Starbucks Malaysia has recently announced the Kopi Creator Kolektif (KCK) Class of 2026, unveiling ten emerging Malaysian artistes – five musicians and five filmmakers – selected for a creator development programme featuring industry‑led masterclasses and mentorship. The finalists will present their original music and film teasers on 16 May at Starbucks Reserve® IOI Mall Damansara, where one winner from each cohort will receive a prize valued at RM10,000.
Kopi Creator Kolektif is a creative platform by Starbucks Malaysia designed to support young Malaysian talent by connecting emerging musicians and filmmakers with creative collectives and industry mentors. Rooted in Starbucks “Third Place” philosophy, the programme serves as an incubator for creative growth, with Starbucks® coffeehouses providing the space where ideas can be developed, shared, and discovered.
“At Starbucks, we see our coffeehouses as the ‘Third Place,’ a welcoming space where Malaysians can connect, exchange ideas and feel part of something larger than themselves,” said Zakiah Hanim Md Zaki, Director of Marketing & Loyalty, Berjaya Starbucks Coffee Company Sdn Bhd. “It’s inspiring to see Malaysia’s creative talents come together through Kopi Creator Kolektif. We’re proud to support a campaign rooted in originality and connection by opening our coffeehouses for Malaysian stories to be discovered, supported and celebrated.”
“A thriving creative culture relies on having room for new voices to emerge, experiment, and grow. Platforms like KCK matter because they create that room, not only by giving young filmmakers a platform to share their work, but also by allowing audiences and communities to discover the perspectives shaping the next generation of Malaysian storytelling,” said Adam Zainal, Director, mentor for the Film Cohort, and an alumnus of Multimedia University’s Faculty of Cinematic Arts.
Malaysian artistes responded to an open call earlier this year, submitting original ideas and creative portfolios for consideration. Entries were reviewed by a panel of industry professionals, where ten standout musicians and filmmakers were selected. The finalists will go on to participate in a curated development programme designed to support their creative journey from craft to showcase.
For the music cohort, Breaking Music will lead the programme with masterclass sessions on their personal brand identity and original songwriting, helping finalists strengthen both artistry and live readiness. Music finalists will also receive access to studio time and industry-grade equipment to help develop, refine and rehearse their material for the showcase.
For the film cohort, Weekend Boys Studio and Multimedia University (MMU) Faculty of Cinematic Arts will support finalists through mentorship and guided development sessions, focusing on strengthening storytelling and production craft from concept to screen.
“We’re proud to be part of this campaign because opportunities like this can make a real difference for emerging artistes. Giving back to the creative community matters to us, and it’s a privilege to work with these five finalists over the coming weeks. There’s already a lot of promise in this Class of 2026, and I’m excited to see how they develop as they work towards the chance to record their own EP,” said Isaac Ravi, mentor for the Music Cohort, co-founder of Breaking Music.
On 16 May 2026, Starbucks Malaysia invites Malaysians to join and support the KCK Showcase as the Class of 2026 takes centre stage at Starbucks Reserve IOI Mall Damansara. At the showcase, each music finalist will perform at least one original song, while film finalists will premiere a teaser from the film concepts they pitched. This will be a moment of discovery where Malaysians can encounter new voices, and creators can step forward with work they have developed through the programme.
The winning musician will receive a four-track EP recording deal, while the winning filmmaker will receive the production of their original short film, with each prize valued at MYR 10,000.
Follow the journey of the Kopi Creator Kolektif Class of 2026 and learn more about the 16 May 2026 live showcase via Starbucks Malaysia’s official Instagram page: @mystarbucks.