On this International Women’s Day, what better reason to celebrate our female partners (employees) from across Asia? Meet our 4 female partners who share the stories and passions behind their Starbucks journeys, explaining what continues to drive and motivate them to this day.

core/paragraph

core/image

Rany Men, retail store manager, Cambodia

core/heading

Although Rany Men’s hometown lies in the Cambodian province of Pursat, her Starbucks journey started in Siem Reap, where she moved to pursue her studies. Joining as a barista at Starbucks Siem Reap International Airport five years ago, she fell in love with the company – and has not looked back.

Rany is now a retail store manager in the coastal city of Sihanoukville, which she calls her “dream job”. She describes one of her proudest moments as introducing Cambodia’s country mug to tourists and seeing their reactions when she explains the cultural symbols and icons it depicts.

She is also particularly passionate about empowering others – just as she herself has been throughout her career at Starbucks. “I love that Starbucks commits to priorities such as a sustainable future, social inclusion and equity at the workplace, which encourage a female partner like me to become a leader for my own store,” Rany says.

“There’s endless access to coffee knowledge and skill development, which I can build for my future career and use to teach my juniors,” she continues. “Watching my partners grow stronger as they learn from new challenges and develop themselves has always been the biggest driver for me. All this encourages me to find myself in the right place to challenge the status quo and become the strong independent woman I am today.”

Ultimately, it all comes back to Rany’s dedication to Starbucks mission and values – which she encapsulates as “providing a welcoming place to everyone” and “inspiring partners to achieve the impossible.”

Amy Lai, coffee master, Hong Kong

A humble cup of coffee really can change someone’s life – as Amy Lai discovered when she purchased her very first Starbucks latte.

“Despite my hearing impairment, the partner serving me at the Starbucks store was very patient with all of my questions, which made me feel valued as a customer,” Amy says. It was this experience that inspired her to join Starbucks, beginning as a barista; nine years later and she is now a Coffee Master at the Starbucks Reserve Coffee Experience Bar in Hong Kong’s bustling Taikoo Cityplaza store.

Being hard of hearing has not held Amy back, with her teammates describing how her resilience, enthusiasm, and positive energy “make everyone’s day brighter”.

Amy herself relishes the sense of connection that Starbucks offers; she describes her greatest passion as not only hand-dripping coffee with different beans to create different flavors, but that she can then, “communicate and share these tastes with different customers.” Her most memorable moments are when she sees customers grow more familiar with Starbucks offerings and become regulars at her store.

“I think Starbucks mission and values are to provide a third place for customers to feel relaxed outside of their home and workplace,” Amy explains, “To create every cup of coffee with a familiar taste and to connect with customers with a human touch.”

Marie Valido, learning and development manager, the Philippines

Marie Valido’s action-packed Starbucks career began 24 years ago after graduating college and has encompassed countless roles – from barista and shift supervisor, to district manager, advanced classroom facilitator and global coffee master.

Having won Store Manager of the Year in 2009 and the District Manager Business Excellence Award in 2013, Marie’s love for learning propelled her to her current position – learning and development manager at Starbucks Philippines, where she is responsible for retail partner training and coffee leadership activities. This included heading the launch of a digital training program available for partners.

“For me, coffee is like music,” she says, “It brings people together, giving us endless opportunities to showcase what we can do and experience life-changing moments.”

One such moment came for Marie on an Origin Experience trip to Sumatra; she then shared her experiences with 300 coffee masters at a Starbucks leadership summit, where she took the opportunity to celebrate the hard work of those involved in growing, processing and purchasing coffee.

“I said every time you drink a cup of Starbucks coffee, remember that it has the stamp of the passion, dedication and above all, quality of all the people who have handled it,” she recalls. “Our work goes far beyond purchasing and ethically sourcing coffee – we help ensure that we enrich the lives of the people and community involved in the process.”

Of course, this includes the partners that Marie loves seeing progress under her training – and for fellow women in the industry, she has some sage advice.

“Grab every opportunity or make the opportunity to grow continuously; we have the ability to shape our path to success. And every time we are given a chance to showcase ourselves, put in the work and do our absolute best – because even if at times we fail, we still gain learning experiences that make us better than what we were yesterday.”

Phoenix Shih, category manager of the coffee and beverage team, Taiwan

When Phoenix Shih initially joined Starbucks on a university classmate’s invitation, she didn’t drink coffee; fast-forward 22 years and now her partners tell her that “what runs through my veins isn’t blood, but coffee!”

Phoenix’s decades at Starbucks have seen her progress to category manager of the coffee and beverage team in Taiwan, where she is responsible for Starbucks Reserve projects such as introducing Reserve coffee beans, certifying partners’ coffee making skills and promoting coffee education and engagement – including hosting coffee competitions and coaching competitors.

Under her training, partners in Taiwan have claimed runner-up title at Starbucks Asia Pacific Regional Barista Championships in 2017, third place in 2018, and been crowned Latte Art Champion three times. Phoenix fondly remembers watching the first-ever competitor she coached take to the stage in 2016 – “It moved me to tears because I realized how happy and proud I was to help my partner grow and achieve personal success.”

Regarding her own journey, she remarks, “I was fortunate enough to experience a variety of job opportunities within Starbucks, which allowed me to continue to grow.” As an authorized SCA Trainer and certified CQI Grader, Phoenix now judges local barista competitions such as the Taiwan Brewers Cup – and even plans her holidays around coffee expos. She says, “I am very lucky that my job is coffee and I want to spread that passion.”

Reflecting upon International Women’s Day, Phoenix shares the African proverb: “When you educate a man, you educate an individual; when you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” She continues, “As a woman in the coffee industry, I hope to use my contributions and influence to help more partners progress and develop, enabling them to make a positive impact and fulfil their potential.”

Celebrate International Women's Day with 4 inspiring partners from Asia Pacific : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Stories Asia

Celebrate International Women&#8217;s Day with 4 inspiring partners from Asia Pacific

Meet our 4 female partners who share the stories and passions behind their Starbucks journeys, explaining what continues to drive and motivate them to this day.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2023/03/IWD_AP_2.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2023/celebrate-international-womens-day-with-4-inspiring-partners-from-asia-pacific/

twitter:card

twitter:description

twitter:image

twitter:title

Celebrate International Women’s Day with 4 inspiring partners from Asia Pacific

Opened on Feb. 15, the Bukhansan store is a unique space where everyone could enjoy an embrace by the Korean mountains alongside beverage inspired by the local ingredients, right in the heart of the city of Seoul.

Located near the entrance of the famous Bukhansan National Park, the store spans 1,100 square meters over two floors and a rooftop. Among the 253 seats, 66 are outdoor on the rooftop, where customers could enjoy at the same time their favourite beverage and a panoramic view of the foothills of Bukhansan Mountain, without leaving the city center at all.

core/gallery

Echoing the nature immediately outside of the store, the Bukhansan store features a special photo zone with stunning images of the mountain in the background. A walking trail, created through beautiful trees and a waterscape space just outside the store, further characterizes the unique store experience that combines urbanity and nature.

Two special beverages have been created in celebration of the opening of Starbucks Bukhansan. Green Mugwort Blended Beverage is a savory and sweet blended beverage made with malcha shots, local mugwort and grains. Green Mugwort Cream Latte is a delicious smooth latte made with the Starbucks Blonde Espresso, local mugwort and grains. These two beverages are available at five stores across Korea including The Bukhansan, The Yangpyeong DTR, The Bukhangang R, Gyeongdong 1960 and Daegu Jongro Gotaek.

Besides The Bukhansan, the signature Starbucks experience blended with scenic views could be also found in a number of stores in Korea, such as The Bukhangang R, The Yangpyeong DTR and recently-opened Daegu Jongro Gotaek.

core/embed

The Bukhansan store in South Korea blends city life in Seoul with serenity in nature : Starbucks Stories Asia

The Bukhansan store in South Korea blends city life in Seoul with serenity in nature

Opened on Feb. 15, the Bukhansan store is a unique space where everyone could enjoy an embrace by the Korean mountains alongside beverage inspired by the local ingredients, right in the heart of the city of Seoul. Located near the entrance of the famous Bukhansan National Park, the store spans 1,100 square meters over two […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2023/02/exterior1.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2023/the-bukhansan-store-in-south-korea-blends-city-life-in-seoul-with-serenity-in-nature/

Available at Starbucks® stores for a limited time across Asia, refresh your taste buds with Starbucks latest spring beverages.

NEW! STARBUCKS® PISTACHIO WHITE CHOCOLATE MACCHIATO

Let the good times bloom with Starbucks® Pistachio White Chocolate Macchiato. Enjoy the blissful combination of rich pistachio sauce folded with sweet white chocolate chunks in our classic Macchiato, made with smooth steamed milk, foam, and espresso, creating a delightfully rich, comforting, and nutty beverage. Available as a hot and iced handcrafted beverage.

NEW! STARBUCKS® PISTACHIO WHITE CHOCOLATE FRAPPUCCINO BLENDED BEVERAGE

Energize your every sip with Starbucks® Pistachio White Chocolate Frappuccino blended beverage. The Pistachio White Chocolate Frappuccino® blended beverage is a harmonious blend of sweet and salty– made with milk, ice, Coffee Frappuccino® syrup base, Frappuccino Roast Soluble Coffee, pistachios, and white chocolate chunks. These flavors come together to create soft pistachio green tones, topped with indulgent whipped cream. Available as a blended handcrafted beverage.

NEW! STARBUCKS® STRAWBERRY PIE PURE MATCHA LATTE

Our classic Pure Matcha gets a delightful Strawberry Pie twist, achieving matcha pie-fection with Starbucks® Strawberry Pie Pure Matcha Latte. A soothing combination of Pure Matcha flavor, perfectly balanced with milk and strawberry pie-flavored syrup, this light and fruity aesthetic beverage comes topped with light pink strawberry pie-flavored cold foam and yummy cookie crumble topping. Available as a hot and iced handcrafted beverage.

NEW! STARBUCKS® STRAWBERRY PIE CREAM FRAPPUCCINO

This spring, enjoy crumbly, berry bliss with Starbucks® Strawberry Pie Cream Frappuccino® blended Beverage. A berry creamy blend of strawberry pie flavored syrup, milk, and a swirl of butter strawberry cookie for that extra layer of delightful crunch. The beverage is topped with whipped cream and even more strawberry butter cookie for an extraordinary medley of textures. Available as a blended handcrafted beverage.

STARBUCKS® VANILLA LATTE

Sweeten up your spring season with the classic Starbucks® Vanilla Latte – now adjustable to three different levels of sweetness. A velvety smooth blend of vanilla flavor with bold espresso and creamy milk, enjoy this delicious, yet classic drink in different sweetness levels to brighten your week. Available as a hot and iced handcrafted beverage.

STARBUCKS® CARAMEL MACCHIATO

Add a touch of joy to your day with the Starbucks® Caramel Macchiato. Combining freshly steamed milk with vanilla-flavored concentrate marked with espresso and topped with a caramel drizzle for an oh-so-delightful finish, the Caramel Macchiato is now available with adjustable sweetness. Available as a hot and iced handcrafted beverage.

STARBUCKS® VANILLA SWEET CREAM COLD BREW

Treat yourself to a refreshing beverage with the Starbucks® Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew. This slow-steeped custom blend of Starbucks® Cold Brew coffee accented with vanilla and topped with a delicate float of house-made vanilla sweet cream that cascades throughout the cup is sure to keep you refreshed through the spring season. Customize this beverage by choosing from three levels of sweetness. Available as an iced handcrafted beverage.

Let the good times bloom with Starbucks® latest spring beverages : Starbucks Stories Asia

Let the good times bloom with Starbucks® latest spring beverages

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2023/02/AP-Spring-key-visual-1024x576.png

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2023/let-the-good-times-bloom-with-starbucks-latest-spring-beverages/

The first signs of spring are blooming at Starbucks stores across Japan. Customers can enjoy new seasonal beverages, merchandise and exciting in-store AR experiences on their mobile device for a limited time.

core/list

At the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo, customers can enjoy six seasonal beverages alongside a spring interpretation of a yearlong favorite, as well as seasonal Princi® baked treats.

starbucks-blocks/photo-carousel

Cherry blossom season arrives at Starbucks in Japan : Starbucks Stories Asia

Cherry blossom season arrives at Starbucks in Japan

Check out the seasonal beverages, merchandise and more from Starbucks in Japan.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2023/02/sakura-2023.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2023/cherry-blossom-season-arrives-at-starbucks-in-japan/

Available at Starbucks® stores for a limited time, unwind and recharge with new winter beverages across Asia.

NEW! STARBUCKS® HAZELNUT DOLCE LATTE

Enjoy a rich, hazelnutty hug in a mug that will keep you energized with Starbucks® new Hazelnut Dolce Latte. Our signature espresso is layered with creamy milk, slightly sweetened with rich Hazelnut Dolce sauce, and lightly dusted with mocha powder for an invigorating experience. Also available as a hot and iced handcrafted beverage.

NEW! STARBUCKS® HAZELNUT DOLCE FRAPPUCCINO BLENDED BEVERAGE

Cozy up to creamy hazelnut goodness with the all-new Starbucks® Hazelnut Dolce Frappuccino Blended Beverage. Hazelnut Dolce sauce is combined with Starbucks Frappuccino of roasted coffee and milk, blended with ice, and topped with whipped cream and mocha powder for a delicious experience.

NEW! STARBUCKS® ICED JASMINE CLEMENTINE SHAKEN OOLONG TEA WITH PEARLS

Find a new sense of comfort with Starbucks® Iced Jasmine Clementine Shaken Oolong Tea with Pearls. Our floral Teavana™ Zen Clouds Oolong Tea with fresh floral notes is shaken with jasmine clementine sauce for that perfect balance of sweet and tangy. With added blood orange pearls to create an extra layer of texture, this beverage is a refreshing pick-me-up.

NEW! STARBUCKS® JASMINE CLEMENTINE PURE MATCHA LATTE

Unwind and recharge from the holidays with the Jasmine Clementine Pure Matcha Latte, serving up sweet citrus and floral notes for a soothing twist. Relish this unique combination of jasmine citrus-flavored milk topped with shots of lightly sweetened matcha for a full-bodied beverage. Also available as a hot and iced handcrafted beverage.

Keep warm with Starbucks comforting new winter line-up : Starbucks Stories Asia

Keep warm with Starbucks comforting new winter line-up

Unwind and recharge with Starbucks new winter beverages across Asia.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2023/01/FY23_winter_beverages.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2023/keep-warm-with-starbucks-comforting-new-winter-line-up/

Today, Starbucks opened the doors of its first drive-thru store in Cambodia, located in front of AEON Mall Mean Chey – along Hun Sen Boulevard in the capital city, Phnom Penh. Operated by Coffee Concepts (Cambodia) Ltd., a subsidiary of Maxim’s Caterers Limited, the milestone demonstrates the company’s commitment to the market, offering more convenient ways for Cambodian customers to enjoy the Starbucks Experience through the expansion of its digital services.

The Starbucks AEON Mall Mean Chey drive-thru store is fully equipped with a digital check-in system, a digital menu, and two-way audio and video screen to assist customers in ordering their favorite beverages and food.&nbsp; The seamless and convenient drive-thru experience is a great option for customers who prefer to enjoy their beverage from the comfort of their own vehicles, especially those who want to have their Starbucks fix on-the-go.

In addition to the drive-thru experience, the 1,018 sqm store also offers spacious dine-in area, providing customers a warm and welcoming third place to enjoy freshly brewed coffee and pastries.

The store is adorned with beautiful paintings depicting the iconic Starbucks Siren and coffee flowers on the wall, adding delightful colors to the warm modern interior.&nbsp; The welcoming space is further enhanced by the natural lighting coming through the floor to ceiling windows, creating the perfect atmosphere for coffee lovers to connect as they sip their favorite coffee.

Cambodia is the 10th country in Asia Pacific region to offer drive-thru experience along with Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Starbucks opens first drive-thru store in Cambodia : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks opens first drive-thru store in Cambodia

Starbucks opens its first drive-thru store in Cambodia, offering more convenient ways for customers to enjoy their favorite beverages and food.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2022/12/DSC_8797-Edit.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/starbucks-opens-first-drive-thru-store-in-cambodia/

Located at a bustling intersection in Brisbane’s business district, Starbucks Edward Street welcomes customers from two entrances at the street level. Customers seeking a moment of tranquility can descend to the store’s lower floor and immerse themselves in botanical artwork depicting abstract coffee landscapes. Those looking for a change of scene when hosting work meetings can also make use of the store’s meeting room, which can be booked to cater for groups.

At this flagship store in Cambodia’s capital of Phnom Penh, customers are up for a treat at the Reserve bar, and under a light sculpture inspired by the coffee aroma. Here they can chat with Starbucks baristas and discover some of the finest coffees from around the world. A magnificent hand-painted mural of the Siren in a shape of a Cambodian Naga, illustrated by prominent local urban artists, Peap Tarr and Lisa Mam, highlight the distinct beauty of urban Khmer art while invite everyone to go upstairs and find a nice cozy spot to relax.

The city’s first flagship store is in the heart of Hong Kong's Causeway Bay district. Step inside to enjoy a stunning glass façade that brightens this premium urban retreat. Customers can take in the beautiful layers of light, materials, and textures, while enjoying Starbucks Reserve coffee or sampling a variety of tea blends at Hong Kong’s very first Teavana Bar. Don’t forget to look up at the sculpted ceiling, made from more than 330 triangular timber panels, inspired by the shape of coffee trees and landscapes of coffee farms.

As one of our first stores in Jaipur, the Pink City, this store is inspired by the grand architectural masterpieces in the city. The interior design of the store is filled with elements reminiscent to the city’s historic landscape. The light and colorful palette in the store strikes balance between joyful nostalgia and a contemporary coffeehouse atmosphere with thoughtful local custom-made artworks integrated into the interior of the store. In the main seating area, organza cloth murals with embroidery crafted using traditional Rajasthan handicraft technique are featured within the arches, creating a glimpse into the majestic scenery of a coffee farm. Beyond the bar at the intimate seating room are 12 custom pottery plates inspired by Jaipur’s famous blue pottery. Each plate tells a story of the coffee growing process and adorned with inspiration of fauna. 

Located in the heart of Bali, Indonesia, the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2019/starbucks-opens-one-of-a-kind-coffee-sanctuary-in-bali-indonesia/">Starbucks Dewata Coffee Sanctuary</a> is the perfect destination for coffee lovers to spend hours immersing themselves and learning about the coffee journey from seed to cup. Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the island, the store has been designed using local materials crafted by local artists and artisans. The store celebrates the unique and distinct flavors of Indonesian coffee and heritage, and the Indonesian farmers that make these coffees possible, while providing customers with a rich, interactive and memorable experience.

From coffee sourcing, processing, roasting, and brewing, the store will guide you through the entire seed-to-cup coffee journey. You can sign up for some of the workshops, get a guided tour or simply find your way around this unique store. If you are lucky, you might be able to see the green beans become full of flavour when roasted on site, at the recently opened <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/coffee-experience-center-at-starbucks-dewata/">Coffee Experience Centre</a>.

In Malaysia, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-opens-largest-starbucks-reserve-store-in-malaysia/">Starbucks Reserve Tropicana Gardens</a> celebrates all things coffee. The layout of the store is designed in the shape of a whole coffee bean, with a large curvature and floor-to-ceiling windows. Featuring two bars: a main bar and a Reserve bar that offers six brewing methods, customers can explore a range of exotic coffees, ethically sourced from more than 30 countries, while enjoying unparalleled service from our coffee masters.

The 220 Queen Street store in Auckland, right in the heart of the Auckland Central Business District, is a hub for hot-deskers and a meeting place for all coffee lovers in the city. Featuring a newly designed and modern storefront and coffee bar, and vivid blue and green interiors, inspired by New Zealand coastal lines provide a calm and welcoming atmosphere. The hand-painted artwork featuring the Starbucks Siren is the best spot for a selfie. Anyone stepping foot in this space will leave with a renewed sense of energy.

Macapagal DT is one of the largest Starbucks stores in the Philippines. Although it is a drive thru store, the café extends throughout two large levels, with the bar as the centrepiece of the space. A common skywalk on the upper level connects the store with other buildings nearby. Touches of warm mahogany wood create a cozy third place for customers to relax in many of the different seating areas, while the custom timber artwork, depicting the different coffee regions around the world, adds a nice touch of colour to this impressive space.

For those traveling through Singapore, you shouldn’t miss the Jewel Changi Airport Store. Located in the airport, the two-story flagship store is a must-visit as it gives travelers a place to unwind over a cup of premium, single-origin coffee. Here customers are greeted by the beautifully layered wooden storefront that extends over the two floors, inspired by the textures of coffee farm landscapes. You can sit at the round bar and talk to the friendly baristas or if you want a more quiet place, on the upper floor, you will find the perfect atmosphere to relax and appreciate the unique original artwork collection featuring artists from Asia Pacific and beyond.

Opened in 2021 to mark Starbucks 22nd year in South Korea, the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/beautiful-new-starbucks-store-opens-in-south-korea/">Starbucks Byuldabang store</a> in Seoul offers an immersive Starbucks Experience. The store features a convenient pick-up area at on the store front for those on-the-go and a cozy fireplace towards the back, for those looking to wind down and relax. The modern space also boasts a coffee seminar area for workshops and different seats and spaces to cater for different occasions. But the main highlight of this store is the large digital art wall installation, portraying digital artwork that rotates seasonally, showcasing beautiful scenes from Starbucks Hacienda Alsacia farm in Costa Rica or the journey of the Starbucks Siren.

A must visit for anyone in Hualien City, the Starbucks Hualien Bay Mall is a store like none other. The building for this drive-thru store, was designed by the acclaimed Japanese Architect, Kengo Kuma, out of 29 repurposed shipping containers. Just as Starbucks cup sleeves insulate customers’ hands from a hot beverage, “wood sleeves” were installed inside the white shipping containers to create a warm and comfortable space for customers. The intersecting container arrangement creates a tall and intriguing structure, that becomes even more interesting when you head inside to enjoy a view of the Hualien County Mountain ranges with a beverage in hand.

Offering panoramic views over the iconic Chao Phraya River that flows through Bangkok’s vibrant urban center, the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-unveils-largest-store-in-thailand/">Starbucks Reserve Chao Phraya Riverfront store</a> is perfect for relaxing with a signature handcrafted beverage in hand or why not enjoying the sunset with an espresso martini from the mixology bar. The store is the first to offer many features, including the first to ever serve Starbucks unique Muan Jai™ Blend, which means “wholehearted happiness,” sourced in collaboration with Northern Thai coffee farming communities. As you spend time here, you will find surprises at every step. From the curated artwork including a piece by Thai artist Rukkit Kuanhawate, to the ceiling inspired by the Yi Peng lantern festival; this is a place to spend time at and unwind. Enjoy your favorite beverage from the mezzanine or on the outdoor terrace, overlooking the river, while you continue to plan your day around Bangkok.

Surrounded by the lush greenery of Summer Park, Starbucks Ecopark is just 15km from central Hanoi. Striking a balance between rural and urban aesthetics, this store offers a truly unique Starbucks Experience. With the use of natural finishes such as wooden louvers that run through the ceiling walls, this store amplifies the relaxing mood of the surrounding gardens. Why not grab a handcrafted beverage and soak up the calming vibes?

13 Starbucks stores to visit in Asia Pacific : Starbucks Stories Asia

13 Starbucks stores to visit in Asia Pacific

Visit these 13 beautiful Starbucks Stores in your next trip in Asia.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2022/11/Vietnam1-edited.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/13-starbucks-stores-to-visit-in-asia-pacific/

A coffee newbie turned Regional Barista Champion; a barista who became a district manager; a regional latte art coach who shares her love of coffee; and a Regional Coffee Stories Champion who now shares her coffee knowledge online: meet four Starbucks partners reaching new heights through their passion for coffee.

Yong: A love for coffee that has carried her around the world

When Nopparat Arpornsuwan, known as “Yong,” started working at Starbucks Thailand in 2002, her favorite beverage was hot chocolate. But her passion for coffee was sparked when she experienced her first coffee tasting through a fellow barista’s demonstration instore. “My first coffee love was a Caffe Verona pairing with a chocolate fudge brownie,” she says.

Since then, Yong’s love for coffee has grown, and through her passion and dedication in crafting the perfect cup for customers, she has progressed from part-time barista to District Coffee Master and became the district manager of the Langsuan-Chidlom area. In 2016, she took up the challenge to participate at the Regional Barista Championship in Hong Kong, where she won against competition from across the Asia Pacific region to be crowned Regional Barista Champion.

Yong was determined to make Thailand proud through her coffee craft. “The Championship was my first business trip abroad, and I wanted to show everyone my culture, and how there’s been a smile at every step of my coffee-making journey,” says Yong.

As Asia Pacific’s barista champion, Yong was invited to Seattle to experience working as a barista at the original Starbucks Pike Place store, and visited the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. “It was a dream come true to share my coffee craft with our partners and customers in Seattle,” says Yong. “I miss them every day!”

Sharing her passion for coffee is now a big part of her life. Yong now invites partners on coffee journeys through sharing her knowledge and skills on coffee craftmanship, inspiring partners the same way she was inspired in the beginning. Her advice to aspiring baristas: “Come and explore the world of coffee. Leave your comfort zone and experience new things like I did in the Barista Championship. You have no idea how far your coffee journey could take you.”

Miguel: A flourishing career shaped by his passion for coffee

“I have been here for eight years, starting when I was only 21,” says Miguel Bautista from Starbucks Philippines. “My journey guided me as I matured in life.”

Like Yong, Miguel’s coffee journey started from the very beginning. He came to Starbucks because he trusted the brand and saw it as a leader in the Philippines, not because he loved coffee or knew much about it. “I just thought I needed a job, and might as well work for a brand that I trust,” he says.

Miguel has never been more nervous than on his first day with the company. But his attention was quickly taken by the way partners worked with each other and interacted with customers. After witnessing that, he says “I knew I had made the right choice.” His curiosity developed as he learned from his colleagues, particularly his mentor, the District Manager.

Fast-forward to the present day, and Miguel is now a Coffee Master, and Coffee Ambassador of Starbucks Philippines.

And only three years after joining as a part-time barista, Miguel won the first Starbucks Philippines Barista Championship, in 2017. When he entered the competition, he didn’t think he would be able to deliver, but his district manager supported him every step of the way.

“When they announced me as the winner, I didn’t know how to feel. I didn’t realize what winning meant until my family and colleagues greeted me back at the airport.” They had made a banner congratulating him. “It made me so emotional to know my story touched the hearts of so many people. It inspired me even more,” says Miguel.

Since winning, his passion for coffee has grown and grown. Miguel has helped train partners, opened Reserve stores, and met customers from different places who were inspired by his story. And alongside that coffee journey, Miguel has grown in his role and responsibilities. He’s progressed from barista to barista trainer, to shift supervisor, to store manager trainee. He now aspires to become a district manager.

Reflecting on his time with Starbucks Miguel says, “My Starbucks journey is the best I have ever had. My experiences have helped me to look at the beauty in everything. Believe in yourself despite the challenges that may seem hard to overcome.”

Evelyn: Learning and growing through competition

Evelyn Chiu from Taiwan always tells aspiring baristas, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great.”

In her time with Starbucks, Evelyn has been inspired to improve her coffee skills through competitions, and is now passionate about sharing latte art. For her, Starbucks is a place where you can thrive and develop your skills.

Evelyn joined Starbucks as a barista in 2018. Her enthusiasm for coffee grew as she learned on the job, and met more people through coffee. “I had a lot of questions of coffee at first,” she says. “I found that the more I learned about coffee, the more attractive it became to me.”

The passion and enthusiasm of other partners also inspired her, and the results are clear. She became a supervisor within a year of joining. The next year she became a Coffee Master.

In 2021, Evelyn was crowned the Starbucks Taiwan Latte Art Champion. She’s trained contestants from Taiwan for Latte Art competitions, and was a special judge for the Singapore Latte Art Throwdown, an experience she calls, “unforgettable”.

The competitions have been fun experiences for Evelyn, but above all, they’ve been opportunities to learn and grow. “From my first competition onwards, I have had the mindset that I want to test my skills. Competitions have always been a way to enhance my abilities.”

Evelyn has also converted her friends and family into coffee enthusiasts: her mom now enjoys different roasts, and her friend is now experimenting too. “It feels like a real accomplishment when I help people love and understand coffee.”

She also shares her passion by conducting online lectures about latte art, and has become the region’s latte art coach. "Every day is busy, but also fulfilling,” she says.

Evelyn’s next ambition is even greater: “I want to stand on the world stage of latte art.”

Shafiqah: Challenging herself by learning every day

Shafiqah from Singapore educates customers and partners about coffee using social media – for example sharing information about ethical sourcing on YouTube.

That meant pushing herself always be learning – something she’s continued in her current role. “As a barista, I continuously seek out coffee knowledge. If I learn something that I did not know before, I share it with other partners.”

In 2021, she won the Title of Regional Coffee Stories Champion. “It was a great honor and pleasure for me to be able to represent my partners in Singapore and make them proud,” she says. “I joined the competition as the theme of sustainability resonates with what I believe strongly about, which is to leave a legacy behind for future generations.”

She shared her coffee passion by hosting a coffee tasting for partners from the Asia Pacific region. It’s something she believes motivated more partners to enter coffee competitions. She is also continuing to inspire others as a guest judge for Starbucks Singapore competitions.

Shafquah’s next goal is to win a spot or even a title at the National Coffee Competition. That means she’s spending even more time immersing herself in the world of coffee. “Coffee has so much more going on behind it than meets the eye”, she says.

“With a wider audience, I hope to make coffee more accessible and enable more people to appreciate and learn about it.”

She tells aspiring baristas to challenge themselves by being open to continuous learning. “There is so much to know about coffee that the learning does not stop. The connection people have with coffee is so magical. Nothing beats it.”

Meet Four Starbucks partners reaching their personal bests through their passion for coffee : Starbucks Stories Asia

Meet Four Starbucks partners reaching their personal bests through their passion for coffee

A coffee newbie turned Regional Barista Champion; a barista who became a district manager; a regional latte art coach who shares her love of coffee; and a Regional Coffee Stories Champion who now shares her coffee knowledge online: meet four Starbucks partners reaching new heights through their passion for coffee. Yong: A love for coffee […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2022/11/Starbucks-Thailand_Yong3-236x300.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/meet-four-starbucks-partners-reaching-their-personal-bests-through-their-passion-for-coffee/

8,535 lattes, 35 brewed coffees, 16 French Presses and 300 espresso-based beverages.&nbsp; This is the number of beverages passionate Starbucks partners handcrafted at the China, Japan and Asia Pacific Regional Barista Championships 2022.

From 11 to 20 October 2022, after months of market competitions which saw 17,775&nbsp;partners compete for a coveted place in the regional championships, 60 Starbucks partners from 14 markets made it to the regional competition.&nbsp;

The two-week virtual championships saw competitors come together to compete across three competitions; Coffee Stories, Latte Art and a new event for Green Apron partners, designed to celebrate teamwork and elevate beverage quality and customer experience, the Ultimate Barista Team Challenge.

Congratulations to the three competition Champions and to all partners who participated

Coffee Stories Champion - Victoria Kater, Starbucks Philippines Market Latte Art Champion - Irwan Syahril Fajar, Starbucks Indonesia Market Ultimate Barista Team Challenge - Starbucks Thailand Market partners Phakamat Kenglee, Phiraphat Phraaphaiwong, Hathairat Kaewprachu Thoop

Victoria, Coffee Stories Champion, said “This has been an amazing journey filled with learning and growth and it has been honour to represent my market. This competition gave me the chance to showcase how Starbucks creates a sustainable coffee future for all and a platform to be able to inspire other partners to do the same and help where they can.”

This year’s competition submissions raised the bar, making the job of our experienced judging panel even more difficult.&nbsp; After the excitement of the semifinals, the finalists competed for the title of Champion in the Grand Final, as partners cheered them on online and at watch parties across the region.

Irwan, Latte Art Champion, was overwhelmed by the support he received and had a special message for partners.&nbsp; “I thank you for being a support system for me…without the help and support of a team I would not have been able to give my best performance.

An event for all partners

The championships were not just an event for competitors. Partners across the region joined the fun through the new Coffee Community website, watching LIVE competitions, earning cherries on the website, creating their own barista avatars and pouring their own latte art.&nbsp;

This year, the Pour Your Heart Challenge really captured the imagination of our partners with 4 latte art challenges held over the two weeks; heart, rosetta, tulip and swan.&nbsp; 8,369 talented partners submitted their designs which were reviewed by a team of dedicated HKSC judges, with the top 10 from each design celebrated on the @partnercoffeestories Instagram and shared through the RBC e-newsletter.

Celebrating our partners' love for coffee

The Regional Barista Championships is not only a showcase of barista skill and craft, it also provides an opportunity to create moments of connection and storytelling over coffee and embraces the Starbucks mission and values.&nbsp; Inspired by our partners and their passion for coffee, this annual event is truly a platform to celebrate their commitment to working to ensure a sustainable future of coffee for all.

“Our partners are the heart and core of Starbucks and I am so proud of the work our baristas do every day, and I am delighted that we are able to hold an event in our region that represents the work of our green and black apron partners that creates meaningful moment for our customers,” said Emmy Kan, president, Asia Pacific Region. “This event continues to inspire me in what is possible through passion for coffee and connections”.

Starbucks celebrates partners’ coffee talent and craft at Barista Championships 2022 : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks celebrates partners’ coffee talent and craft at Barista Championships 2022

Starbucks celebrates coffee talent and passion at Barista Championships in Asia Pacific.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2022/11/Irwan-Latte-Art.png

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/starbucks-celebrates-partners-coffee-talent-and-craft-at-barista-championships-2022/

The entry of the Starbucks brand into Laos reaffirms the company’s long-term commitment to continued growth across Southeast Asia

As part of the Starbucks brand’s continued expansion across Southeast Asia, Coffee Concepts Limited, a subsidiary of Maxim’s Caterers Limited, today opened the doors to the first Starbucks store in Laos, representing Starbucks 15th market in the Asia Pacific region* and 84th market globally. Located in the capital city of Vientiane, the store opening reaffirms Starbucks long-term commitment to continued growth across Asia with more than 12,000 stores in the region.

“We’re excited to reach this highly anticipated milestone of opening our first store in Laos,” said Emmy Kan, senior vice president and president, Asia Pacific. “Having operated in Southeast Asia for more than 25 years, we are honored to welcome our newest partners in Laos to join us in bringing the unparalleled Starbucks Experience to local customers through unique store designs, handcrafted beverages, thoughtful coffee experiences, and welcoming environments.”

Starbucks® stores in Laos will be operated by its licensee partner Coffee Concepts Limited, a subsidiary of Maxim’s Caterers Limited. Through Coffee Concepts Limited, the Starbucks brand comes to life in more than 900 stores across Hong Kong and Macau regions, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore and Thailand.

“As we celebrate our first store in Laos, we are committed to delivering the best experience to our new partners and customers in the market,” said Michael Wu, Chairman and Managing Director of Hong Kong Maxim’s Group. “We look forward to creating more rewarding opportunities for partners and fostering more connections between partners and customers as we continue to grow in Laos.”

Known for its rich history in coffee production, Laos is a market with a thriving coffee culture. The new store adds to this by offering a warm and familiar coffeehouse experience alongside Starbucks signature handcrafted beverages. Inspired by the layers and symmetry of Laos’ architecture, the store is designed to bring the coffee experience and our brand heritage to life. The handcrafted, textured door handle welcomes customers with an authentic touch from the moment they enter the store. The ceiling of the entire store is covered with Siren scale wood tiles, mimicking the brand’s signature Siren and the historical housing architecture in Laos. Ceiling tiles are adorned with botanical wood craft, inspired by coffee plants and the natural scenery of the country, creating a welcoming, yet familiar third place for customers.

The store builds on Starbucks approach to deliver the Starbucks Experience to its partners and customers in locally relevant ways, while honoring the heritage and beauty of Laotian art and folklore. In collaboration with a local artist, a hand painted piece of artwork features a Siren boldly looking ahead, holding a coffee branch. The coffee bar is located in the center of the store, putting customer connection at the heart of the experience.

To celebrate the arrival of the store in Laos, the first 300 Starbucks customers to visit the café will receive a free limited-edition drinkware and a Starbucks Bearista® Bear upon purchase of a Grande or Venti size handcrafted beverage, as a token of gratitude.

As the Starbucks brand expands into Laos, the company is committed to using its scale for good and creating a positive impact in every community it serves. Guided by the Starbucks Mission and Values, Starbucks is committed to attracting and retaining an industry-leading team of partners, and creating opportunities to develop fulfilling careers in the coffee industry.

Across its markets in Asia, including China and Japan, Starbucks today operates more than 10,000 stores and employs more than 149,000 partners (employees) who proudly wear the green apron.

Starbucks brings welcoming third place to Laos as it opens first store in Vientiane : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks brings welcoming third place to Laos as it opens first store in Vientiane

The entry of the Starbucks brand into Laos reaffirms the company’s long-term commitment to continued growth across Southeast Asia

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2022/11/STARBUCKS_LAOS-_partners_resize.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/starbucks-brings-welcoming-third-place-to-laos/

Available at select Starbucks® stores for a limited time, get merry this holiday season with festive new beverages across the Asia Pacific region.

NEW! STARBUCKS® RED VELVET OATMILK LATTE

Brighten your holidays with the Red Velvet Oatmilk Latte, a treat with hints of vanilla that will remind you of freshly baked red velvet delicacy. Combining Starbucks signature espresso, red velvet sauce and luxuriously smooth steamed oatmilk, this plant-based milk beverage is perfect for the holidays, topped with white swirls of whipped cream and a sprinkle of red velvet cookie topping. Also available as a hot, iced, or blended handcrafted beverage.

NEW! STARBUCKS® RED VELVET OATMILK CREAM FRAPPUCCINO® BLENDED

coffee