Heineken Malaysia Berhad has achieved a major milestone in its ongoing commitment to the hospitality industry with the crowning of its first-ever female National Champion at the 2025 Star Academy National Finals. The title went to Cora Jean Cantwell from Langkah Syabas Beach Resort in Sabah, following a tightly contested competition among top bartenders from across the country.
With her win, Cantwell earns an exclusive opportunity to visit Amsterdam, where she will step into the Home of Heineken and experience the brand’s legacy, brewing craftsmanship and innovative spirit up close.
Now in its seventh year, the Star Academy programme continues to strengthen Malaysia’s service industry by equipping bartenders with advanced skills and knowledge. Over the years, it has become an important platform for raising standards and cultivating talent within the food, beverage and tourism sectors.
One of the highlights of this year’s programme was the introduction of “Tap Into The Future”, a new Virtual Reality (VR) training module. The immersive, multi-sensory experience allows participants to practise real-life bartending scenarios in a gamified environment, improving technique, boosting confidence and strengthening product understanding.
Managing Director of Heineken Malaysia, Martijn van Keulen, shared that the programme has now trained more than 11,000 bartenders nationwide. He noted that Star Academy plays a crucial role in uplifting the local hospitality ecosystem by empowering professionals to deliver higher levels of service excellence.
Sales Director Jimmy Ding also expressed appreciation for Heineken Malaysia’s trade partners and the bartending community. He highlighted that the introduction of VR technology has brought a fresh, impactful dimension to the programme, creating a more engaging and effective learning experience.
The national finals featured representatives from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Sarawak, Sabah, Penang, Perak and Johor. The contestants were assessed by a panel of industry experts, including members of Heineken Malaysia’s quality team and special guest judge Jason Dennis D’Cruz, the 2024 Heineken Global Draught Champion.
Describing the win as an unforgettable moment, Cantwell said she felt honoured to represent Sabah at the national level and thanked Heineken Malaysia for providing the opportunity. She added that she is looking forward to her upcoming trip to Amsterdam.
For more information on Heineken Malaysia and its initiatives, visit www.heinekenmalaysia.com
