By V. Sivaji
The next time you are in Kuala Lumpur, do look up this bartender – Jason Dennis Dcruz.
He just won the 2024 Heineken® Global Draught Championship held in Amsterdam, Netherlands recently.
He competed against 13 elite bartenders from around the world.
Jason works with the Olive Tree Group and excelled in the international competition.
His win brought him the prestigious winner’s trophy and the title of being the best bartender in the world.
This prestigious competition, part of Heineken®’s renowned Star Quality programme, made a grand return after four years, bringing together the world’s finest bartenders to showcase their mastery in the art of the perfect pour.
Jason first started his journey as a waiter in 2017. Over the years, he climbed the ranks to become Assistant Group Bar Manager at The Olive Tree Group. Driven by his appreciation for the craft, Jason joined HEINEKEN Malaysia’s Star Academy Programme earlier this year. In September, Jason earned the National Champion title, outshining over 1,300 bartenders from across Malaysia.
The victory secured his spot at the Heineken® Global Draught Championship in Amsterdam, where With a flawless performance that combined precision and passion, Jason claimed the coveted title, proudly bringing the championship crown back to Malaysia.
Martijn van Keulen, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, shared,
“At HEINEKEN Malaysia, we see the incredible potential in the local hospitality industry and are committed to nurturing and developing talent through our Star Academy programme. We are also grateful to our trade partners for their crucial support in making this programme a success. Indeed, Jason’s remarkable achievement demonstrates the high standards and exceptional skills present in the country’s hospitality industry. His dedication to the craft is an inspiration to us all!”
While each country tailored the Star Quality programme to its own needs, Malaysia’s approach is known for its depth and dynamism. The annual Star Academy programme covers HEINEKEN Malaysia’s full portfolio of brands, teaching the art of the perfect pour while emphasising technical precision, responsible serving module and customer engagement. Over the years, the programme has trained more than 10,000 bartenders nationwide. Through rigorous training and mentorship for about three months, bartenders are prepared to excel under pressure.
“The journey was not easy, but every challenge taught me something invaluable. From the regional training sessions all the way to the national finals, I was able to learn so much from my peers and mentors along the way. Each step pushed me to grow, both as a bartender and as an individual,” Jason shared.