Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu’s Arjenier Leong Xiao Fu brought Sabah’s heritage, local ingredients and sustainable mixology to the regional stage through Tandahau Ember
KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, July – Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu celebrates homegrown Sabahan talent, Arjenier Leong Xiao Fu, a bartender at the hotel, was named one of the Top 12 finalists at the Marriott International APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship 2026 – Malaysia, which took place in June 2026.
Although Arjenier did not secure a place in the Top 3, his achievement as one of the competition’s Top 12 finalists marks a meaningful milestone in his bartending journey and reflects the growing presence of Sabahan talent within the regional hospitality and mixology scene.
Born in Keningau, Sabah, Arjenier brought a deeply personal connection to the competition through his signature cocktail, Tandahau Ember. The cocktail was created as a contemporary tribute to Sabah’s cultural identity, using locally inspired ingredients such as lihing, jeruk bambangan and Sabah ginger soda by Uinah beverages to tell a story rooted in heritage, sustainability and modern mixology.
The name Tandahau Ember reflects the heart of the cocktail’s story. In Kadazan Dusun, “Tandahau” refers to spiritual energy or soul, while “Ember” symbolises warmth, glowing fire and quiet strength. Together, the name captures a drink inspired by the spirit, courage and heritage of Sabah.
For Arjenier, the competition carried special meaning. His bartending journey began in 2019 after he was inspired by his elder brother’s involvement in bartending competitions. Since then, he has continued to develop his craft behind the bar, guided by patience, creativity and a mixology style he describes in three words: unique, aromatic and soulful.
“I am truly happy to have qualified for the third time in a row and to be recognised among the Top 12 finalists,” said Arjenier. “This competition means a lot to me personally because it reflects my growth, my passion and my hope to continue presenting creations that carry the soul of Sabah.”
Tandahau Ember was crafted with Monkey 47 as its base, selected for its remarkable complexity, and thoughtfully layered with local ingredients that gave the cocktail its distinctive Sabahan identity. Lihing helped balance the savoury depth of the pickled bambangan, while the bambangan itself replaced imported citrus as a local source of acidity. Finished with ginger soda for a warm aromatic lift, the cocktail presented an umami-rich, bright and expressive flavour profile.
Beyond its flavour, Tandahau Ember also reflected a sustainability-led approach to cocktail creation. The drink supported local ingredients and reduced wastage through the use of bambangan by-products, including a garnish made from leftover bambangan. This allowed the ingredient’s aroma to remain part of the drinking experience while reinforcing a zero-waste mindset.
“At Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu, we are proud to see our associates bring local culture to life in creative, meaningful and relevant ways,” said Suresh Ramasamy, General Manager of Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu. “Arjenier’s achievement as one of the Top 12 finalists is a proud moment for the hotel. Tandahau Ember is not only a cocktail; it is a story of Sabah, told through local ingredients, sustainability and personal passion.”
The Marriott International APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship 2026 – Malaysia celebrated bartenders who combined creativity, sustainability and commercial performance. Judging criteria included sales revenue, social media engagement and guest response, with the regional-level judging held on 10 June 2026 at The Westin Jakarta.
With Tandahau Ember, Arjenier presented more than a competition entry. He brought forward a taste of Sabah’s soul, celebrating local heritage while showing how sustainable mixology can support local producers, reduce waste and create meaningful guest experiences.
