Hennessy MyWay 2026 Reveals Malaysia Top 9 Semi-Finalists

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.

Hennessy MyWay 2026 Reveals Malaysia Top 9 Semi-Finalists

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. 

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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 website.

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