Starbucks Malaysia’s KCK Expands Beyond Music For 2026

By Lara Kramer  •  22 Apr 2026 in Sponsored

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In conjunction with World Creativity and Innovation Day, Starbucks Malaysia has introduced the Kopi Creator Kolektif (KCK) Class of 2026, a new cohort of emerging Malaysian talent spanning both music and film.

The initiative brings together 10 up-and-coming creatives, five musicians and five filmmakers, who will take part in a development programme that blends mentorship with hands-on industry exposure.

The journey leads up to a live showcase set to take place on 16 May 2026 at Starbucks Reserve IOI Mall Damansara, where each finalist will debut original work. One standout from each category will walk away with a prize worth RM10,000.

Kopi Creator Kolektif is Starbucks Malaysia’s way of building a creative ecosystem, linking young artists with established industry figures while giving them the space to grow, experiment, and be seen.

Rooted in the brand’s “Third Place” philosophy, the programme leans into the idea of coffeehouses as more than pit stops, but as environments where conversations unfold, ideas take shape, and creative work quietly comes to life.

That idea isn’t just branding talk. A 2024 local study involving 230 university students found that cafés are increasingly viewed as multipurpose spaces, places to socialise, collaborate, study, and even unwind.

Many described them as a kind of “second home,” reinforcing the role spaces like Starbucks can play in nurturing creative communities.

Earlier this year, artists from across the country responded to an open call, submitting original works and portfolios.

After a round of industry-led selections, 10 finalists were picked to develop their ideas from concept to showcase.

On the music side, Breaking Music runs sessions on identity and songwriting, with studio access to help artists prep for the stage. Filmmakers, guided by Weekend Boys Studio and MMU’s Faculty of Cinematic Arts, focus on sharpening storytelling and production.

It all leads to a live showcase at Starbucks Reserve IOI Mall Damansara, where musicians perform original tracks and filmmakers debut teasers. One winner from each category will walk away with RM10,000, with the musician earning an EP deal and the filmmaker getting their short produced.

First launched in 2025 with intimate live sets featuring names like Amanda Imani, An Honest Mistake, and RESORT, KCK has since expanded beyond music to include film, widening its scope for local creatives.

At its core, it’s about making space, for Malaysians to create, experiment, and be seen. For updates, follow @mystarbucks.

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