcruz shared his excitement about the win, expressing gratitude for the opportunity provided by HEINEKEN Malaysia’s Star Academy 2024. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity HEINEKEN Malaysia’s Star Academy 2024 has given me. A big thank you to everyone who supported me along the way. I can’t wait to compete in Amsterdam and represent the spirit of our region on the global stage,” said Jason.
With his victory, Jason now has the chance to showcase Malaysia’s bartending talent on the international stage, bringing homegrown skills to the global Heineken® family. All eyes will be on Amsterdam as he competes against the world’s best bartenders for the coveted title of Heineken®’s World’s Best Bartender.
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