22/05/2025

THURSDAY | MAY 22, 2025

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Malaysian tea scene undergoing transformation

Biotechnologist becomes first M’sian elected to Royal Society KUALA LUMPUR: Dr Ravigadevi Sambanthamurthi, a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society, making her the first Malaysian scientist at the world’s oldest and most prestigious scientific academy. It also marks a historic milestone for the country. The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry said in a statement yesterday that Ravigadevi would be officially inducted into the Society in London on July 11, where she will sign the Royal Society’s historic Charter Book, a record that bears the signatures of scientific luminaries spanning more than three centuries. A pioneering biotechnologist, Ravigadevi was appointed a ASM Fellow in 2010, and is currently the Biological, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Discipline chair. She is also a Fellow of the World Academy of Sciences and a former director of the Advanced Biotechnology and Breeding Centre at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), where she led transformative research in oil palm biochemistry and genomics. “Her innovations have had a global impact, particularly in improving yield, resource efficiency and environmental sustainability. “One of her most significant achievements was leading the team that decoded the oil palm genome, a major scientific breakthrough published in the prestigious journal Nature . “This led to the discovery of the SHELL gene, which plays a key role in determining oil yield.” Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang lauded her achievement, adding that Ravigadevi’s election as the first Malaysian Fellow of the Royal Society marks a proud moment for the nation. Ravigadevi said the recognition was not a personal achievement, but a tribute to the exceptional teams she had the privilege of working with. “Scientific progress is never the work of one individual. It is the product of shared vision, dedication and collaboration. “The vibrant research ecosystem at MPOB and our committed collaborators made all of this possible,” she said. – Bernama

o From traditional brews to trendy cold infusions, artisanal blends and minimalist cafes, new generation redefining how beverage is enjoyed

But when it comes to global recognition, Tan believes Malaysia still has ground to cover. “Sri Lanka has done an excellent job with its national tea brand mark, which ensures authenticity and quality. Malaysia could consider adopting a similar model to strengthen our own tea branding.” Sustainability is also beginning to take root, albeit gradually. “Organic tea farming is now seen as the pinnacle of tea quality.” On the promotional front, Tan praised the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry for spotlighting teh tarik abroad. He said more support is needed to expand Malaysia’s tea story, especially with new ventures such as aged tea storage. “Not only are we producing tea in Malaysia, but now tea aged and stored here for over a decade can be labelled as ‘Malaysia Tea.’ This presents a unique identity we can build on, and we welcome

Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The teacups may have been put away after International Tea Day yesterday, but a fresh wave of innovation is keeping the nation’s tea culture strong. Driven by youthful energy and creative reinvention, Malaysia’s tea scene is undergoing a transformation, from traditional brews to trendy cold infusions, artisanal blends and minimalist tea cafes, redefining how the beverage is enjoyed. “The current tea market in Malaysia is booming,” said Malaysia Tea Association president Tan Kee Hock. “Look at the ready-to-drink tea beverages that are so popular among our youngsters. We have homegrown brands like Tealive going strong, Purple Cane venturing into tea bars, and new players like Chagee doing tremendous work promoting tea across nations.” Beyond cafes and bottled teas, the rise of tea-themed restaurants, mixology concepts and educational workshops points to a cultural resurgence. Tan said tea is no longer just a comfort drink but a lifestyle choice embraced by a new generation. However, despite this surge in popularity, local tea production is facing challenges. “Malaysia produces good-quality tea, but it’s not the star of the agriculture sector any more. In fact, I recently learnt that a lowland tea farm had to shut down and switch to

Tan said tea is no longer just a comfort drink but a lifestyle choice embraced by a new generation. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

government assistance to grow this niche.” Tan believes Malaysia’s tea heritage, which spans over 200 years, is ripe for revitalisation. “We need to encourage Malaysians to transition from sweetened milk tea to pure brews, without sugar or cream.” Tan also raised a critical regulatory issue, warning that some Thai tea products sold locally may contain food colouring permitted under Thai laws but prohibited by Malaysia’s Food Act. “Without proper enforcement, the market could be flooded with artificially coloured teas, and most consumers won’t know the difference. This is something the government needs to address more seriously.”

other crops.” However, he said there is a shift happening and young entrepreneurs are blending tradition with current trends, from bubble tea and cold brews to curated tasting sessions and tea appreciation classes. “The younger generation is not only enjoying tea but also learning about its roots. Many are getting into tea education and brewing classes, driven by a genuine passion to connect with the beverage on a deeper level.” He also pointed out that local teas, especially those from Cameron Highlands and Sabah, hold nostalgic value for both locals and tourists.