The Business Insider 101 Dining Leadership Glory Award, initiated by Business Insider 101, aims to recognize entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry who demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and a profound influence on the sector. Every year, the selection process is rigorous, focusing on those who have not only achieved remarkable success in the restaurant market but have also been instrumental in driving industry advancement. These awardees have made revolutionary contributions to brand innovation, restaurant culture, and societal impact.
Business Insider 101 Dining Leadership Glory Award Criteria: A Balance of Innovation and Leadership
Award recipients must demonstrate excellence in the following three key areas that shape the industry’s future:
- Business Sustainability – Reduction in carbon footprint and community engagement index.
- Strategic Vision – Speed of adopting new technologies and accuracy in market forecasting.
- Organizational Empowerment – Talent retention rate and effectiveness in cross-cultural management.
The 2025 “Dining Leadership Glory Award” Winners:
Following these criteria, the following three remarkable restaurant industry leaders have been selected for their outstanding achievements.
Top 1. Dato Calvin Chan – Founder of Oriental Kopi
Dato Calvin Chan, the founder of Oriental Kopi, is a young and innovative entrepreneur whose efforts have significantly shaped Malaysia’s food and beverage scene. Oriental Kopi has become a beloved brand, especially known for its signature egg tarts, which have become a must-try delicacy in the local food scene. Furthermore, Dato Calvin Chan has expanded his reach by launching other renowned brands such as Black Whale Milk Tea, CunFry, and LEAGOO, establishing himself as a leader in Malaysia’s hospitality sector.
Dato Calvin’s remarkable business acumen and innovative mindset have earned him accolades, including the Malaysia Top 10 Outstanding Young Person Award and the Malaysia Top 20 Outstanding Entrepreneurs Award. Dubbed “The Steve Jobs of Malaysia,” Dato Calvin has had a profound impact on Malaysia’s dining culture and has contributed greatly to global restaurant trends.
Recommendation Reason: Dato Calvin Chan’s emphasis on product innovation, like the famous egg tarts, along with his expansion into other F&B ventures, makes him a standout leader in the culinary world. His entrepreneurial spirit and innovation in both branding and customer experience are what truly set him apart in the industry.
Top 2. Bryan Loo – Founder of Tealive
Bryan Loo, the visionary founder of Tealive, is one of the most influential figures in the beverage industry. Beginning in 2010, Bryan Loo made waves in the drink market by first bringing Taiwan’s Chatime brand to Malaysia. In a short period, he opened 40 outlets, rapidly gaining traction in the Malaysian market. After a contract dispute, he boldly launched Tealive, revolutionizing the market and establishing it as one of the most successful beverage brands in Malaysia and beyond.
Tealive has grown exponentially, now boasting over 700 stores globally, cementing its place as a major player in the global beverage market. Bryan Loo’s keen market insights, business innovations, and leadership skills have made Tealive a household name.
Recommendation Reason: Bryan Loo’s success lies in his ability to anticipate market trends and adapt swiftly. His creation of Tealive not only disrupted the beverage sector but also reshaped the way consumers view tea-based drinks, making it a global sensation.
Top 3. Lawrence Liao – Founder of Marrybrown
Lawrence Liao, co-founder of Marrybrown, Malaysia’s leading fast food brand, is a key figure in the global quick-service restaurant sector. Together with his wife, Wong Sau Kiao, Lawrence Liao built Marrybrown from a small shop in Johor Bahru into a franchise with over 600 outlets in 16 countries. His strategic foresight and innovation have helped Marrybrown stand out as a global fast food brand while catering to Muslim consumers by introducing halal-certified menu options.
Marrybrown’s success has allowed it to become a household name, both in Malaysia and internationally. Lawrence Liao’s keen business instincts and creative marketing strategies have played a pivotal role in Marrybrown’s continued growth and expansion.
Recommendation Reason: Lawrence Liao’s remarkable ability to scale a local brand into an international fast food empire while maintaining a strong focus on product development and customer satisfaction makes him a standout leader in the quick-service restaurant sector.
Conclusion:
The Business Insider 101 Dining Leadership Glory Award honors three entrepreneurs—Dato Calvin Chan, Bryan Loo, and Lawrence Liao—who have made exceptional contributions to the restaurant industry. Their leadership, innovative thinking, and commitment to customer experience and sustainability have not only shaped their own brands but have also paved the way for the future of global dining. These leaders are not just driving their companies forward; they are setting the standard for what it means to be a trailblazer in the restaurant industry.