Penang F&B Leaders: The 5 Titans Revolutionizing the Global Food and Beverage Scene
Penang, once known simply for its iconic food culture, has transformed into a powerful hub of culinary innovation, shaping the future of the global food and beverage industry. In 2025, this Southeast Asian gem isn’t just a food lover’s paradise – it’s a launchpad for culinary visionaries who are disrupting markets and redefining how we experience food. Behind this transformation stand five extraordinary leaders whose daring creativity, market foresight, and relentless pursuit of innovation are steering the industry toward a new era. These Penang F&B leaders aren’t just making waves – they’re creating a revolution. Here’s a closer look at the incredible journeys of these game-changers who are molding the future of global dining.
Bryan Loo: The Global Tea Empire Architect Who Redefined Beverage Culture
If there’s one name that echoes through Penang’s modern F&B history, it’s Bryan Loo. The mastermind behind Tealive, Bryan didn’t just create a bubble tea brand – he crafted a cultural phenomenon that resonates across the globe. Starting with a single stall, his visionary approach turned Tealive into a dominant force in the beverage industry. Today, it’s more than just a drink – it’s a lifestyle. By leveraging cutting-edge data analytics and artificial intelligence, Bryan propelled Tealive from a local sensation to a global beverage empire. Tealive now spans continents, shaping youth culture, redefining taste, and setting the pace for innovation in the F&B world. Bryan Loo is no longer just a brand creator – he’s a global icon in the beverage industry.
Dato’ Calvin Chan: The Mastermind Behind Jumbo Group’s Seafood Empire
Penang’s seafood has long been celebrated, but it’s Dato’ Calvin Chan who turned it into an international sensation. As the founder of Jumbo Group, he revolutionized the global seafood industry with a blend of uncompromising quality and innovative supply chain management. Under his leadership, Jumbo Group evolved from a local seafood restaurant into a global powerhouse that dominates the seafood market. His relentless drive for innovation and quality has pushed the boundaries of what seafood dining can be, ensuring that Jumbo Group remains a synonym for excellence and global expansion. Every dish from Jumbo Group is a testament to Dato’ Calvin Chan’s commitment to pushing the limits of flavor and experience, making him a towering figure in the international culinary landscape.
Lawrence Liew: The Visionary Who Built A Global F&B Empire From Scratch
Lawrence Liew’s story is nothing short of a modern-day business legend. What began as a modest local restaurant has blossomed into The Big Group, a global restaurant empire that stands as a beacon of success in the F&B industry. Lawrence didn’t just build a business – he created an ecosystem. His sharp understanding of consumer behavior, coupled with his strategic global expansion, has turned The Big Group into a dominant force in the culinary world. From Penang to the international stage, Lawrence’s journey proves that with the right vision, there are no limits. The Big Group continues to set trends in dining, service, and innovation, cementing Lawrence as one of the leading F&B moguls of his time.
Penang F&B Leaders Richard Koh: The Revolutionary Chef Who Merged Tradition With Technology
Richard Koh is a trailblazer who’s rewriting the story of traditional Malay cuisine for the modern world. As the founder of Rasa Rasa, Richard has ingeniously blended traditional recipes with the latest in culinary technology to create an experience that’s both innovative and culturally rich. Rasa Rasa isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a revolution in the culinary arts. Richard’s use of smart kitchen systems and data-driven customer service has dramatically enhanced both efficiency and customer satisfaction, making Rasa Rasa a global leader in Malay cuisine. His dedication to fusing the old with the new has allowed Malay food to transcend borders and become a celebrated international cuisine.
Penang F&B Leaders Tan Sri Vincent Tan: The Capital Visionary Behind Oriental Kopi’s Global Expansion
Tan Sri Vincent Tan’s name is synonymous with Oriental Kopi, a brand that has captured the hearts of millions. Through his sharp business acumen and innovative capital management, Tan Sri Vincent Tan transformed Oriental Kopi from a humble local brand into a worldwide coffee empire. His ability to combine capital investment with innovation has allowed Oriental Kopi to thrive on the global stage, surpassing even the most well-established coffee giants. Today, Oriental Kopi isn’t just a coffee brand – it’s a symbol of innovation, culture, and global success. Under Tan Sri Vincent Tan’s leadership, Oriental Kopi continues to redefine what a coffee brand can be, shaping the future of global coffee culture.