In conjunction with World Creativity and Innovation Day, Starbucks Malaysia unveils the Kopi Creator Kolektif (KCK) Class of 2026, spotlighting ten emerging Malaysian creatives—five musicians and five filmmakers—selected for a dynamic creator development programme.
Designed to nurture the next generation of local talent, the initiative combines industry-led masterclasses, mentorship, and hands-on development, culminating in a live showcase on 16 May 2026 at Starbucks Reserve® IOI Mall Damansara. At the event, finalists will present their original music and film teasers, with one winner from each cohort receiving a prize valued at RM10,000.
A Platform Rooted in Community and Creativity
Kopi Creator Kolektif is more than just a programme—it is a creative platform built on Starbucks’ “Third Place” philosophy, where coffeehouses serve as welcoming spaces for connection, collaboration, and self-expression.
This vision is supported by real-world insights. A 2024 local study involving 230 university students revealed that cafés are increasingly seen as more than just dining spots—they function as places to socialise, collaborate, and work, with many describing them as a “second home.”
“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 & Loyalty at Berjaya Starbucks Coffee Company.
“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.”
Empowering the Next Generation of Creators
The journey began with an open call earlier this year, inviting Malaysian creatives to submit original ideas and portfolios. From these entries, ten standout finalists were selected by a panel of industry professionals.
These finalists will now undergo a curated development experience tailored to their respective crafts:
Music Cohort: Led by Breaking Music, participants will refine their personal brand identity and songwriting skills, while gaining access to professional studios and equipment to prepare for live performance.
Film Cohort: Supported by Weekend Boys Studio and the Multimedia University (MMU) Faculty of Cinematic Arts, filmmakers will receive mentorship focused on storytelling, production, and bringing concepts to screen.
“A thriving creative culture relies on having room for new voices to emerge, experiment, and grow,” said Adam Zainal, film mentor and director. “Platforms like KCK create that space—not only for filmmakers to share their work, but for audiences to discover the perspectives shaping the future of Malaysian storytelling.”
Echoing this sentiment, Isaac Ravi, co-founder of Breaking Music and mentor for the music cohort, added:
“Opportunities like this can make a real difference for emerging artists. 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.”
A Showcase of New Voices
The programme culminates in the KCK Showcase on 16 May 2026, where the finalists will take centre stage.
Music finalists will perform original compositions, while filmmakers will premiere teaser cuts of their projects—offering audiences a first look at the stories and sounds shaping Malaysia’s creative future.
The top winners will receive:
A four-track EP recording deal (music winner)
Production of an original short film (film winner)
Each prize is valued at RM10,000, marking a significant step forward in their creative careers.
Expanding a Growing Creative Movement
First launched in late 2025, Kopi Creator Kolektif began as a series of intimate live music sessions featuring local talents such as Amanda Imani, An Honest Mistake, and RESORT. Today, the platform has evolved to include filmmakers, broadening its reach and impact.
Through this expansion, Starbucks Malaysia continues to create meaningful opportunities for Malaysians to discover, support, and celebrate local creativity—all within the familiar setting of its coffeehouses.
Where Creativity Finds Its Place
With Kopi Creator Kolektif, Starbucks Malaysia reinforces its role not just as a coffee brand, but as a catalyst for community and creativity. Whether through music, film, or everyday moments shared over coffee, the platform invites Malaysians to connect, create, and be inspired.
Follow the journey of the KCK Class of 2026 and get updates on the upcoming showcase via Starbucks Malaysia’s official Instagram: @mystarbucks.