Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Heritage coffee brand SBK Coffee has secured multiple top recognitions at the Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) 2025, highlighting the company’s transformation from a traditional Nanyang coffee manufacturer into a modern, purpose-driven enterprise.

SBK Coffee achieved a strong showing across several key business pillars, earning:

•     Gold: Best Use of Technology
•     Platinum: Best Employer
•     Platinum: Best in CSR
•     Platinum: Best Halal Product / Service
•     Entrepreneur of the Year (Young), Meritorious: Jonathan Chan

The recognition reflects SBK Coffee’s multi-dimensional growth strategy, combining innovation, workforce development, sustainability, and Halal-certified product excellence.

From Heritage Brand to Modern Coffee Innovator

Founded more than 82 years ago, SBK Coffee has evolved under the leadership of fourth-generation entrepreneur Jonathan Chan. The company has gradually repositioned itself beyond traditional coffee manufacturing, integrating technology-driven operations, structured CSR initiatives, and brand modernization.

“Our goal has always been to respect heritage while building for the future,” Chan said. “These recognitions affirm that small and medium enterprises can innovate, scale responsibly, and create meaningful impact at the same time.”

Technology-Driven Growth

The Gold Award for Best Use of Technology recognizes SBK Coffee’s innovation in pioneering the Nitro Nanyang Cold Brew Coffee® and launching the SBK Coffee App. Powered by advanced nitrogen infusion technology, the Nitro Nanyang Cold Brew Coffee® delivers a smooth, creamy, and ice-free experience with consistent quality at scale. Complementing this innovation, the SBK Coffee App, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, enables customers to collect points, redeem rewards, and enjoy a smooth digital loyalty experience. These advancements strengthen customer engagement and support scalable regional and international expansion.

People-Centric Culture

SBK Coffee’s Platinum recognition for Best Employer highlights its commitment to building a strong internal culture focused on employee development, leadership opportunities, and long-term talent growth.

By investing in its workforce, the company has created a collaborative environment where innovation and purpose-driven initiatives are encouraged at every level.

Leading with CSR and Sustainability

The Platinum award for Best in CSR further reinforces SBK Coffee’s ongoing commitment to social and environmental impact. The company has implemented structured initiatives focused on food aid, recycling campaigns, tree planting programs, and community engagement.

These efforts align with global sustainability goals and position SBK Coffee as an example of how SMEs can contribute meaningfully to societal challenges.

Strengthening Halal-Certified Product Excellence

SBK Coffee also received Platinum for Best Halal Product / Service, reflecting the company’s emphasis on quality assurance and expanding accessibility across diverse markets.

With Halal-certified offerings, SBK Coffee continues to broaden its reach across Southeast Asia and beyond, supporting its ambition to bring Nanyang coffee to a global audience.

A Growing Global Vision

The SOBA 2025 recognition marks another milestone in SBK Coffee’s ongoing transformation journey. As the company continues expanding internationally, its mission remains clear: to combine heritage craftsmanship with modern innovation and social responsibility.

From an 82-year-old coffee brand to an emerging global contender, SBK Coffee is steadily redefining what a purpose-driven SME can achieve.

“Brewing heritage, inspiring the future,” Chan added. “We believe great coffee can also create meaningful impact.”