In the bustling world of coffee, where every cup tells a story of connection and craft, Shaun Liew stands out not as a distant icon, but as a fellow enthusiast who’s navigated the daily grind with heart and humility.
Like many of us who fell deeper into coffee during quiet lockdown moments, Shaun discovered new layers to his routine—scrolling TikTok while brewing at home, realizing self-care could go hand-in-hand with perfecting a pour-over. Based in Kuala Lumpur, he’s built a life around coffee that’s as much about mentoring his team and sharing brew tips as it is about running his roastery. His path reminds us that coffee isn’t just a profession; it’s a way to build relationships, find balance, and grow together. Here’s Shaun’s story, straight from a casual chat during our 2025 Asia tour in Malaysia.
The journey to the coffee championship_Shaun Liew
Growing up in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur—places like Subang Jaya and Petaling Jaya—Shaun was a city boy at heart, surrounded by family who valued support and life lessons over sheltering.
“Family is everything. They’re the ones who guide you, but they also let life teach you.”
His parents encouraged exploration, even through youthful rebellion, with his dad’s wisdom echoing: “What you do today determines what happens tomorrow.” It wasn’t always smooth—Shaun admits he wasn’t the straight-A kid, failing subjects in high school until he surrounded himself with smarter friends who pushed him to improve. That shift led to a diploma in hospitality with distinction and a first-class honors degree from the UK.
Back in Malaysia, Shaun started as a university lecturer in beverage and events management. But coffee’s pull came unexpectedly in 2012, when he MC’d a coffee symposium and met pros from across Asia. Inspired, he dipped his toes in as a part-time barista in 2013, juggling it with marketing, PR, and events work for a brand in Asia Pacific. By 2015, he opened his first cafe, marking a full dive into the industry. “I’ve never looked back,” he says, now co-founding Curate Coffee Roasters and ONO. It’s a relatable pivot—many coffee people start with side gigs, discovering that hands-on brewing sparks something deeper than a desk job ever could.
Shaun’s days blend the practical with the personal, much like how we all try to squeeze in a morning ritual amid chaos. He wakes early, checks in at ONO or Curate, then visits clients to calibrate coffees and ensure consistent brews. Afternoons might include gym sessions or runs—”It gives mental clarity and headspace,” he explains, emphasizing health as key to avoiding burnout. Evenings? Cafe-hopping or short trips, though lately it’s been “work and travel” coaching competitors.
What truly lights Shaun Liew up is the Malaysian coffee community, a vibrant network he calls one of Asia’s best for its closeness and uplift.
“We’re knit tight in friendships and relationships, always lifting each other,”
he says. It’s not about solo success; it’s collective growth. Post-COVID, when folks started brewing at home and ditching basic lattes for nuanced flavors, the scene exploded. “People improved their palates, and the industry upgraded,” Shaun notes. Transparency is key—he loves sharing brew recipes so customers get the same great taste at home or the office.
Events bring it all alive: From the Good Coffee Festival and Lala Port Coffee Festival to Malaysia Coffee Week, these gatherings foster collaboration.
“Even with different roasteries, we’re friends sharing water, recipes, or tips to brew better,”
It’s this spirit that helps the scene progress, drawing in Southeast Asian neighbors too. Shaun’s role? He’s there as a connector, coaching national and world competitors, ensuring everyone—from new baristas to seasoned roasters—grows. In a world where coffee can feel competitive, his approach echoes what draws many of us in: the joy of connecting over a shared cup.
Shaun Liew’s coffee journey
Reflecting on his path, Shaun’s honest about hurdles. He regrets chasing food engineering initially, ignoring friends’ advice to jump straight into hospitality—”I should’ve listened and saved my parents money.” But those detours built resilience. Surrounding himself with motivating people turned failures into wins, like graduating without fails and securing that UK degree.
For Shaun, success isn’t a finish line; it’s ongoing improvement and inspiring others. He sees himself as the “big brother” to his team, guiding them through operations, mindset shifts, and dreams.”I want to bring out the best in them, like I was once.” It’s here that his milestones shine—not as badges, but as part of the journey: two-time Malaysia Brewers Cup wins are just markers of hard work and community support.
“If you’re growing alone, it’s a small pool. But together, we push the whole industry.”
Stepping back from competing this year for mental and physical recovery shows his wisdom—prioritizing well-being over constant hustle, a lesson for all coffee people navigating long hours and high passions.
Excited for what’s next, Shaun’s rebranding Curate for more consumer-friendly products and upgrading ONO for better experiences. But his invite is for everyone:
“If you haven’t been to Malaysia, visit our amazing specialty spots—they’re progressive, vibrant, and super hospitable.”
Editor’s note:
Shaun’s path reminds us that in coffee, it’s the shared connections—not the spotlight—that brew the best stories. Whether you’re pulling shots behind a counter, experimenting at home, or building your own scene, your voice matters. Click here and share how you balance your coffee life—we’re here to amplify it all.
