From coffee grounds to mango peels, nine Malaysian bartenders lead a new wave of sustainable mixology as the competition unfolds through guest shifts across Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, August 2026 – Hennessy MyWay 2026 has unveiled its Top 9 Malaysia Semi-Finalists. Recognised for their creativity, technical excellence, and thoughtful approach to sustainability, they move one step closer to the Global Finals in Cognac, France.
This year’s submissions revealed a competition that goes beyond cocktail craftsmanship. Each entry told a personal story — transforming familiar ingredients into unexpected expressions, proving that sustainability and creativity can exist beautifully in the same glass.
Malaysia’s Top Nine
These nine bartenders represent a new generation of Malaysian mixologists. Each brings a distinct perspective, yet are connected by a shared belief that great cocktails begin with curiosity, craftsmanship and purpose.
| Bartender | Bar | Hennessy MyWay Cocktail |
| Lee Ai Cxing | The Nest Cocktail Bar, Penang | Crème & Glacé |
| Camen Chung | CONTI’, Kuala Lumpur | Second Life |
| Ho Yan Ching | Haiiro Usagi, Johor | Harvest No.1 |
| Loo Hong Xiang | WPS, Selangor | Hennessy Limonata Cream |
| Fil Tan | Jupiter & Vins, Penang | Unlearn the Unlove |
| Ong Qin Yen | The Nest Cocktail Bar, Penang | Veil & Crust |
| Rendey Ray | Rhu Bar, Langkawi | Seed to Spirit |
| Richard Samuel | Rimbar, Kuala Lumpur | Henne-ciTEA |
| Yee Min Lui | Cabinet 8 KL, Kuala Lumpur | Yennessy |
- Lee Ai Cxing | The Nest Cocktail Bar, Penang
Cocktail: Crème & Glacé
Watermelon, beetroot and rice take centre stage in Crème & Glacé, where highly perishable ingredients are preserved and reimagined into key elements of the cocktail’s presentation, demonstrating that sustainability can inspire unique combinations and bold drinking experiences.
- Camen Chung | CONTI’, Kuala Lumpur
Cocktail: Second Life
Built around the philosophy that every ingredient deserves another chance, Second Life repurposes cold brew coffee and leftover stout into an elegant cocktail that celebrates reinvention. The result is a thoughtful serve that reminds us creativity often begins by looking at familiar ingredients differently.
- Ho Yan Ching | Haiiro Usagi, Johor
Cocktail: Harvest No.1
Drawing inspiration from Malaysia’s rich produce, Harvest No.1 showcases ingredients including gula melaka, guava and calamansi. Through locally sourced produce and mindful preparation, the cocktail reflects cultural familiarity and a commitment to reducing environmental impact.
- Loo Hong Xiang | WPS, Selangor
Cocktail: Hennessy Limonata Cream
Hennessy Limonata Cream transforms used coffee grounds and Lemon Soda into a refreshing highball, proving that simple ingredients can become the defining element of a delicious cocktail.
- Fil Tan | Jupiter & Vins, Penang
Cocktail: Unlearn the Unlove
Nothing goes to waste in Unlearn the Unlove, where every part of the mango—from peel to seed—is thoughtfully incorporated into the cocktail. Through whole-fruit utilisation and techniques such as spherification and dehydration, this cocktail celebrates the mango flavour in all its forms.
- Ong Qin Yen | The Nest Cocktail Bar, Penang
Cocktail: Veil & Crust
Inspired by the beauty found in overlooked ingredients, such as cauliflower stems, leftover pastry and chicken liver, Veil & Crust demonstrates how conscious creativity can transform the ordinary into something unexpectedly refined. Balancing technical precision with sustainability, the cocktail reflects the evolving artistry of modern bartending.
- Rendey Ray | Rhu Bar, Langkawi
Cocktail: Seed to Spirit
Inspired by Borneo’s Mangga Wani, Seed to Spirit embraces a full-circle philosophy. Every part of the fruit is used throughout the cocktail before its seed is returned to the earth, symbolising renewal and the enduring relationship between nature, craftsmanship and community.
- Richard Samuel | Rimbar, Kuala Lumpur
Cocktail: Henne-ciTEA
Combining figs, tea and saffron with Hennessy V.S.O.P., Henne-ciTEA explores how overlooked ingredients can be repurposed into both flavour and presentation. Every component is thoughtfully considered, resulting in a cocktail where sustainability extends well beyond the glass.
- Yee Min Lui | Cabinet 8 KL, Kuala Lumpur
Cocktail: Yennessy
Balancing originality with refined technique, Yennessy demonstrates how sustainability can seamlessly complement storytelling and modern cocktail craftsmanship, bringing together flavour, presentation and purpose in one cohesive serve.
Meet the Mentors
Hennessy MyWay is a platform where bartenders challenge convention, exchange ideas, and inspire the next generation of mixologists.
As the journey continues, each Malaysian semi-finalist is paired with Hennessy MyWay alumni who once stood in their place. Returning as mentors, they bring their experience, outlook, and creativity to help shape the next stage of the competition.
Oh Chong Hau
The Nest Cocktail Bar founder | Hennessy MyWay 2025 Malaysia Champion
Arsenio Ash
Bar None Founder | Hennessy MyWay 2025 Mentor
Arya Dharmayasa
Bar Manager of L’Atelier by Cyril Kongo, Kempinski Bali | Hennessy MyWay 2025 Indonesia Champion
Guest Shift Series
Ahead of the Semi-Finals, mentors and semi-finalists collaborated through an exclusive series of Guest Shifts across Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor.
These sessions reflected the spirit of Hennessy MyWay, fostering exchange, celebrating craft, and pushing the boundaries of modern bartending.
Open to the public, the Guest Shifts offered a rare opportunity to experience the competition first-hand. Guests met the semi-finalists, sampled their signature creations, and voted for their favourite cocktail. The highest-voted entry at each stop earned an additional 10 points heading into the Semi-Finals.
Penang
The Nest Cocktail Bar | 3 July 2026 | 8.00PM – 10.00PM
Mentor: Oh Chong Hau
Semi-finalists: Rendey Ray, Fil Tan, Ho Yan Ching
Winner: Ho Yan Ching
Kuala Lumpur
Bar None | 7 July 2026 | 8.00PM – 10.00PM
Mentor: Arsenio Ash
Semi-finalists: Ong Qin Yen, Yee Min Lui, Richard Samuel Winner: Yee Min Lui
Johor
Haiiro Usagi | 10 July 2026 | 8.00PM – 10.00PM
Mentor: Arya Dharmayasa
Semi-finalists: Lee Ai Cxing, Loo Hong Xiang, Camen Chung Winner: Lee Ai Cxing
Semi-Finals and Regional Finals
The Hennessy MyWay 2026 Semi-Finals will take place on 10 August, bringing together 14 talented semi-finalists from Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam. Each will present a new Hennessy V.S.O.P creation, distinct from their original submission.
Six bartenders will advance to the Regional Finals on 12 August, competing for the opportunity to represent their country on the global stage.
From there, one Malaysian Champion, alongside either a Vietnamese or Philippine Champion, will earn their place at the Hennessy MyWay Global Finals in France.
As the road to Cognac continues, Hennessy MyWay remains more than a competition. It reflects Hennessy’s genuine care and enduring commitment to the mixology community. By bringing bartenders together across Southeast Asia and beyond, the platform fosters connection, creativity, and collaboration, empowering the craft to grow with every edition.
For more information and full competition terms, please visit the official Hennessy MyWay
