The Hennessy MyWay 2026 Malaysia semi-finals proves that innovation and sustainability can co-exist

By Tatler Dining

Aug 10, 2026

Cover The Hennessy My Way semi-finalists showcased their creations at guest shifts across KL, Penang, and Johor

The Hennessy My Way semi-finalists showcased their creations at guest shifts across KL, Penang, and Johor

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Meet the 9 semi-finalists in a race to represent Malaysia at the Hennessy MyWay 2026 Malaysia semi-finals

A highlight in the bar world and one of the most highly anticipated annual events is the Hennessy MyWay 2026 competition. It not only celebrates the innovation and creativity of young local bartenders, but also showcases a new wave of sustainable mixology. This year, 9 Malaysian bartenders from across Penang, Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and more, will compete to proudly represent our country at the Global Finals in Cognac, France.

Read more about last year's Hennessy My Way competition at KL Cocktail Week here: Hennessy MyWay 2025 Malaysia champion crowned at KL Cocktail Week

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The Semi-Finalists

Meet your 9 semi-finalists below, who will compete at the semi-finals on August 10, 2026 alongside 5 other bartenders from both The Philippines and Vietnam.

Above Ho Yan Ching, Haiiro Usagi, Johor

Above Lee Ai Cxing, The Nest Cocktail Bar, Penang

Ho Yan Ching, Haiiro Usagi, Johor

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Above Camen Chung, CONTI, Kuala Lumpur

Above Fil Tan, Jupiter & Vins, Penang

Camen Chung, CONTI, Kuala Lumpur

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Above Ong Qin Yen, The Nest Cocktail Bar, Penang

Above Rendey Ray, Rhu Bar, Langkawi

Ong Qin Yen, The Nest Cocktail Bar, Penang

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Above Richard Samuel, Rimbar, Kuala Lumpur

Above Yee Min Lui, Cabinet 8 KL, Kuala Lumpur

Richard Samuel, Rimbar, Kuala Lumpur

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Above Loo Hong Xiang, WPS, Selangor

Loo Hong Xiang, WPS, Selangor

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The Mentors

Three globally-recognised mentors are tasked with supporting these young bartenders, including Oh Chong Hau of The Nest Cocktail Bar, who is also the Hennessy My Way 2025 reigning Malaysian champion. Industry veteran Arsenio Ash of Bar None will also be joining Oh Chong Hau as a mentor this year. All the way from Indonesia is Arya Dharmayasa, the Bar Manager of L'Atelier by Cyril Kongo, Kempinski Bali, the Hennessy MyWay 2025 Indonesia Champion.

Above Arsenio Ash, Bar None Founder

Above Oh Chong Hau, The Nest Cocktail Bar founder

Arsenio Ash, Bar None Founder

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Above Arya Dharmayasa, Bar Manager of L'Atelier by Cyril Kongo, Kempinski Bali

Arya Dharmayasa, Bar Manager of L'Atelier by Cyril Kongo, Kempinski Bali

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Guest Shift Series

Above Guest shift in Penang

Above Guest shift in Kuala Lumpur

Guest shift in Penang

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This year, the cocktail enthusiasts had the chance to try each contestant’s cocktail at exclusive guest shifts across Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor, in line with the inclusive and celebratory spirit of the Hennessy MyWay competition. Attending guests not only experienced the competition but also voted for their favourite cocktail, which gave each winner the advantage of 10 extra points in the semi-finals, which will happen on August 10, 2026. The semi-finals will feature 14 bartenders including those from from both The Philippines and Vietnam.