AdminIn conjunction with World Creativity and Innovation Day, Starbucks Malaysia has announced the Kopi Creator Kolektif (KCK) Class of 2026, introducing ten emerging local artists selected for a structured creator development programme. The cohort comprises five musicians and five filmmakers who will undergo a series of industry-led masterclasses and mentorship sessions before presenting their work at a live showcase on 16 May at Starbucks Reserve® IOI Mall Damansara.
KCK is positioned as a platform to nurture young Malaysian talent by connecting them with established creative collectives and mentors. The initiative draws on Starbucks’ “Third Place” philosophy, which frames its coffeehouses as communal spaces beyond home and work where individuals can gather, exchange ideas and develop creative projects.
The company cited a 2024 local study involving 230 university students, which found cafés are widely regarded as multifunctional spaces not only for dining but also for socialising, working and completing assignments. Many respondents described such venues as a “second home,” reinforcing Starbucks’ view of its outlets as conducive environments for creative exploration.
“At Starbucks, we see our coffeehouses as the ‘Third Place,’ a welcoming space where Malaysians can connect, exchange ideas and feel part of something larger than themselves,” said Zakiah Hanim Md Zaki, Director of Marketing & Loyalty, Berjaya Starbucks Coffee Company Sdn Bhd. “It’s inspiring to see Malaysia’s creative talents come together through Kopi Creator Kolektif. We’re proud to support a campaign rooted in originality and connection by opening our coffeehouses for Malaysian stories to be discovered, supported and celebrated.”
Mentorship and showcase aim to bridge industry gaps
Participants were selected through an open call earlier this year, with submissions reviewed by a panel of industry professionals. The chosen finalists will now undergo tailored development tracks aimed at strengthening both artistic and technical capabilities.
The music cohort will be guided by Breaking Music, focusing on personal branding, songwriting and performance readiness, alongside access to studio facilities and professional equipment. Meanwhile, filmmakers will receive mentorship from Weekend Boys Studio and Multimedia University’s Faculty of Cinematic Arts, with an emphasis on storytelling and production development.
“A thriving creative culture relies on having room for new voices to emerge, experiment, and grow. Platforms like KCK matter because they create that room, not only by giving young filmmakers a platform to share their work, but also by allowing audiences and communities to discover the perspectives shaping the next generation of Malaysian storytelling.” said Adam Zainal, Director and mentor for the Film Cohort.
At the upcoming showcase, music finalists will perform original compositions, while filmmakers will premiere teasers of their concepts. One winner from each category will receive a prize valued at RM10,000, including an EP recording deal for the music winner and a short film production opportunity for the film winner.
Isaac Ravi, co-founder of Breaking Music and mentor for the music cohort, said, “We’re proud to be part of this campaign because opportunities like this can make a real difference for emerging artists. Giving back to the creative community matters to us, and it’s a privilege to work with these five finalists over the coming weeks. There’s already a lot of promise in this Class of 2026, and I’m excited to see how they develop.”
Building on its 2025 debut featuring local acts, KCK’s expansion into filmmaking signals a broader ambition to support Malaysia’s creative ecosystem through accessible, community-based platforms.
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