Thanks to Heineken for the exclusive invite, we get to witness the GABPS Academy National Finals 2015. There were more than 1,400 participants and from the Regional Finals, 6 qualified to the GABPS Academy National Finals. The 6 finalists then compete by demonstrating the 5-step Heineken pouring ritual and serving it to perfection under pressure while adding a touch of their own star factor. The objective was to deliver their version of Heineken’s “World-Class experience.
Top 6 GABPS Academy National Finalists 2015 (in Alphabetical Order):
- Abbey Road, Penang: Samuel Cheong Ho Lin
- Bricks & Barrels, Hartamas: Suraj K.C.
- Mish Mash, Penang: Glen Oliver Joseph
- Muzeum, Setiawalk: Sean Leong Wai Yean
- Publique, Kuching: Spencer Ezra Anak Petter
- GThe Beer Factory, Sunway Giza: Ong Poh Wee
Winners were determined based on stringent judging criteria, evaluated by a panel of hospitality industry experts. The Top 3 winners will advance to the GABPS Academy Boot Camp, a 3-day-2-night intensive training session to mentally, physically and emotionally prepare them to compete against the world’s top bartenders.
The candidate who demonstrates the strongest traits in terms of determination, quality control, personality, and the Star Factor, will be crowned the GABPS Hero of the Year; representing Malaysia at the second Heineken Global Bartender Final in Amsterdam this April. In 2013, Jimmy Goh represented Malaysia and brought back the World No.2 Bartender title.
Before the Top 3 winners were announced, we witnessed the Consumers Showdown:
Liew Hock Wei, Clement, Hans Gill and Deepak Gill who demonstrated the best Star Factor had a chance to win a trip to Amsterdam. Clement and Deepak giving it their best shot in the Final Round, baiting for the trip to Amsterdam, but there can only be one winner.
Congrats to Deepak, The Thirsty Blogger for winning a trip to Amsterdam to witness the Heineken Global Bartender Finals 2015.
Congrats to the 3 Winners of the night who will go through the intense GABPS Academy Boot Camp, where the GABPS Hero of the Year will be determined to represent Malaysia in the Global Finals.
It was an exciting night to witness the Star performances while enjoying our own poured ice cold Heineken.
Also, a great night catching up with familiar faces and friends and making new friends at the event. Here are some pictures taken by Caroline and Andy:
Many thanks to Caroline for the lovely crown braid which I received many compliments from everyone!!
If you’re wondering what GABPS is about and how to participate in it, have a read:
GAB Professional Solutions (GABPS) is a quality division within GAB, which aims to raise the Malaysian hospitality industry to world-class standards. GABPS is focused on maintaining quality standards and enhancing customers’ perfect drinking experience at all GAB outlets via GABPS Academy.
GABPS Academy is an intensive 5-star product and service quality training vehicle for GAB’s Trade Partners. Thorough training is provided to everyone in the team, from outlet owners through to their front-line staff. Training sessions include in-depth product knowledge, as well as distinctive techniques for delivering exceptional product quality to the end consumer.
For more information: http://tinyurl.com/gabpsoverview
