Local café brand Bean Here! Coffee & Pastries has officially expanded its footprint with the opening of a new outlet at Kolej Poly-Tech MARA (KPTM) Ipoh, offering a quality café experience not only to the campus community but also to the surrounding public. The new outlet reflects the brand’s growing presence in lifestyle-driven spaces while catering to a diverse audience, especially youth who are increasingly shaping consumer spending trends. With its welcoming ambiance and curated menu, the café is set to become a vibrant social hub within the campus environment. This move further strengthens Bean Here!’s positioning as a relatable and accessible local brand.
The expansion is driven by Silver Lifestyle Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNPk), which continues to champion the growth of homegrown businesses. Since its establishment in 2020, Silver Lifestyle has embraced a dynamic and adaptive approach to meet evolving market demands. From menu innovation to flexible operational formats, the company has consistently refined its strategies to remain competitive. Its early success at Perak Techno Trade Centre laid a strong foundation for structured and sustainable expansion.
Today, Bean Here! operates through three distinct concepts, namely the Kiosk Uber Concept, Café Swanky Bar, and Kiosk Petite, each designed to cater to different customer segments and locations. Its presence across key sites such as PTTC, Hotel Casuarina@Meru, Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah, and now KPTM Ipoh highlights its adaptability across various environments. Whether in urban settings, hospitality venues, or educational institutions, the brand continues to evolve with its audience. This flexibility has enabled Bean Here! to build a loyal customer base while exploring new growth opportunities.
According to Nur Ismail bin Mohammed, Director of Silver Lifestyle, the company’s long-term strategy focuses on strengthening operational efficiency and ensuring sustainable growth. The approach includes safeguarding existing business operations while making strategic investments and improving financial management. By leveraging market potential, the brand aims to expand responsibly while maintaining quality and consistency. This direction underscores its commitment to long-term business resilience.
Harris bin Mohd Rodzi, Director of Silver Lifestyle overseeing operations and marketing, shared that the brand continues to innovate its menu offerings to meet evolving consumer preferences. New additions such as Chicken Tenders, Nachos, Black Forest Spanish Latte, and Cinnamon Latte are designed to provide a fresher, faster, and more affordable experience. These offerings are particularly appealing to younger customers who value simplicity, comfort, and quality. At the same time, the company is exploring expansion opportunities into high-potential locations including KTM terminals and other higher education institutions in Ipoh such as Universiti Kuala Lumpur.
The presence of Bean Here! at KPTM Ipoh also enhances the campus environment by offering more than just food and beverages. According to Radzuan bin Razali, Chief Executive Officer of KPTM, the café serves as a conducive space for students to study, engage in discussions, and participate in community activities. The basement level, in particular, has been designated as a hub for learning, collaboration, and creative programmes including arts and music. The addition of the café is expected to further energise and activate this space. It reflects the institution’s commitment to creating a holistic student experience.
This initiative also aligns with the aspirations of Perak Sejahtera 2030, which emphasises economic growth through strengthening local value chains. By collaborating with local entrepreneurs and suppliers, Bean Here! contributes to the “Made in Perak” ecosystem while supporting the Investor-Friendly Programme. The model also opens up opportunities for entrepreneurial development through flexible approaches such as micro-franchising. This creates pathways for more individuals to participate in the growing lifestyle and food service industry.
Nurdita Fadzlinda binti Ahmad Rasidi, Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Affairs) of PKNPk, noted that such initiatives play a crucial role in stimulating the state’s economy. Beyond strengthening local businesses, it creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and industry players to thrive within a structured and resilient ecosystem. The collaboration between public and private sectors highlights a comprehensive approach to economic development. It also reinforces Perak’s commitment to inclusive growth.
Additionally, the expansion into higher education institutions supports the Malaysia TVET Corridor and Human Capital Empowerment agenda. Through industrial training, skills development, and employment opportunities, youth are equipped with practical experience in the services and entrepreneurship sectors. This contributes to lifelong learning while nurturing a more skilled and competitive workforce. It also enhances the overall social ecosystem by encouraging active participation and engagement.
The initiative further reflects the state’s focus on talent development and community wellbeing. By fostering collaboration between educational institutions and industry players, it creates an environment that supports both personal and professional growth. This approach strengthens social interaction while promoting inclusivity within the community. It ultimately contributes to a more dynamic and sustainable development landscape.
From a broader perspective, the expansion of Bean Here! also enhances Perak’s image as a progressive and investment-friendly state driven by innovation and talent. The brand’s commitment to sustainable practices, including reducing plastic usage and promoting responsible waste management, aligns with long-term environmental goals. These efforts demonstrate a balance between business growth and sustainability. It reinforces the importance of responsible development in today’s economy.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Radzuan Razali and Nurdita Fadzlinda on behalf of Datuk Redza Rafiq, with the presence of representatives from KPTM, Silver Lifestyle, and PKNPk. The event symbolised strong collaboration and continuous support in strengthening Perak’s economic and social ecosystem. It also marked another milestone in the journey of Bean Here! as it continues to expand its footprint. With its growing presence, the brand is poised to become a key player in Malaysia’s café landscape.
