Latest news with #MFBEA
The Sun
05-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Bandung Pandan Spritz unveiled as Malaysia's national mocktail for Visit Malaysia 2026
RENAISSANCE Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre has officially launched the Bandung Pandan Spritz, Malaysia's first national mocktail, as part of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. Crowned at the Signature VM 2026 Mocktail Championship 2025, the drink will be served in participating hotels nationwide starting next year. The winning mocktail was created by local bartender Muhammad Nadzemi Norihan, an ambassador at Renaissance Kuala Lumpur. His creation reimagines the beloved Sirap Bandung, infusing it with modern flair through clarification and carbonation techniques—all while maintaining a zero-proof, alcohol-free profile. 'This recognition is truly an honour for us as it is an extraordinary mark for the hotel as well as for Nadzemi. It is not just about what is in the glass—it is about who we are and the representation that it brings as a whole, for the nation and the Renaissance brand. We are proud of this milestone as part of our contribution to the national campaign. Our gratitude extends equally for the opportunity to spotlight on our local talent and innovate flavours in a way that is responsible, modern and deeply rooted in culture,' said Martin Ehlers, Multi-property General Manager of Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre and Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, City Centre. The launch took place at R Bar, the hotel's signature outlet, where attendees were treated to a live demonstration of the mocktail's preparation by Nadzemi. Inspired by his favourite local drink, Sirap Bandung, he described the drink as a blend of familiarity and innovation. 'It is still surreal to be able to achieve this given it is my first time competing in such an elaborate scale. This triumph is not just for me, but a celebration of the support from the team who supported me from the beginning to the end. It is an honour to contribute to this achievement for the hotel and for Malaysia,' said Nadzemi. The competition was organised by the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Malaysian Food and Beverage Executives Association (MFBEA), and Mixology Alliance of MFBEA (MAM), with main sponsorship from Yeo Hiap Seng (Yeo's). The Bandung Pandan Spritz stood out for embodying the theme 'Malaysia in a Glass', representing a growing interest in sophisticated zero-proof beverages in the hospitality scene. The launch event was attended by media, key industry figures, and representatives from MAH, MFBEA, MAM, Yeo's, and Tourism Malaysia, all toasting to a future of innovation, cultural pride, and responsible indulgence. The mocktail is set to be available in hotels across the country beginning early 2026.
The Star
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Capturing essence of Malaysia in a glass
A Mocktail championship to elevate local bartending has found a drink that truly represents Malaysia. Mocktail competition highlights mixologists from around the country and their innovation in creating drinks with local ingredients. The Signature Mocktail Championship Visit Malaysia 2026 in Kuala Lumpur started off in April, welcoming 30 participants to a showdown of mixing, blending and shaking to create a standout drink. Out of these, eight emerged as finalists and progressed to the grand finals. Muhammad Nadzemi Norihan, 30, from Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre was crowned grand champion, impressing the judges with his unique creation called Bandung Pandan Spritz. The vibrant mocktail features a fusion of local flavours such as coconut, lychee, lemon and pandan. Served with kuih lapis, the mocktail encapsulates Malaysia's multicultural essence. The first runner-up title went to Muhammad Raihan Rajuddin, 26, from M Resort Hotel Kuala Lumpur for his Madani 69 creation using traditional flavours like ciku fruit and gula melaka. Muhammad Nadzemi's Bandung Pandan Spritz took the grand prize and will feature in Visit Malaysia 2026 promotions. Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur's Hor Shu Yih, 31, came in second runner-up with Sunshine Ria with its mix of tropical fruits topped with pink guava asam boi tuile. The event was organised by Malaysia Association of Hotels (MAH), Malaysian Food and Beverage Executives Association (MFBEA) and Mixology Alliance of MFBEA (MAM). The contest attracted top mixologists from across the country to celebrate creativity, local ingredients and non-alcoholic beverage innovation in a spirited show of Malaysian hospitality. Hor with Sunshine Ria. MAH chief executive officer Isaac Raj said, 'The winning creation will become the official Visit Malaysia 2026 mocktail, served across participating hotels nationwide. 'In a glass, we capture the essence of Malaysia not just in taste, but in creating a lasting memory of our warm welcome. 'It's been a pleasure for MAH to bring this competition to life,' he said. MFBEA president Hisham Tan said Malaysia needed a signature mocktail as a welcome drink in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 tourism campaign. Raihan with Madani 69. MAM president Pravindran Palakrishnan said the organisation's vision was to elevate the industry by making competition a platform for Malaysian bartenders to shine. 'Many bartenders do not know how to promote themselves, so we are here to support them by providing tips and opportunities. 'Our goal is to produce a drink that represents Malaysia, and to serve every Malaysian with a mocktail that represents us,' he said.
