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Only the kitchen is tucked at the back of the space, for Sales and Marketing Manager of K2 Co Ltd, Thailand), Asama
practical reasons. Everything is prepared in-house including the Vichaidit (WCE Certified Judge, Editor of CTI Magazine; Owner
breads for the sandwiches, the cakes, tarts and a selection of local of Asama Café, Chiang Mai), Arnon Thitiprasert (Champion
Malaysian snacks. The menu is kept simple to enable quality con- of Thailand Latte Art 2014-2017; World Latte Art Champion-
trol in terms of maintaining an inventory of the freshest ingredi- ship finalist 2014 & 2015; Owner of Ristr8tt0, Thailand), Sutida
ents and to facilitate the constant assessment of the popularity Srirungthum (Thailand Brewers Cup Champion 2016; Owner of
and suitability of the menu. Wan Teng mentioned that the menu Sutdrip), Jaranya Chanwong (2nd place National Thailand Brew-
is due to the refreshed in the near future. ers Cup 2016; 4th place Thailand Aeropress 2016), Supachai
Swangumpi (Owner & Roaster at Duck you Caferista; 4th place
The Philosophy National Thailand Barista 2015; 3rd place National Thailand Latte
“Coffee. People. Potential. Education. Stories. Gratitude. Art 2016) and Wei Haen Wang (Owner & Roaster at Phil Coffee
These are the founding philosophy behind STAGE. STAGE is more Co., Bangkok) will conduct a week long intensive programme
than just a café. It is a space to empower and inspire individuals to which will assuredly be an enriching environment for exchang-
aspire for greater performance and quality of life.” Cheryl Lee ing stories, ideas, inspirations and tapping on the diversity and
COFFEE and food served here are quality centric. Each richness of the distinguished panellists.
cup of coffee served, every dish produced comes with a story.
Ask the barista who serves you.
PEOPLE means everyone at STAGE. The customers and
the team. For customers, the team is ever-willing to share their
coffee knowledge and foster friendships with them. For the team,
Cheryl and Wan Teng strives to discover their potential and
groom them towards growth.
POTENTIAL. Cheryl and Wan Teng are driven to dis-
cover and groom talent in the people they meet and work with
and to strive to discover each person’s potential and to work with
them towards their personal growth. Through rigorous training,
they equip the team with knowledge and skills, and motivate
them to learn and grow together. Team members are encouraged
to enrol for courses in areas of their interest for professional de-
velopment. The team frequently conducts brainstorming sessions
to ensure consistent improvements at STAGE. STAGE’s credo is
to accept opinions and input from all parties and to allow for new
ideas to be tested and executed. It is a place where everyone will
be given the opportunity to explore their potential and receive
feedback and guidance throughout the process, to develop and
ensure a supportive ecosystem within the team.
EDUCATION. STAGE aims to educate its community
on coffee. Informally, coffee knowledge is shared through the
conversations within and around STAGE – amongst the team and
customers. STAGE also offers coffee courses conducted by Cheryl
and also invited instructors. Members of the team at STAGE are
encouraged to take up certification courses to improve their skills
and professional value.
STORIES. We all love stories. Either the juicy gossips
about the scandalous neighbour or simply, about each other’s
lives. STAGE is also the place for customers to share their coffee
stories and how their coffee knowledge is growing. The same
applies to the team where the members share their progress and
achievements in work and in life. STAGE is a place where success
is celebrated and each mistake is a lesson learnt.
GRATITUDE is the approach in life to appreciate the
things in our possession and to acknowledge all those who have
helped along the way.
When asked about future plans for STAGE, Cheryl and
Wan Teng did not immediately dismiss the idea of expansion
plans but said they were currently focusing on the existing opera-
tions to continue to groom a strong, knowledgeable and profes- The author: Cindy Koh is the owner of Clay Expression En-
sional team who will be able to manage and support their future terprise, Malaysia’s leading pottery studio. Besides being a
expansion plans. professional potter and sculptor, Cindy is a coffee enthusiast.
STAGE will be hosting the Coffee Boot Camp 2016 from Mentored by Cheryl Lee, her coffee journey has led her to be
21 to 25 November 2016 where a panel of World Judges and Cof- the only home brewer in the Malaysia Brewers Cup Champi-
fee Industry Champions such as Sutinee Amornpatanakul (WCE onship 2016, where she had been a finalist.
Certified Judge, Secretary of Barista Association of Thailand,
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