23/05/2026

LYFE SATURDAY | MAY 23, 2026

23

Ű BY AMEEN HAZIZI

S TARBUCKS Malaysia’s Kopi Creator Kolektif (KCK) Class of 2026 brought 10 emerging Malaysian musicians and filmmakers together for a showcase of original songs, live performances and short film teasers. The event marked the end of weeks of mentorship and creative development under the KCK programme, which was launched to support young Malaysian talent through industry guidance and public exposure. The 10 finalists were selected from 65 submissions, with one winner chosen from each cohort. Singer-songwriter Suehaila won the music cohort, while Tanahliat Studios won the film cohort for its short film concept Merinsak , which means hardship in the Iban language. Each winner receives a grand prize valued at RM10,000, with Suehaila securing a recording deal for a four-track EP and Tanahliat Studios receiving support to complete its short film. Beyond cafe space For Starbucks Malaysia and Berjaya Food public relations and communications head Alia Emira Ismail, KCK was positioned as more than a brand event. It was framed as a platform where young artistes could move their work beyond private drafts, demos and personal circles. “ We’ve created a platform for emerging talents to thrive and continue to develop their creativity. Through KCK, we hope to act as a connector between new talents and established names in the industry, providing a space for young Malaysian creators to learn from professionals, refine their work, connect with other creators and eventually bring their ideas to life in front of an audience like this.” She added: “TLDR, we provide the space, you bring the vibe.” The programme was supported by Breaking Music for the music cohort – and Weekend Boys Studio and Multimedia University’s Faculty of Cinematic Arts for the film cohort. Mentors worked with the finalists on areas such as music production, stage presence, storytelling, teaser structure and audience connection. Music winner Suehaila, whose full name is Tengku Suhaila Tengku Asmadi, emerged as the music cohort winner after performing Sad Blue Eyes and Ephemeral Queen . Based in Kuala Lumpur, she described her sound as R&B, soul-infused pop with a relaxed and reflective feel. Alia said KCK was created to connect young creators with industry mentors.

Suehaila will develop a four-track EP after winning the music cohort.

Meet next generation of Malaysian creatives o Starbucks’s Kopi Creator Kolektif spotlights young sounds, stories The KCK Class of 2026 brought together 10 young Malaysian music and film creators selected for the showcase.

the usual lens of culture, heritage or tourism. Through KCK, it encouraged me not to overthink or limit the story to what feels familiar but to trust my perspective and push it further and more importantly, I’m grateful to my crew for shaping that vision with me.” Different voices The wider showcase reflected the range of KCK’s Class of 2026. Akardia brought folk-leaning songs about endurance and belief. Huey Yeing drew from her production background to shape cosy, soulful music about self-worth and the inner child. Sharkfins described its rock sound as “controlled chaos”, while Thariq Amran pitched an EP shaped by romance, heartbreak, bullying, happiness and family. On the film side, Batu Belah Productions’s Anak Derhaka explored motherhood, guilt and Malaysian folklore. C317’s Goodnight Sunny leaned into storybook visuals and childhood imagination. Keladak Krunchy’s Misi Mawar used pantun in a rom-com setting, while

Ephemeral Queen was inspired by the queen of the night flower, locally known as bunga bakawali , which blooms only once a year for a single night. Suehaila said watching the flower bloom made her reflect on how easily people miss moments around them because life moves too quickly. Through KCK, the song was reshaped with guidance from mentors. Its arrangement was slowed slightly to give the lyrics and emotion more space, while vocal and performance guidance helped Suehaila refine how she carried the song live. “Winning Kopi Creator Kolektif is incredibly meaningful because this journey helped me understand growth in a new way. I came into the programme with a strong sense of who I was as an artiste, but KCK encouraged me to look closer at the finer details of my craft from how I shape my sound, to how I carry emotion into a live performance. It reminded me that growth is not just about finding your identity, but

continuing to expand it, take creative risks and stay true to yourself,” said Suehaila. Film winner Tanahliat Studios won the film cohort with Merinsak , a story rooted in leaving home, ambition, family and belonging. The short film follows Pam, a student in Kuala Lumpur who tries to raise enough money to return to Sarawak for Gawai Dayak. Her attempt pushes her and her friends into a plan that tests their morals, friendship and sense of responsibility. The project is led by director Clayvert Unji, with “Kiwi” Ang as producer, Dania Irdina as co-producer, Rue Feng Wen as editor, Jenn Tan as director of photography and Vyl Chang as production designer. Clayvert said the win allows the team to take Merinsak further while telling a story from a personal place. “As an Iban Sarawakian living in Kuala Lumpur, I wanted to reflect East Malaysian experiences beyond

Merinsak explores home, hardship and belonging through an East Malaysian lens. Sudhifilem’s I Heart You, Jalan Ambas looked at the struggle of a young filmmaker trying to be taken seriously. Next step for creators Together, the works suggested young Malaysian creators are not short of ideas. Many are already working with clear personal voices, whether through Sarawakian language, local folklore, romantic comedy, bedroom soul, rock noise or reflective R&B. What they often need is access to production support, mentorship and rooms where people will listen. That was the clearest argument made by KCK. The winners received the spotlight but the showcase’s stronger point was collective: Malaysia’s emerging creatives are already building their own worlds, one song, teaser and small stage at a time.

Irdina (left) and Clay (centre) of Tanahliat Studios won the KCK Class of 2026 film cohort for Merinsak .

Suehaila brought R&B, soul and pop influences to the KCK showcase.