Page 57 - #47 English

Story/Photo: Coffee t&i Malaysia

Barista Feature / Jason Loo Hsien Yuen

2013 & 2015 Malaysia Barista Champion

Beginning his journey as a pastry that was held in Bali, Indonesia. It was not tions the importance of basic barista skills
chef 3 years ago, Jason is no stranger to until 2015, when the Malaysia Specialty needed to be able to compete. “The barista
the Food & Beverage industry as he first Coffee Association received sanctioning needs to understand his or her beans, roast
found his interest in preparing pastries and from World Coffee Events when Jason profile and the characteristics of the pro-
cakes before he discovered his true passion defended his title at the most recent cham- cessing methods” said Loo. He also added
in coffee. Giving credit to his employer, pionship and was crowned 2015 defending that the barista needs to have direction
Kheong from The Red Bean Bag, was where champion of the Malaysia Barista Cham- and focus on what they want to achieve
Loo first became a Barista and developed pionship. With this, Jason finally gained and also understanding the importance
his skills as one. With much support and access to the World Barista Championships. of customer service. He would highly
training provided by the partners at The Competed and ranked 27th in the advice that baristas implement competi-
Red Bean Bag, it was 10 months later that World, Jason adds that preparing for the tion standards in daily barista routines and
Jason participated in his first national com- World Barista Championship was no easy operating procedures.
petition in 2013. Being crowned the 2013 feat, as he explains that preparations were Jason is now currently one of the
Malaysia Barista Champion, it encouraged a lot more intense and different compared four partners at the newly opened Yellow
himself as a rookie to further develop his to the nationals. Some of the preparations Brick Road and Wicked Pancake Parlour,
skills and knowledge towards understand- involved sourcing for the right milk pairing, where he still holds the position as the head
ing how complex coffee truly is. shopping of ingredients, gathering equip- barista and is also incharge of development
Since 2013, Jason has been invited ments and testing water parameters, all in for the 3 outlets which he plays a integral
to several international and regional cham- a foreign environment. He adds that he part in. In the conversation, he thanks his
pionships to compete in competitions that was thankful of the experience he has had roaster Joey and his family for helping him
have not been sanctioned or recognized by competing in other countries, which made get this far in the competitive scene as well
World Coffee Events such as the Hainan it possible for him to interact with other as self-development. Loo intends to venture
Barista Championship, Food & Hotel Asia baristas whilst sharing their experiences. into other aspects of the industry and is
2014 Barista Championship and the Indo- When asked about advice for aspir- currently taking a break from competitions
nesia Coffee Festival Barista Championship ing competitors and baristas, Loo men- to focus on the new projects.
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