AdminStarbucks Malaysia celebrated the creativity of emerging local talent through its Kopi Creator Kolektif (KCK) Showcase, bringing together ten aspiring musicians and filmmakers to present original works developed through months of mentorship and creative collaboration.
Held at Starbucks Reserve® IOI Mall Damansara, the showcase marked the culmination of the KCK Class of 2026 programme, featuring live music performances and film teaser premieres by five musicians and five filmmaking teams. The initiative aims to provide a platform for emerging Malaysian creatives to refine their craft and gain industry exposure.
Mentorship programme nurtures local creative talent
Launched by Starbucks Malaysia, Kopi Creator Kolektif was designed to support emerging musicians and filmmakers through structured mentorship and industry guidance. The programme was conducted with support from Breaking Music, Weekend Boys Studio and Multimedia University’s Faculty of Cinematic Arts.
The Class of 2026 included musicians Akardia, Huey Yeing, Sharkfins, Suehaila and Thariq Amran, alongside film finalists Batu Belah Productions, C317, Keladak Krunchy, Sudhifilem and Tanahliat Studios.
Following evaluations by a panel of industry professionals and audience voting, musician Suehaila and filmmaking collective Tanahliat Studios were named grand prize winners. Each received a prize package valued at RM10,000 and continued support to further develop their projects.
Suehaila will secure a recording deal that includes the production of a four-track extended play (EP), while Tanahliat Studios will receive assistance in developing its winning teaser into a completed short film.
“Seeing the Kopi Creator Kolektif Class of 2026 take the stage was a powerful reminder of why we launched this programme. These creators came into KCK with ideas and stories of their own, and through the showcase, those ideas were experienced by a live audience in a Starbucks coffeehouse,” said Zakiah Hanim Md Zaki, Director of Marketing and Loyalty at Berjaya Starbucks Coffee Company Sdn Bhd.
Winning projects highlight personal stories and perspectives
Suehaila’s winning entry, Ephemeral Queen, evolved from an existing demo inspired by the Queen of the Night flower, which blooms only once annually. Through mentorship sessions, the song was refined to better showcase its lyrical and emotional depth.
“Winning Kopi Creator Kolektif is incredibly meaningful because this journey helped me understand growth in a new way,” said Suehaila, adding that the programme encouraged her to take creative risks while remaining authentic to her artistic identity.
Meanwhile, Tanahliat Studios impressed judges with Merinsak (Hardship), a short film concept exploring themes of ambition, family and belonging. The story follows a student in Kuala Lumpur attempting to return home to Sarawak for Hari Gawai, leading to challenges that test friendships and personal values.
Director Clayvert Unji said the programme provided an important opportunity for young filmmakers to develop stories from their own perspectives.
Beyond the performances and screenings, the showcase featured interactive activities inspired by music and film, allowing visitors to engage with the creators and explore their creative journeys. Starbucks Malaysia said the initiative reflects the role of coffeehouses as community spaces where ideas, culture and artistic expression can flourish through meaningful connections.
Jimmy Tan
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