Malaysian bartenders triumph at AHRA ASEAN Championship

The spotlight was firmly on Malaysia’s top-tier bartending talents as they demonstrated their exceptional expertise and clinched victories at the prestigious AHRA ASEAN Bartenders Championship 2023. Held in the vibrant city of Bangkok on the 25th of August, this high-profile event celebrated the triumph of Mitchell Raymond, who secured the Championship winner’s title, and Lee Wei Lung, who claimed the distinguished 2nd Runner-up position.

The AHRA ASEAN Bartenders Championship 2023, hosted at Thailand’s Queen Sirikit Convention Centre, drew participants from various regions to compete across multiple categories. Mitchell Raymond and Lee Wei Lung particularly stood out with their innovative techniques, precision, and speed in the Classic Cocktail Challenge, Creative Cocktail Challenge, and Speed Challenge categories. Their impressive performances caught the attention of the judges, leading to their well-deserved victories.

Mitchell Raymond, renowned as the head bartender at Bar Trigona in Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, emerged as the indisputable champion. His exceptional performance across three challenging rounds – the Classic Cocktail Challenge, Creative Cocktail Challenge, and Speed Challenge – earned him the highly coveted title. Mitchell’s victory not only symbolized his personal accomplishment but also highlighted his exceptional expertise.

Securing the 1st runner-up title was Thitanont Chuenuthaimiradee from The Peninsula Bangkok, while Mr. Lee Wei Lung of PARKROYAL Collection & Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur claimed the esteemed 2nd runner-up position.

Showcasing excellence

Prior to their success at the AHRA ASEAN Bartenders Championship, this dynamic Malaysian duo had already showcased their talent and creativity at the MAH KL Bartenders Competition 2023 held on the 17th of July. During this competition, Mitchell secured the first-place title, and Lee Wei Lung claimed the first runner-up position.

The journey to victory was guided by the expert mentorship of the M.F.B.E.A. (Malaysian Flair Bartenders and Entertainment Association) team, specially invited by the MAH (Malaysian Association of Hotels) and MAH KL Chapter. The mentorship, which took place in early August, played a pivotal role in refining the skills and techniques of these talented Malaysian bartenders.

The triumph of Mitchell Raymond and Lee Wei Lung not only underscores their individual accomplishments but also speaks volumes about their dedication, skill, and the supportive environment nurtured by the Malaysian bartending community. As Malaysia’s bartending talents continue to elevate their craft, the global stage can anticipate witnessing even more remarkable achievements from these skilled mixologists in the future, firmly establishing Malaysia’s presence on the worldwide bartending map.