Founded in 2014, 103 COFFEE began with a mission to serve high-quality coffee and food to our neighborhood. Their passion for specialty coffee bridges the gap between coffee and customers through creativity and skill. Since 2016, they have competed annually in the National Latte Art Championship, achieving consecutive wins in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
A significant milestone was reached in 2018 when Irvine Quek, their co-founder, won the World Latte Art Championship at just 20 years old. This victory brought international recognition and solidified their commitment to inspiring and nurturing baristas. They believe a customer’s coffee journey should be inspiring and memorable, offering world-class latte art, creative coffee, and artist collaborations.
At 103 COFFEE, being a barista is a respectable profession. They strive to inspire passionate youngsters to become skilled and entrepreneurial baristas. Their goal is to connect, inspire, and create unique moments in life.
With a strong reputation, 103 COFFEE has won multiple international and national awards, including 2 world championships, 6 national championships, and 3 world finalist positions.
Why 103 COFFEE’s chose to take part in ICBS 2024
The International Café and Beverage Show (ICBS) 2024 is a premier event for coffee and beverage enthusiasts, industry professionals, and businesses. It took place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from May 23rd (semi-final) to May 25th (final round).
Some of the key highlights from the event include:
- Exhibitions: Featuring the latest products, technologies, and services from leading brands in the café and beverage industry. Attendees can explore a wide range of offerings from coffee machines, specialty teas, and brewing equipment to bakery goods, ingredients, and packaging solutions.
- Workshops and Bar Takeover: Industry experts and renowned baristas will promote workshops and bar takeover by renowned baristas.
- Networking Opportunities: The event provides a platform for networking with industry peers, potential partners, and suppliers. Business matchmaking sessions will facilitate connections between exhibitors and buyers.
- Live Competitions: The show will host several live competitions, including the highly anticipated Malaysia Latte Art Championship 2024.
Nicky Voon remains as the reigning champion at Malaysia Latte Art Championship 2024
One of the most awaited events at ICBS 2024 is the Malaysia Latte Art Championship. This prestigious competition attracts the best baristas from across the country, showcasing their artistic talents and technical skills in latte art. The judging criteria to find the winner includes:
- Artistic Impression: Judges will evaluate the creativity, originality, and visual appeal of the latte art designs.
- Technical Execution: Precision in pouring, symmetry, contrast, and definition of the designs will be crucial for scoring.
- Consistency: Baristas must demonstrate the ability to replicate their designs consistently across multiple cups.
- Speed and Efficiency: Timely execution without compromising quality is essential for a high score.
- Presentation and services: Explain fluently with good presentation skills on the technique, flow and system of making an intricate latte art
After competing in their sixth year in a row, Nicky Voon from 103 COFFEE managed to be crowned as the National Latte Art Champion as she continues 103 COFFEE’s six-year winning streak at the prestigious competition. Not only that, Nicky also remains as the only female champion in this category in our country!
Nicky presented three different latte art creations during the competition, namely the “Face of the Mountain Goat,” “Rooster,” and “Elephant”. The designs showcased her great expertise and skills, earning her the title of the reigning champion.
According to Nicky, she is now preparing to enter the World Latte Art Championship in Jakarta next year and she is aiming to top her previous achievements where she managed to snag the fourth place in 2020 and 2022.
To find out more about 103 COFFEE, follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
