After 15 years in the industry, Rohan Matmary has worn many hats, with one of them being the co-founder of KL Cocktail Week, helping shape and grow Malaysia’s cocktail culture. For the India-born bar professional, great drinks are only part of the equation. He's equally passionate about educating consumers on cocktail appreciation: what to drink, when to drink it, and where certain cocktails shine best. Because sometimes, enjoying a cocktail as it was intended can completely

Lucas was all set for bible school and a life as a pastor — then cocktails happened and politely derailed the plan. Today, he brings a sharp, on-the-ground perspective on the trends shaping Kuala Lumpur’s drinking culture. He speaks candidly about English-speaking crowds drifting from cocktails to protein shakes, alongside big-spending Chinese-speaking guests who are increasingly open to learning about cocktails. From Malaysia’s diverse, multi-layered bar scene to the myth of

At first glance, Junglebird might feel tiki — but Divy is quick to set the record straight: it’s not tiki, it’s Malaysian, the place he’s proudly called home since 2017. Divy moved from the UK to Kuala Lumpur to open Junglebird, a rum bar that’s become a cornerstone of the city’s cocktail scene. It may not be the conventional career his parents once imagined — think doctor or lawyer — but behind the bar, Divy found something that truly resonates with him: an interest in the h

Maria may look serious behind the bar, but don’t be fooled — when martinis are involved, Maria can quite literally drink anyone under the table. She is the bar manager of Penrose, and while she may be relatively new to the bar world, her rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Formerly a professional dancer — and a Miss Universe Malaysia 2018 finalist — she brought discipline, stage presence, and grace into bartending, where she underwent rigorous training under Jon Lee wh