Question 1

What is Coffee Star?

Accepted Answer

Coffee Star is a Malaysian smart coffee technology startup operating IoT-connected Auto-Barista Machines (Coffee ATMs) at over 114 locations across Peninsular Malaysia, with expansion into Saudi Arabia. Founded by Raja Ahmad Fauzan and operated under Belcoff Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, Coffee Star serves Fairtrade-certified Puro coffee from Miko Koffie NV — Belgium's oldest roaster (est. 1801) — through self-service kiosks, B2B office coffee subscriptions, and a digital marketplace.

Question 2

What is an Auto-Barista Machine?

Accepted Answer

An Auto-Barista Machine, also called a Coffee ATM, is a fully automated, IoT-connected coffee kiosk that brews fresh espresso-based drinks (latte, cappuccino, americano, mocha) on demand. Coffee Star's Auto-Barista uses real coffee beans, fresh milk, and 24/7 self-service — no barista required. Each machine is connected to a cloud telemetry system for predictive maintenance, real-time inventory tracking, and cashless payment.

Question 3

Where can I find a Coffee Star Auto-Barista in Malaysia?

Accepted Answer

Coffee Star operates 114+ Auto-Barista locations across Peninsular Malaysia, including hospitals, universities, airports, government buildings, and corporate offices. The full list of locations is available at coffeestar.my/locations.

Question 4

Is Coffee Star coffee Fairtrade certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Coffee Star exclusively serves Puro® Fairtrade & Organic coffee, sourced from Miko Koffie NV in Belgium and certified by Fairtrade International. Coffee Star is also a participant in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC ID 153705) and has won the SME ESG Challenge 2025/2026 for its Bean2Blossom circular economy program, which converts used coffee grounds into organic compost.

Question 5

How does Coffee Star differ from regular vending machine coffee?

Accepted Answer

Unlike traditional vending machines that use instant coffee powder, Coffee Star Auto-Barista Machines grind whole coffee beans on demand and use fresh milk to brew espresso-based drinks comparable to a café. The machines are IoT-connected for predictive maintenance, accept cashless payments, and offer 24/7 service — making them ideal for offices, hospitals, transit hubs, and locations underserved by traditional cafés.

Question 6

Can I host a Coffee Star Auto-Barista at my office or premises?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Coffee Star offers a zero-risk B2B deployment model: the machine is installed at no upfront cost, and revenue is shared between Coffee Star and the host. This works well for offices, hospitals, universities, airports, and high-footfall commercial spaces. To enquire, contact wecare@coffeestar.my or visit coffeestar.my/host.

Question 7

Who founded Coffee Star?

Accepted Answer

Coffee Star was founded by Raja Ahmad Fauzan, a Malaysian entrepreneur with engineering qualifications from Universiti Teknologi MARA and the University of Portsmouth (UK). Prior to Coffee Star, he held positions at PETRONAS, YTL, Mouchel Parkman plc, and Jacobs Engineering. He is a member of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), Institution of Civil Engineers UK (ICE), and Project Management Institute (PMI).

Category: Founder Notes

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