Brewing Big Dreams: Starbucks Malaysia’s Kopi Creator Kolektif Spotlights Homegrown Creative Talent

This World Creativity and Innovation Day, Starbucks Malaysia announces the Kopi Creator Kolektif (KCK) Class of 2026, unveiling ten emerging Malaysian artists, five musicians, and five filmmakers selected for a creator development programme featuring industry-led masterclasses and mentorship.

The finalists will present their original music and film teasers on 16 May at Starbucks Reserve® IOI Mall Damansara, where one winner from each cohort will receive a prize valued at RM10,000.

Kopi Creator Kolektif is a creative platform by Starbucks Malaysia designed to support young Malaysian talent by connecting emerging musicians and filmmakers with creative collectives and industry mentors. Rooted in Starbucks “Third Place” philosophy, the programme serves as an incubator for creative growth, with Starbucks® coffeehouses providing the space where ideas can be developed, shared, and discovered.

Where creativity, community & coffee come together

For many people, coffeehouses are where ideas begin, connections deepen, and creative work gets done. A 2024 local study involving 230 university students found that cafés are valued not only as places to eat and drink, but also to socialise, discuss, work, and complete assignments, with many describing them as a “second home”. For Starbucks, this reinforces the role coffeehouses and KCK can play as community spaces that support and spotlight Malaysia’s emerging creative talent.

“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 and 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.”

“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, mentor for the Film Cohort, and an alumnus of Multimedia University’s Faculty of Cinematic Arts.

KCK Class of 2026: Empowering Malaysia’s emerging creators

 

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Malaysian artists responded to an open call earlier this year, submitting original ideas and creative portfolios for consideration. Entries were reviewed by a panel of industry professionals, where ten standout musicians and filmmakers were selected. The finalists will go on to participate in a curated development programme designed to support their creative journey from craft to showcase.

For the music cohort, Breaking Music will lead the programme with masterclass sessions on their personal brand identity and original songwriting, helping finalists strengthen both artistry and live readiness. Music finalists will also receive access to studio time and industry-grade equipment to help develop, refine, and rehearse their material for the showcase.

For the film cohort, Weekend Boys Studio and Multimedia University (MMU) Faculty of Cinematic Arts will support finalists through mentorship and guided development sessions, focusing on strengthening storytelling and production craft from concept to screen.

“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 as they work towards the chance to record their own EP,” said Isaac Ravi, mentor for the Music Cohort, co-founder of Breaking Music.

The KCK Class of 2026 goes live at Starbucks Reserve® IOI Mall Damansara

On 16 May 2026, Starbucks Malaysia invites Malaysians to join and support the KCK Showcase as the Class of 2026 takes centre stage at Starbucks Reserve® IOI Mall Damansara. At the showcase, each music finalist will perform at least one original song, while film finalists will premiere a teaser from the film concepts they pitched.

This will be a moment of discovery where Malaysians can encounter new voices, and creators can step forward with work they have developed through the programme. The winning musician will receive a four-track EP recording deal, while the winning filmmaker will receive the production of their original short film, with each prize valued at MYR 10,000.

Continuing to champion local creativity

KCK debuted in late 2025 with intimate live music sessions in a Starbucks coffeehouse featuring 13 homegrown talents such as Amanda Imani, An Honest Mistake, and RESORT. Today, the platform is expanding beyond music to feature aspiring filmmakers and create  more ways for Malaysians to discover and champion local creativity in Starbucks® coffeehouses.

Through Kopi Creator Kolektif, Starbucks Malaysia continues to create space for Malaysians to pursue their passions, be inspired, and connect with their local community — whether through song, film, or a cup of coffee.

For more information on the journey of the Kopi Creator Kolektif Class of 2026, and to learn more about the 16 May 2026 live showcase, visit Starbucks Malaysia on their website and Instagram.

Also read: The Biggest Starbucks Reserve In Malaysia Is Finally Open For Business At Tropicana Gardens Mall