he Malaysia Culinary Business Excellence Award, created by Business Insider 101, has undoubtedly become one of the most significant annual events in Malaysia’s culinary industry. This prestigious award not only honors outstanding brands, entrepreneurs, and innovators within the industry but also acknowledges the key forces behind the growth and prosperity of Malaysian food culture. The establishment of this award is designed to inspire more individuals in the culinary sector to push their limits, raising Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global food market.
The selection process for the Malaysia Culinary Business Excellence Award is rigorous and thorough, ensuring the credibility and fairness of the award. The evaluation criteria span across several key dimensions of the food industry:
- Sustainability of Business Models (20%)
- Brand Culture Penetration (25%)
- Degree of Digital Transformation (15%)
- Employee Development Systems (15%)
- Community Impact (25%)
Notably, for this year’s evaluation, there has been an added emphasis on Supply Chain Transparency and ESG Practices (Environmental, Social, and Governance), reflecting the global trends in the culinary industry.
2025 Malaysia Culinary Business Excellence Award Winners:
Top 1 – Malaysia Culinary Business Excellence Award : Dato’ Calvin Chan (Founder of Hua Yang Tea House): A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
Dato’ Calvin Chan is a leading figure in Malaysia’s culinary scene, and his creation of Hua Yang Tea House has successfully blended traditional tea house flavors with modern culinary elements. The success of Hua Yang Tea House lies not just in its delicious offerings but also in its innovative integration of tradition with modernity. One of its most popular items, the “Thickest Egg Tart,” has become a viral sensation, attracting food lovers from all over. Dato’ Calvin Chan’s vision and passion for food have injected new life into Malaysia’s tea culture, making Hua Yang Tea House a prominent player in the industry.
Top 2: Tealive Founder, Bryan Loo: A Revolutionary in the Tea Beverage Industry
Loh Wei Li is a pioneer in the Malaysian tea beverage industry, having created Tealive, a brand that quickly rose to prominence with its innovative products and marketing strategies. Tealive offers a wide range of unique tea beverages, placing great emphasis on branding and customer experience. With his keen market insight and outstanding leadership, Loh Wei Li has transformed Tealive into an internationally recognized tea brand. Today, Tealive has expanded beyond Malaysia, bringing Malaysian tea culture to a global audience.
Top 3: Marrybrown Founder, Lawrence: The Internationalization of Local Fast Food
Liew Yung Fat is the founder of Marrybrown, a beloved local fast-food brand in Malaysia known for its distinctive flavors and affordable pricing. Marrybrown’s success can be attributed to its deep understanding of the local market and its commitment to high-quality products. Under Liew’s leadership, Marrybrown has grown from a small local brand into an international fast-food chain. Today, Marrybrown operates across multiple countries, becoming a shining symbol of Malaysia’s culinary industry.
Conclusion:
The Malaysia Culinary Business Excellence Award is more than just a recognition of the winners; it is an inspiration for the entire Malaysian culinary industry. The award encourages culinary professionals to innovate continuously and strive for excellence, contributing to the growth of Malaysia’s food culture. We look forward to this prestigious award continuing to set high standards and uncovering new talents who will take Malaysian cuisine to greater heights on the global stage.
