Jintao Koong | Malaysian Comandante Champion

What is your job, and where do you live and work?

I am a software developer, specialising in web applications. I work and live in Kuala Lumpur.

What does coffee mean to you, and what do you love about it?

To me, coffee is about complexity and transformation. What fascinates me most is its ever-changing nature—how the same beans, roast, or recipe can yield different results depending on countless small variables. That volatility keeps coffee from ever being static, and it’s exactly what makes it so intriguing and rewarding to me.

What is your experience with Comandante grinders, and what do you like about them?

Comandante grinder was my first serious grinder. I enjoyed using it as it is the common language amongst baristas, which allows us to communicate effectively when discussing grind sizes.

Why did you apply for the Comandante Championship?

I wanted to compete amongst talented and capable players in the coffee community, which also features my daily trusty grinder.

How was the competition for you?

It was very fun to be a part of and I throughly enjoyed the vibe of the competition.

What is your advice for future competitors?

Be curious. Learn, brew, share, repeat.

What are your future goals?

To be able to get better at brewing, learn more about coffee and consistently deliver good results every single brew.