It’s not just flair and fire anymore—today’s bartending elite are being tested on precision, speed, creativity, and composure. And come October 2025, five of Southeast Asia’s finest will head to Tokyo for the first-ever regional finalsof the Monkey Shoulder Ultimate Bartender Championship (UBC).

More than a cocktail competition, UBC 2025 is about spotlighting what Monkey Shoulder calls “the skills that pay the bills”—real-world bartending chops that go beyond showmanship.

After months of intense national rounds involving 6 technical challenges (from aroma recognition to speed mixing), the winners from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines emerged victorious, ready to take on top bartenders from Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and India.

Meet the Champions Representing Southeast Asia

🇸🇬 Singapore:
Wong Wee Siong, Head Bartender at The Lobby Bar (The Singapore EDITION), stood out with calm precision and consistency. “This is a chance to refine the basics and showcase what truly matters behind the bar,” he said.

🇹🇭 Thailand:
The winner from WYWS Cocktail Bar in Bangkok impressed with technical finesse. Thailand’s Monkey Shoulder Brand Ambassador, Phaothong Dykins, praised the local bar scene’s global recognition and passion.

🇲🇾 Malaysia:
Ivon Soon, Head Bartender at Enso Izakaya & Bar (Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur), earned her spot after four years of persistent competition. “This is more than a win—it’s an honour to represent Malaysia,” she shared.

🇮🇩 Indonesia:
Yesaya Rotinsulu, of 8Souls Jazz Club Jakarta, is a seasoned competitor with 17 years behind the stick. “Winning isn’t the end—it’s the start of a bigger responsibility,” he noted.

🇵🇭 Philippines:
David Abalayan, Bar Manager at No Entry Cocktail Club in Manila, clinched victory with razor-sharp execution. “I never expected to win—but now I can’t wait to show what I’ve learned,” he said.

Not Just a Title—It’s a Movement

Regional Monkey Shoulder Brand Ambassador Brendon Khoo summed it up: “UBC isn’t just about the title. It’s about elevating the industry, connecting peers, and pushing bartenders to grow.”

Before flying off to Tokyo, some of the champions will host celebratory guest shifts in their home countries:

Malaysia: Ivon Soon at ENSŌ Izakaya & Bar (4 Oct)

Indonesia: Yesaya Rotinsulu at STALK Bar Jakarta (1 Oct)

The regional finals will run from 10–12 October 2025 in Tokyo, coinciding with the DMC World DJ Championships—reinforcing Monkey Shoulder’s tie-in with music, nightlife, and bold, energetic culture.

More Than Just a Whisky Competition

Since its global launch, Monkey Shoulder has consistently shaken up the whisky world. Designed for mixing, the blended malt whisky is known for being bold yet balanced—qualities mirrored in its bartending competitions. UBC strips away the theatrics and focuses on craft, grit, and skill under pressure.

The 2025 regional finals are proof that Southeast Asia’s bar scene isn’t just booming—it’s ready to take the global stage, one perfectly poured Gold Rush cocktail at a time.

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Images: Monkey Shoulder