Jason Dennis Dcruz takes Malaysia to Global Bartending Finals

At the 2024 Star Academy National Finals, Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia) celebrated a momentous achievement, crowning Jason Dennis Dcruz as this year’s National Champion. Representing Te Amo from the KL/Selangor region, Dcruz’s stellar performance earned him the opportunity to compete on the global stage at the Heineken® Global Bartender Finals in Amsterdam, a prestigious event where the world’s best bartenders gather to vie for the ultimate title.

Dcruz’s victory not only marks a significant personal achievement but also highlights the broader impact of Malaysia’s bartending community, as he prepares to carry the nation’s pride and spirit to the Home of Heineken®.

Star Academy: Elevating Malaysia’s Bartending Standards

The Star Academy programme, now in its seventh year, continues to transform Malaysia’s bartending landscape by training and developing local talents. Since its inception, Star Academy has trained over 10,000 bartenders, equipping them with the skills necessary to excel in the food and beverage industry. This comprehensive training initiative has been integral to raising the standard of service across Malaysia, contributing to the enhancement of the nation’s hospitality sector.

Martijn van Keulen, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, spoke about the programme’s success: “We are proud to announce that Star Academy has trained over 10,000 bartenders since its inception! 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.”

The academy’s holistic approach has far-reaching benefits, from improving customer service to fostering a culture of excellence that extends beyond bartenders and into the broader hospitality landscape.

Record-Breaking Participation in 2024

This year’s Star Academy set a new record for participation, with over 1,300 bartenders from across Malaysia stepping up to showcase their skills. From Sabah to Penang, bartenders across the nation brought their passion and craft to the competition, eager to learn, improve, and succeed.

Jimmy Ding, Sales Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, highlighted this milestone: “2024 is a record-breaking year for participation. We saw over 1,300 talented bartenders from across the nation stepping up and showing off their incredible skills and passion for the craft.”

The competition also featured a distinguished panel of judges, including Cian Hulm, Commercial Quality Manager, and Wayne Wong, Commercial Quality Lead of HEINEKEN Malaysia, as well as two special guest judges – Gerard Anselm, Star Academy Trainer from HEINEKEN Malaysia and Joyce Lim, Marketing Manager of Heineken® brand in Malaysia.

Global Finals in Amsterdam

For Jason Dennis Dcruz, winning the National Finals is just the beginning. His next challenge lies in the Global Bartender Finals in Amsterdam, where he will compete against the world’s best for the prestigious title of Heineken®’s World’s Best Bartender.

Dcruz expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Malaysia, saying, “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.”

As Dcruz prepares to face off against the world’s finest bartenders, he carries with him not just his personal ambition but the pride of Malaysia’s flourishing bartending community, one that has grown significantly through programmes like Star Academy.

Beyond individual victories and competitions, the Star Academy’s impact on Malaysia’s food and beverage industry is undeniable. With over 10,000 bartenders trained, the programme plays a critical role in supporting local businesses, enhancing customer experiences, and even boosting tourism by raising the standards of service.

Through continued investment in local talent, HEINEKEN Malaysia’s Star Academy remains committed to fostering a culture of innovation, skill, and passion, driving the industry forward and ensuring that Malaysia remains a key player on the global bartending stage.