KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 -- On a competition floor thousands of miles from home, beneath unforgiving lights and the quiet scrutiny of judges, Jacky Chang of Afloat Coffee Roaster stood composed - cup in hand, months of discipline distilled into a few fleeting minutes.

It was the final of the World Latte Art Championship 2026, held on April 12 in San Diego, USA. When it was over, Chang claimed 1st Runner-Up - a landmark achievement that squarely places Malaysia on the global coffee stage.

But what did it take to get there?

"I prepared for this competition over seven months," Chang says. "Everything - from design composition to my script and overall presentation - was carefully planned with clear monthly goals."

The structure was delibera...