Emerging Musicians and Filmmakers Take Centre Stage at Starbucks Reserve® IOI Mall Damansara
Starbucks Malaysia recently brought together some of the country’s most promising young creative talents through the Kopi Creator Kolektif (KCK) Showcase, celebrating the journeys of emerging Malaysian musicians and filmmakers in a vibrant live event held at Starbucks Reserve® IOI Mall Damansara.
The showcase marked the culmination of weeks of mentorship, collaboration, and artistic development under the KCK programme, an initiative launched by Starbucks Malaysia to nurture the next generation of Malaysian storytellers, musicians, and filmmakers.
Featuring ten finalists across music and film categories, the event highlighted original performances, exclusive film teasers, and creative experiences that transformed the coffeehouse into a hub for local artistic expression.
A Platform Built for Malaysian Creators
Kopi Creator Kolektif was created as a creative development platform designed to support aspiring local artists by providing mentorship, exposure, and opportunities to grow their craft.
Through partnerships with industry players such as Breaking Music, Weekend Boys Studio, and Multimedia University’s Faculty of Cinematic Arts, participants were guided by experienced mentors who helped refine their storytelling, artistic direction, stage presence, and creative confidence.
The KCK Class of 2026 featured five music finalists:
- Akardia
- Huey Yeing
- Sharkfins
- Suehaila
- Thariq Amran
Meanwhile, the film cohort included:
- Batu Belah Productions
- C317
- Keladak Krunchy
- Sudhifilem
- Tanahliat Studios
For many of these young creators, the showcase represented more than just a final presentation. It became a platform to share personal stories, artistic visions, and authentic Malaysian experiences with a live audience.
Suehaila Wins Music Cohort Grand Prize
Among the standout moments of the evening was the victory of emerging musician Suehaila, whose emotional and atmospheric performance captured the attention of both judges and audiences alike.
Suehaila, whose full name is Tengku Suhaila binti Tengku Asmadi, secured the grand prize for the Music Cohort. As part of her win, she will receive a recording deal that includes the production of a four-track EP valued at RM10,000.
Her featured piece, “Ephemeral Queen,” was inspired by the Queen of the Night flower — a rare bloom that blossoms only once a year for a single night.
Throughout the programme, mentors worked closely with Suehaila to further develop the song, helping refine its arrangement and emotional delivery.
Reflecting on her journey, Suehaila shared that Kopi Creator Kolektif helped her better understand artistic growth and encouraged her to take creative risks while staying authentic to herself as an artist.
Tanahliat Studios Takes Home Film Cohort Victory
The grand prize for the Film Cohort went to Tanahliat Studios for their compelling short film concept titled Merinsak (Hardship).
Led by director Clayvert Unji, the project explores themes of identity, ambition, family, and belonging through the story of Pam, a student in Kuala Lumpur attempting to return home to Sarawak for Hari Gawai.
What begins as a simple journey slowly evolves into a morally complex situation involving friendship, responsibility, and difficult choices.
The film stood out for its honest representation of East Malaysian experiences from a fresh and contemporary perspective.
Tanahliat Studios consists of:
- Clayvert Unji (Director)
- “Kiwi” Ang (Producer)
- Dania Irdina (Co-Producer)
- Rue Feng Wen (Editor)
- Jenn Tan (Director of Photography)
- Vyl Chang (Production Designer)
As winners, the team will receive support to develop their teaser into a completed short film project.
Clayvert described the programme as an important stepping stone after film school, offering emerging filmmakers like himself a meaningful platform to push their stories further and connect with wider audiences.
Mentorship Played a Key Role
According to Isaac Ravi, co-founder of Breaking Music and mentor for the Music Cohort, the programme was not only about polishing performances but also helping artists become more intentional about their creative identities.
He noted that many participants already possessed strong potential from the start, and the mentorship process simply gave them the tools, structure, and confidence needed to elevate their artistry.
Meanwhile, filmmaker and mentor Adam Zainal praised the authenticity of the stories presented by the film finalists, highlighting how many projects reflected deeply personal perspectives rooted in local communities and lived experiences.
The mentorship sessions helped participants strengthen their storytelling techniques while adapting their ideas into compelling visual narratives suitable for film.
More Than Coffee: Starbucks as a Creative Space
The KCK Showcase also reinforced Starbucks Malaysia’s vision of its coffeehouses as more than just places to enjoy beverages.
Throughout the event, guests participated in interactive experiences inspired by music and film, including storytelling displays, photography corners, and custom Starbucks tumbler design activities.
The showcase highlighted how Starbucks continues to position its coffeehouses as welcoming “third places” where creativity, connection, and community can thrive together.
According to Zakiah Hanim Md Zaki, Director of Marketing & Loyalty at Berjaya Starbucks Coffee Company Sdn Bhd, the programme reflects Starbucks Malaysia’s commitment to supporting local creative communities.
She shared that witnessing the KCK Class of 2026 take the stage was a powerful reminder of the importance of creating platforms where emerging Malaysian voices can be heard and celebrated.
Celebrating Malaysia’s Creative Future
As Malaysia’s creative industry continues to evolve, initiatives like Kopi Creator Kolektif provide valuable opportunities for young talents to develop professionally while remaining authentic to their cultural roots and personal experiences.
By combining mentorship, industry collaboration, and public exposure, Starbucks Malaysia has successfully created a meaningful platform where local artists can grow, experiment, and share their stories with wider audiences.
More importantly, the showcase demonstrated how creativity continues to connect Malaysians from different backgrounds through music, storytelling, and shared experiences.
For the finalists of Kopi Creator Kolektif 2026, the showcase may have marked the end of one journey, but it also represents the beginning of exciting new chapters in Malaysia’s growing creative landscape.
Keywords :
- Starbucks Malaysia
- Kopi Creator Kolektif
- Starbucks KCK 2026
- Malaysian musicians
- Malaysian filmmakers
- Starbucks creative platform
- Suehaila Starbucks KCK
- Tanahliat Studios Merinsak
- Starbucks Malaysia events
- Malaysian creative community
