MASTER ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY
DATO’ SYDNEY LAWRANCE QUAYS
GROUP CEO OF BERJAYA FOOD BERHAD,
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF STARBUCKS MALAYSIA & BRUNEI
Information about the Entrepreneur
Dato’ Sydney Quays is currently the Group CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad and managing director for Starbucks Malaysia and Brunei. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Starbucks brand in Malaysia in 1998 and is currently responsible for the overall management and strategy for Berjaya Food Berhad and its brands, including Starbucks Malaysia and Brunei, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Jollibean, Sala and its FMCG distribution arm, Berjaya Food Trading.
Born and raised in Penang, Dato’ Sydney graduated with Honors from Stamford University majoring in Hospitality Management and Marketing. He started his career in the hotel industry and subsequently in the QSR industry before joining Berjaya Group. In his free time, Dato’ Sydney enjoys reading while sipping on his favourite Starbucks beverage – Caffe Americano.
Other Interesting Facts about Entrepreneur
Dato’ Sydney strongly lives by the motto “The harder you work, the luckier you get”, he believes that one should be dedicated, committed and passionate in their work to achieve their dreams. Since the first store opened in Kuala Lumpur on 17 December 1998, Starbucks has now achieved a complete presence in Malaysia with the opening of its first store in Perlis in March 2022, the only remaining state in Malaysia to have a Starbucks store, and surpassing the 340 stores milestone in January 2022 with close to 5,000 employees. Now into its 23rd year of operations, Starbucks has grown not only to become the favorite coffee place for Malaysians but also a productive member of communities across the country.
“At Starbucks, we are not in the coffee business serving people, we are in the people business serving coffee. We want to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. From our coffee to our customers, we care deeply because it is not just a job, it is our passion. Our work goes far beyond that, it is really about human connection.” Dato’ Sydney said.
Dato’ Sydney Quays is currently the Group CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad and managing director for Starbucks Malaysia and Brunei. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Starbucks brand in Malaysia in 1998 and is currently responsible for the overall management and strategy for Berjaya Food Berhad and its brands, including Starbucks Malaysia and Brunei, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Jollibean, Sala and its FMCG distribution arm, Berjaya Food Trading.
Born and raised in Penang, Dato’ Sydney graduated with Honors from Stamford University majoring in Hospitality Management and Marketing. He started his career in the hotel industry and subsequently in the QSR industry before joining Berjaya Group. In his free time, Dato’ Sydney enjoys reading while sipping on his favourite Starbucks beverage – Caffe Americano.
Other Interesting Facts about Entrepreneur
Dato’ Sydney strongly lives by the motto “The harder you work, the luckier you get”, he believes that one should be dedicated, committed and passionate in their work to achieve their dreams. Since the first store opened in Kuala Lumpur on 17 December 1998, Starbucks has now achieved a complete presence in Malaysia with the opening of its first store in Perlis in March 2022, the only remaining state in Malaysia to have a Starbucks store, and surpassing the 340 stores milestone in January 2022 with close to 5,000 employees. Now into its 23rd year of operations, Starbucks has grown not only to become the favorite coffee place for Malaysians but also a productive member of communities across the country.
“At Starbucks, we are not in the coffee business serving people, we are in the people business serving coffee. We want to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. From our coffee to our customers, we care deeply because it is not just a job, it is our passion. Our work goes far beyond that, it is really about human connection.” Dato’ Sydney said.
"The harder you work, the luckier you get."
Company Achievements and Role as Entrepreneur
In 2016, Dato’ Sydney set out to open the world’s first Starbucks Signing Store, a place that would be dedicated to employing and developing the Deaf community. He took inspiration from the Deaf partners (employees) that already worked in their existing stores and listened to their feedback, in which they shared their desire to do more; that one day, they too can become a barista or even a coffee master. That year, the Starbucks Signing Store opened with great success in Bangsar Village II, capturing the admiration and attention of media across the world, including in the United States,
China and Japan. The store has since become the template for other Starbucks Signing Stores located globally. In 2019, Starbucks Malaysia officially opened its second signing store in Penang.
“Starbucks culture revolves around people and Starbucks manage “We do not call our people employee or staff but we call ourselves PARTNERS. The word ‘partner’ means working together, giving the sense of belonging as a team and family. Our partners set out to create a great second place working environment for each other and provide the preferred third place to our customers. Such culture enables the partners to perform their best in delivering World Class Customer Service and highly satisfied customers which ultimately brings business results.”
Vision, Mission & Future Plans
Besides that, Starbucks is actively involved in Corporate Social Responsibility. From the neighborhoods where Starbucks stores are located to those where coffee is grown, Starbucks is committed to making communities stronger. Starbucks Malaysia has dedicated programs that bring people together, inspiring change and making a difference in people’s lives – as it’s all part of being a good neighbor. And it’s a commitment rooted in the belief that Starbucks can balance profitability and a social conscience.
“We’ve redesigned the third place during the last few years at Starbucks. One that has grown to meet our customers where they are, and where we can all find community and acceptance while remaining focused on human connection. Without exception, acceptance. Inclusion on all levels. We are unquestionably made for this moment.,” Dato’ Sydney said.
Aside from Starbucks, Dato’ Sydney is also responsible for the success of Berjaya Food Berhad, a publicly-listed company on the main market on Bursa. In his role, he has directly shaped the growth and development of the group’s portfolio, establishing Berjaya Food as a holistic food and beverage company and one of the most prolific in Malaysia. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Dato’ Sydney and his team successfully acquired Sala, a vegan tex-mex restaurant which has since grown to over 8 stores within the last year. He also acquired Kelava, a dairy-free ice cream brand that will see further distribution in premium supermarkets and selected retail locations by this year. In 2022, Berjaya Food Berhad surpassed a market capitalization of over RM1 billion, making it one of the most valuable companies in Malaysia within the retail food and beverage industry.
In 2016, Dato’ Sydney set out to open the world’s first Starbucks Signing Store, a place that would be dedicated to employing and developing the Deaf community. He took inspiration from the Deaf partners (employees) that already worked in their existing stores and listened to their feedback, in which they shared their desire to do more; that one day, they too can become a barista or even a coffee master. That year, the Starbucks Signing Store opened with great success in Bangsar Village II, capturing the admiration and attention of media across the world, including in the United States,
China and Japan. The store has since become the template for other Starbucks Signing Stores located globally. In 2019, Starbucks Malaysia officially opened its second signing store in Penang.
“Starbucks culture revolves around people and Starbucks manage “We do not call our people employee or staff but we call ourselves PARTNERS. The word ‘partner’ means working together, giving the sense of belonging as a team and family. Our partners set out to create a great second place working environment for each other and provide the preferred third place to our customers. Such culture enables the partners to perform their best in delivering World Class Customer Service and highly satisfied customers which ultimately brings business results.”
Vision, Mission & Future Plans
Besides that, Starbucks is actively involved in Corporate Social Responsibility. From the neighborhoods where Starbucks stores are located to those where coffee is grown, Starbucks is committed to making communities stronger. Starbucks Malaysia has dedicated programs that bring people together, inspiring change and making a difference in people’s lives – as it’s all part of being a good neighbor. And it’s a commitment rooted in the belief that Starbucks can balance profitability and a social conscience.
“We’ve redesigned the third place during the last few years at Starbucks. One that has grown to meet our customers where they are, and where we can all find community and acceptance while remaining focused on human connection. Without exception, acceptance. Inclusion on all levels. We are unquestionably made for this moment.,” Dato’ Sydney said.
Aside from Starbucks, Dato’ Sydney is also responsible for the success of Berjaya Food Berhad, a publicly-listed company on the main market on Bursa. In his role, he has directly shaped the growth and development of the group’s portfolio, establishing Berjaya Food as a holistic food and beverage company and one of the most prolific in Malaysia. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Dato’ Sydney and his team successfully acquired Sala, a vegan tex-mex restaurant which has since grown to over 8 stores within the last year. He also acquired Kelava, a dairy-free ice cream brand that will see further distribution in premium supermarkets and selected retail locations by this year. In 2022, Berjaya Food Berhad surpassed a market capitalization of over RM1 billion, making it one of the most valuable companies in Malaysia within the retail food and beverage industry.
MASTER ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY
DATO’ SYDNEY LAWRANCE QUAYS
GROUP CEO OF BERJAYA FOOD BERHAD,
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF STARBUCKS MALAYSIA & BRUNEI
Information about the Entrepreneur
Dato’ Sydney Quays is currently the Group CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad and managing director for Starbucks Malaysia and Brunei. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Starbucks brand in Malaysia in 1998 and is currently responsible for the overall management and strategy for Berjaya Food Berhad and its brands, including Starbucks Malaysia and Brunei, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Jollibean, Sala and its FMCG distribution arm, Berjaya Food Trading.
Born and raised in Penang, Dato’ Sydney graduated with Honors from Stamford University majoring in Hospitality Management and Marketing. He started his career in the hotel industry and subsequently in the QSR industry before joining Berjaya Group. In his free time, Dato’ Sydney enjoys reading while sipping on his favourite Starbucks beverage – Caffe Americano.
Other Interesting Facts about Entrepreneur
Dato’ Sydney strongly lives by the motto “The harder you work, the luckier you get”, he believes that one should be dedicated, committed and passionate in their work to achieve their dreams. Since the first store opened in Kuala Lumpur on 17 December 1998, Starbucks has now achieved a complete presence in Malaysia with the opening of its first store in Perlis in March 2022, the only remaining state in Malaysia to have a Starbucks store, and surpassing the 340 stores milestone in January 2022 with close to 5,000 employees. Now into its 23rd year of operations, Starbucks has grown not only to become the favorite coffee place for Malaysians but also a productive member of communities across the country.
“At Starbucks, we are not in the coffee business serving people, we are in the people business serving coffee. We want to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. From our coffee to our customers, we care deeply because it is not just a job, it is our passion. Our work goes far beyond that, it is really about human connection.” Dato’ Sydney said.
Dato’ Sydney Quays is currently the Group CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad and managing director for Starbucks Malaysia and Brunei. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Starbucks brand in Malaysia in 1998 and is currently responsible for the overall management and strategy for Berjaya Food Berhad and its brands, including Starbucks Malaysia and Brunei, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Jollibean, Sala and its FMCG distribution arm, Berjaya Food Trading.
Born and raised in Penang, Dato’ Sydney graduated with Honors from Stamford University majoring in Hospitality Management and Marketing. He started his career in the hotel industry and subsequently in the QSR industry before joining Berjaya Group. In his free time, Dato’ Sydney enjoys reading while sipping on his favourite Starbucks beverage – Caffe Americano.
Other Interesting Facts about Entrepreneur
Dato’ Sydney strongly lives by the motto “The harder you work, the luckier you get”, he believes that one should be dedicated, committed and passionate in their work to achieve their dreams. Since the first store opened in Kuala Lumpur on 17 December 1998, Starbucks has now achieved a complete presence in Malaysia with the opening of its first store in Perlis in March 2022, the only remaining state in Malaysia to have a Starbucks store, and surpassing the 340 stores milestone in January 2022 with close to 5,000 employees. Now into its 23rd year of operations, Starbucks has grown not only to become the favorite coffee place for Malaysians but also a productive member of communities across the country.
“At Starbucks, we are not in the coffee business serving people, we are in the people business serving coffee. We want to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. From our coffee to our customers, we care deeply because it is not just a job, it is our passion. Our work goes far beyond that, it is really about human connection.” Dato’ Sydney said.
"The harder you work, the luckier you get."
Company Achievements and Role as Entrepreneur
In 2016, Dato’ Sydney set out to open the world’s first Starbucks Signing Store, a place that would be dedicated to employing and developing the Deaf community. He took inspiration from the Deaf partners (employees) that already worked in their existing stores and listened to their feedback, in which they shared their desire to do more; that one day, they too can become a barista or even a coffee master. That year, the Starbucks Signing Store opened with great success in Bangsar Village II, capturing the admiration and attention of media across the world, including in the United States,
China and Japan. The store has since become the template for other Starbucks Signing Stores located globally. In 2019, Starbucks Malaysia officially opened its second signing store in Penang.
“Starbucks culture revolves around people and Starbucks manage “We do not call our people employee or staff but we call ourselves PARTNERS. The word ‘partner’ means working together, giving the sense of belonging as a team and family. Our partners set out to create a great second place working environment for each other and provide the preferred third place to our customers. Such culture enables the partners to perform their best in delivering World Class Customer Service and highly satisfied customers which ultimately brings business results.”
Vision, Mission & Future Plans
Besides that, Starbucks is actively involved in Corporate Social Responsibility. From the neighborhoods where Starbucks stores are located to those where coffee is grown, Starbucks is committed to making communities stronger. Starbucks Malaysia has dedicated programs that bring people together, inspiring change and making a difference in people’s lives – as it’s all part of being a good neighbor. And it’s a commitment rooted in the belief that Starbucks can balance profitability and a social conscience.
“We’ve redesigned the third place during the last few years at Starbucks. One that has grown to meet our customers where they are, and where we can all find community and acceptance while remaining focused on human connection. Without exception, acceptance. Inclusion on all levels. We are unquestionably made for this moment.,” Dato’ Sydney said.
Aside from Starbucks, Dato’ Sydney is also responsible for the success of Berjaya Food Berhad, a publicly-listed company on the main market on Bursa. In his role, he has directly shaped the growth and development of the group’s portfolio, establishing Berjaya Food as a holistic food and beverage company and one of the most prolific in Malaysia. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Dato’ Sydney and his team successfully acquired Sala, a vegan tex-mex restaurant which has since grown to over 8 stores within the last year. He also acquired Kelava, a dairy-free ice cream brand that will see further distribution in premium supermarkets and selected retail locations by this year. In 2022, Berjaya Food Berhad surpassed a market capitalization of over RM1 billion, making it one of the most valuable companies in Malaysia within the retail food and beverage industry.
In 2016, Dato’ Sydney set out to open the world’s first Starbucks Signing Store, a place that would be dedicated to employing and developing the Deaf community. He took inspiration from the Deaf partners (employees) that already worked in their existing stores and listened to their feedback, in which they shared their desire to do more; that one day, they too can become a barista or even a coffee master. That year, the Starbucks Signing Store opened with great success in Bangsar Village II, capturing the admiration and attention of media across the world, including in the United States,
China and Japan. The store has since become the template for other Starbucks Signing Stores located globally. In 2019, Starbucks Malaysia officially opened its second signing store in Penang.
“Starbucks culture revolves around people and Starbucks manage “We do not call our people employee or staff but we call ourselves PARTNERS. The word ‘partner’ means working together, giving the sense of belonging as a team and family. Our partners set out to create a great second place working environment for each other and provide the preferred third place to our customers. Such culture enables the partners to perform their best in delivering World Class Customer Service and highly satisfied customers which ultimately brings business results.”
Vision, Mission & Future Plans
Besides that, Starbucks is actively involved in Corporate Social Responsibility. From the neighborhoods where Starbucks stores are located to those where coffee is grown, Starbucks is committed to making communities stronger. Starbucks Malaysia has dedicated programs that bring people together, inspiring change and making a difference in people’s lives – as it’s all part of being a good neighbor. And it’s a commitment rooted in the belief that Starbucks can balance profitability and a social conscience.
“We’ve redesigned the third place during the last few years at Starbucks. One that has grown to meet our customers where they are, and where we can all find community and acceptance while remaining focused on human connection. Without exception, acceptance. Inclusion on all levels. We are unquestionably made for this moment.,” Dato’ Sydney said.
Aside from Starbucks, Dato’ Sydney is also responsible for the success of Berjaya Food Berhad, a publicly-listed company on the main market on Bursa. In his role, he has directly shaped the growth and development of the group’s portfolio, establishing Berjaya Food as a holistic food and beverage company and one of the most prolific in Malaysia. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Dato’ Sydney and his team successfully acquired Sala, a vegan tex-mex restaurant which has since grown to over 8 stores within the last year. He also acquired Kelava, a dairy-free ice cream brand that will see further distribution in premium supermarkets and selected retail locations by this year. In 2022, Berjaya Food Berhad surpassed a market capitalization of over RM1 billion, making it one of the most valuable companies in Malaysia within the retail food and beverage industry.