MalaysianUpdates

Tag: #CafeCulture

  • ICBS 2026 Returns as Malaysia’s Largest Café and Beverage Trade Show with First-Ever Dedicated Tea Segment

    The International Café and Beverage Show (ICBS) 2026 returns for its 5th edition from 7 to 9 May at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, bringing together a dynamic global community under one roof. Over the three-day event, ICBS is expected to welcome 650 brands, 1,000 baristas and 2,000 café owners, with an estimated 13,000 attendees from 55 countries. As Malaysia’s only dedicated café and beverage trade show, ICBS has evolved from a niche industry gathering into a key indicator of the direction café culture is taking in Malaysia and across the wider region.

    Organised by Montgomery Asia in partnership with Barista Guild Asia, Eciatto, and HJC Global Tea Fair, ICBS 2026 introduces several new developments that reflect the industry’s rapid evolution. The most notable addition this year is a dedicated tea segment developed with HJC Global Tea Fair, marking a first in the show’s five-year history. This segment brings global tea innovations to the ICBS floor at a time when tea is increasingly moving from a supporting offering to a central feature in modern café menus across Malaysia and the region.

    According to Mr Alun Jones, Project Director of Montgomery Asia, ICBS has become a catalyst for Southeast Asia’s beverage economy, serving as a platform where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and businesses discover new pathways for growth. He added that as the show enters its fifth edition, it not only reflects the industry but actively helps shape it. In 2026, the beverage landscape is more diverse and innovation-driven than ever, with coffee continuing to anchor café culture while speciality tea, ready-to-drink beverages and mixology-inspired concepts gaining strong momentum. ICBS, he noted, is designed to give industry players direct access to these emerging opportunities.

    The timing of this growth is significant. Malaysia’s foodservice sector is valued at USD 14.75 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 27.50 billion by 2030, according to industry data. Within this, demand for premium and functional beverages is accelerating, with the ready-to-drink tea segment alone expected to grow by USD 32.4 million between 2025 and 2030. These figures reflect broader shifts in consumer behaviour, including how Malaysians spend, socialise and seek new experiences, with ICBS serving as a key platform for the industry to respond to these changes.

    Anchoring the competitive element of the show is the Malaysia Open Coffee Championship (MOCC), which brings together 38 competitors across three categories: the Malaysia Open Brewers Cup, Malaysia Open Latte Art Championship and Malaysia Open Barista Championship. Beyond being a skills showcase, the MOCC functions as a talent pipeline that continues to elevate standards within Malaysia’s barista community.

    Alongside these championships, ICBS 2026 will also spotlight Malaysia’s evolving beverage creativity through the Unite Malaysian Taste Challenge 2026. The competition gathers emerging and experienced mixologists to craft story-driven mocktails inspired by Malaysia’s diverse flavour heritage, transforming local ingredients into distinctive expressions of taste. More than a mixology showcase, it reinforces ICBS’s role as a platform where Malaysian concepts take centre stage, offering producers and café operators a meaningful opportunity to present homegrown innovation to both trade and public audiences.

    Mr Alun Jones further noted that Malaysia’s café scene has matured significantly over the past decade, moving beyond chain coffee into a landscape defined by independent cafés, speciality roasters and concept-driven spaces, supported by a consumer base that actively seeks out these experiences. He emphasised that ICBS sits at the centre of this ecosystem, not only as an exhibition but as a space where the next wave of ideas in Malaysian café culture often emerges.

    Entry to ICBS 2026 is free, with registration now open. The exhibition runs from 7 to 9 May, welcoming trade visitors throughout all three days, while opening to the public on 9 May for visitors to experience the show floor and explore the latest developments in coffee, tea and beverage innovation. More information on ICBS 2026, including exhibition opportunities, partnership enquiries and visitor passes, is available at https://intl-cbs.com/.

  • Art Toys Café Brings Global Toy Artists and Exciting Pop-Up Events to Sunway Pyramid

    Art Toys Café Brings Global Toy Artists and Exciting Pop-Up Events to Sunway Pyramid

    As Art Toys Café continues to captivate visitors with its unique fusion of art, culture, and gourmet delights, the café is taking its offerings to the next level with exclusive collaborations with renowned toy artists and pop-up events that promise to elevate the experience for art toy enthusiasts, collectors, and visitors alike. Situated in the vibrant and newly reimagined Oasis Wing of Sunway Pyramid Mall, this whimsical space has quickly become a go-to destination for anyone looking to enjoy high-quality coffee, pastries, and a world of collectible art toys.

    One of the most exciting aspects of Art Toys Café is its commitment to connecting local art toy fans with international artists through live events and meet-and-greet opportunities. The café has already begun hosting exclusive appearances by world-renowned artists, and more collaborations are lined up for the coming months.

    In December 2024, Taiwanese toy artist Yokai Toys will make his first appearance in Malaysia at Art Toys Café. Known for his distinctive style that blends traditional Asian folklore with modern pop art, Yokai Toys’ visit will give fans the chance to meet the artist, explore his creations, and learn about his creative process. This marks the first of several global artist meet-ups planned at the café in the upcoming months.

    Following Yokai Toys, Zombie Party, a popular toy artist from China, will visit Art Toys Café in January 2025. Famous for his dark, quirky characters that merge horror and humor, Zombie Party’s visit is expected to attract fans from all over Malaysia and beyond. These events offer a rare opportunity for fans to engage with the artists themselves, collect exclusive merchandise, and even get a sneak peek of upcoming projects.

    Datuk Millen Lee, founder of Milolo and Art Toys Café, shared, “We are thrilled to bring these talented international artists to Malaysia. Art toys have a global following, and by hosting these events, we hope to create a platform where fans can interact with the artists and share their love for this creative world. It’s also a great way to celebrate the rich diversity of art toys from different cultures.”

    In addition to international collaborations, Art Toys Café is also deeply committed to promoting local talent. The café recently hosted the Malaysian Art Toys Showcase, which featured a curated selection of toys from Malaysian artists. The showcase included limited-edition collectibles, custom art toys, and live demonstrations by the featured artists, allowing attendees to experience first-hand the creativity and craftsmanship behind these unique toys.

    Michael Chua, a prominent local character artist and a key representative of the Malaysian Art Toys Showcase, shared his excitement about the event: “It’s great to see local artists getting the attention they deserve. Art Toys Café provides a perfect platform for us to display our work and engage with fans. The support we’ve received from the café has been overwhelming, and we look forward to more collaborations in the future.”

    One of the defining features of Art Toys Café is its interactive and community-focused environment. The café regularly hosts pop-up events that offer more than just a space to enjoy pastries and coffee — they create opportunities for creative expression, workshops, and live art installations.

    Upcoming pop-up events include live art toy customizations by local and international artists, as well as hands-on workshops where visitors can create their own art toys or learn how to paint and design toys from professional artists. These workshops are designed to give guests a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind the toys, while also providing a fun and educational experience for all ages.

    “We believe that the Art Toys Café is more than just a café; it’s a community space where creativity and art come to life. Our pop-up events allow our visitors to engage in the creative process, meet like-minded individuals, and even take home their own customized art toy,” said Datin Michelle Lee, co-founder of the café.

    For collectors, Art Toys Café offers an ever-evolving collection of limited-edition art toys and collectibles that are available for purchase exclusively at the café. From rare blind-box toys to one-of-a-kind designer pieces, the café has quickly become a hub for toy collectors looking for special and hard-to-find items.

    The café’s toy collection is rotated regularly, ensuring that there is always something new and exciting for visitors. In addition to popular global brands like Labubu, Zimomo, and Pokémon, Art Toys Café also features collaborations with local toy designers, offering visitors the chance to purchase exclusive, one-off creations that can’t be found anywhere else.

    “We want Art Toys Café to be a place where collectors can discover something truly unique. Our rotating collection of toys ensures that every visit offers something fresh for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the scene,” shared Olivia Chen, the café’s marketing and events manager.

    Looking ahead, Art Toys Café has exciting plans for further expansion. Following the success of the first café in Sunway Pyramid Mall, the company is set to open six more locations in the Klang Valley by the end of 2025. Each new café will continue the theme of blending art, culture, and food, and will offer new opportunities for fans to connect with the art toy community.

    The brand also envisions creating a larger flagship outlet that will combine both the café and Milolo’s art toys retail store into a single, immersive space. This flagship store will serve as a hub for art toy fans and collectors, offering a deeper dive into the world of designer toys while providing a café setting to relax and enjoy the art.

    Art Toys Café has quickly become a landmark destination for toy collectors, art lovers, and food enthusiasts alike. By merging the world of collectible art toys with high-quality food and beverages, it has created a truly unique environment for guests to explore, create, and connect. With plans to host more global and local artists, expand its presence in Malaysia, and continue offering exclusive art toy merchandise, Art Toys Café is poised to become a major player in the growing world of designer toys and creative spaces.