Weave your way through thousands of attendees, careful not to disrupt the air of scarcely contained excitement as you press further into the thrumming crowd. As you do, peer through the colorful, merchandise-laden booths — there, amid the hustle and bustle of Malaysia’s premiere, week-long coffee festival, you might be lucky enough to spot its founder, coffee entrepreneur Duncan Lim. Look on as he soaks up community and quality coffee in equal measure: Together, the two fuel his near decade-long involvement in the ongoing evolution of Malaysia’s specialty coffee scene.
Duncan Lim
Marketer-turned-coffee entrepreneur Duncan Lim (@mrduncanlim) spent much of his undergraduate years camped out in local coffee shops, reveling at the refuge he found there. It was in those shops — and not in his university courses — that Lim laid the groundwork for the career to come.
In 2016, Lim opened a cafe in Newcastle, England, explaining that he intended to “create a similar haven for others.” Just one problem: not only was it Lim’s first coffee shop, but it was also his first foray into the world of coffee — and all of its complexity. Just two years post-college, Lim returned to student life with gusto, dedicating himself to absorbing everything he could about the industry he had already begun to make his own.
“To ensure my vision was executed to perfection, I attended various coffee courses and took a hands-on approach to training my staff, designing the menu, and crafting unique recipes. Every detail was meticulously planned.”
Nine-odd years later, Lim’s first foray into coffee entrepreneurship has spiraled into many more. But through it all — from opening his first shop to judging world-renowned coffee championships and orchestrating international coffee festivals— Lim’s early love for the community and culture that accompany the industry shines through.
Nowhere is Lim’s passion for community building more evident than in the packed aisles of the Sabah Coffee Events (@sabahcoffeeevents), a small-scale local event that has evolved into a week-long event featuring industry professionals from across the world.
The annual festival is a love letter penned by Lim and addressed to Malaysia’s specialty coffee scene. Featuring a latte art championship, brewers cup, and coffee expo, it aims to celebrate talent, foster local and international community, and uplift new voices from across the industry. For Lim, it is an emblematic example of his values as both a business owner and a member of the coffee community at large:
“The success of the Sabah Brewers Cup 2023 holds a special place in my heart. It was a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved and a milestone that I will always cherish. This event not only highlighted the incredible talent within our coffee community but also reinforced my commitment to nurturing and celebrating the art of coffee brewing.”
In between hosting week-long events, running a roastery (@madnessroastworks), launching a specialty matcha company (@yamateaofficial), and leading a lifestyle brand (@almostfamousoriginals), Lim finds the time to share his knowledge with those eager to tap into his experience. Through his training program, Coffea Bottega Academy (@cba.my), Lim shares his coffee knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit with wide-eyed students and seasoned baristas of every level. As he explains:
“Coffea Bottega Academy is dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, knowledge-sharing, and skill development within the coffee industry. We are committed to empowering individuals to achieve their full potential in the world of coffee.”
In everything he puts his hand to, Lim aims to revive the haven of his undergraduate years, creating new avenues for those seeking to enjoy quality coffee, level up their skills, and participate in the community he holds so dear. Even now, after nearly a decade in the business, it is this sentiment that powers him forward.
“Whether through formal training sessions, casual mentorship, or collaborative projects, I strive to give as much as I can to the community. Witnessing my students evolve into better baristas and seeing their achievements in competitions brings me unparalleled happiness and pride.”
Duncan-Lim
While Lim has certainly achieved conventional success — and has the accolades to prove him — it isn’t what drives him forward. Instead, it is the sense of contribution that he feels by giving back to the community that has so powered his own success
“The achievement I am most proud of is not a single event or accolade but the ongoing process of making meaningful contributions to the specialty coffee community. It is this collective growth and appreciation that makes my journey in the specialty coffee industry so deeply rewarding and significant.”
From a novice barista to an internationally recognized expert, Duncan Lim’s journey is one of never-ending achievement and ongoing development — two traits he aims to foster in all those who wish to learn.
So, whether you find him in the aisles of next year’s Sabah International Coffee Festival, overseeing operations at Madness Roastworks, or leading lessons at Coffea Bottega Academy, know that you’ll find him waiting for you, a fresh-brewed cup in one hand as the other beckons you into the world he holds so dear.
