Tyler Wong transforms coffee into artistic canvas
KUALA LUMPUR: Tyler Wong Khai Zeng’s deep interest in coffee has inspired him to become a barista after completing the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination about eight years ago.
To him, coffee is more than just a drink. It is a medium through which he showcases his skill in crafting intricate latte art.
Wong, 25, who has competed in over ten latte art competitions both domestically and abroad, finds the journey of mastering latte art thrilling, requiring skill and continuous practice.
“The intricate pattern adorning the coffee’s surface is crafted through a combination of expresso, milk, and fine foam.
“Through dedicated effort, I can now produce a variety of latte art, including tulips, roses, golden fish, cartoon faces, animal portraits, unicorns, and so on,” he told Bernama after the Preview of Level Up Coffee (LUC) event, Showcase, and Exhibition recently.
Wong is among the 140 participants representing eight countries slated to compete in the Level Up Coffee (LUC) competition, scheduled to take place at Quill City Mall from May 3 to 5
LUC founder Leslie Kwan Lik Peng said that the competition will feature three marquee contests, namely Level Up Wing Tulip Latte Art Battle, Level Up Creative Beverage Battle, and Level Up Brewer Battle, all of which are designed to showcase baristas’ creativity and expertise on a global scale.
He said that LUC has introduced Malaysia’s first-ever professional barista ranking system, utilising cutting-edge technology to track participation in competitions.
“After spending over two years collaborating with industry experts and coffee enthusiasts, we created a transparent, equitable, and inclusive ranking system.
“With the LUC rankings, we hope to catalyse the evolution of the coffee industry by providing unparalleled recognition and career advancement opportunities for coffee professionals,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur City Hall Advisory Board member Andre Lai, who was also present at the ceremony, said that Malaysia is home to an abundance of talented baristas, with many having gained recognition in international competitions.
“With initiatives like LUC’s pioneering ranking system and its tireless efforts to elevate the status of specialty coffee domestically and internationally, the future looks promising for Malaysia’s coffee professionals to reach new heights of achievement on the global stage,” he said.