The future is yours to create: Joel Poon

Joel Poon is a seasoned hospitality professional and creative force behind Reka:Bar in Kuala Lumpur. With a background in Hospitality Management and a passion for taking care of people, Joel blends technical precision with heartfelt storytelling in every drink he creates. Known for his curiosity, mentorship, and drive to constantly evolve, he’s a respected voice in Malaysia’s growing cocktail scene.

A little bit about me

Hi, I’m Joel Poon. I’m an outgoing person who’s always enjoyed exploring new things in life, and that curiosity led me to where I am today. I got into the hospitality and drinks industry back in university when I chose to study Hospitality Management. Honestly, I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do at the time, but the course opened up so many paths. Over time, I found myself drawn to the details, the creativity, and most of all, the joy of making people feel taken care of. That’s what hooked me, and still drives me.

My favorite part of the job? It comes down to something Gary Regan once said: “If I could make one guest happier leaving the bar than when they entered, I’d be changing the world.” That philosophy really stuck with me. Making someone’s day a little better, through a drink, a moment, or just good conversation, is something I never take for granted.

“Whether it’s offering support, holding each other to a higher standard, or just encouraging someone’s next step, I find real joy in being part of someone else’s progress.”

What makes me happy, both in this role and personally, is seeing people I’ve worked with, teammates, past and present, grow and succeed. It’s deeply fulfilling. That mindset comes from my family, who raised me to show up for those you care about. Whether it’s offering support, holding each other to a higher standard, or just encouraging someone’s next step, I find real joy in being part of someone else’s progress.

I’m driven by a mix of curiosity, adventure, and a kind of quiet determination. I love learning, trying new things, and pushing through tough challenges. Whether it’s a new creative project or a fresh direction professionally, I’m always chasing growth, for myself and for the people around me.

How I approach my work

The best advice I’ve ever received is to chase your passion and trust that the opportunities will follow. That said, it’s not just about dreaming, it’s about making smart decisions, staying focused, and keeping that hunger to improve alive.

At this point in my career, I’ve realized that traveling plays a huge role in how I grow professionally. Visiting markets around the world gives me new perspectives, not just about cocktails, but about people, culture, and hospitality. Every trip teaches me something I can bring back to Reka or to future venues we’re planning.

What motivates me most at work is having real trust from my employers and a culture that believes in growth. When there’s mutual respect and space to evolve, it pushes me to keep raising the bar. We’ve had plenty of highs and lows along the way, but I’m grateful to call them my partners in every sense of the word.

I do think brands can be incredibly valuable partners in our industry. When their support lines up with our values, they become more than just suppliers, they become collaborators who help us bring our vision to life. And that’s a huge part of how we build sustainable, creative spaces.

My experience in Campari Red Hands 2024

Representing my country on an international stage at Campari Red Hands meant the world to me. Having the chance to compete again, especially after stepping away from the competition circuit, felt like coming full circle. It reminded me why I started in the first place.

The energy in Milan during the final was next-level. Being surrounded by the city’s art, fashion, and aperitivo culture completely fired me up. That atmosphere inspired me to lean fully into my creativity and present something that felt like it belonged right there with the best, something bold, expressive, and authentically me.

The biggest challenge I faced was definitely in my own head. I tend to overthink, especially in high-stakes situations. What helped me get through it was learning to stay grounded, take a breath, and just focus on what I could control in that exact moment.

My cocktail, The Common Ground, was inspired by the idea of blending traditions and friendships, just like how Campari brings together the elements of a Negroni. It was also a tribute to our first bar mentor, Vic, who introduced us to the world of bartending. That first shared drink, that common ground, it’s what started everything.

“We came from different countries, backgrounds, and styles, but there was a shared respect that made it all feel so connected. That authenticity and kindness really stood out.”

When it came to bringing a piece of my local bar culture into the final, I’d say I brought a bit of myself, multilingual, multicultural, and rooted in Malaysia. I switched naturally between English, Malay, and Mandarin throughout the presentation, which felt like an honest reflection of the scene I come from.

One of the biggest things I learned from the other finalists was the importance of being yourself. We came from different countries, backgrounds, and styles, but there was a shared respect that made it all feel so connected. That authenticity and kindness really stood out.

Looking back on the experience, I’m proudest of showing up and representing Malaysia on that stage, especially after taking a break from competitions. Stepping back in and doing it with my whole heart meant a lot to me.

My advice to next year’s finalists? Don’t take it too seriously. Yes, it’s a competition, but it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow, connect, and enjoy every part of the experience. Be present, be open, and let it shape you.

This whole experience definitely changed how I see myself as a bartender. It reminded me that competition isn’t just about the outcome, it’s about preparation, storytelling, and connection. Coming out of retirement to compete again was exactly what I needed to reignite that spark.

So what’s next for me? Bigger, better, faster, stronger. I’m always evolving, and doing it alongside an incredible community makes the journey that much more meaningful. Stay tuned.