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Brewing Connections: Hi Tea Malaysia’s Artistry and Traditional Tea Ceremony


Ms. Lee Shinyi from Hi Tea Malaysia recently conducted an engaging tea-sharing session and traditional tea ceremony demonstration at Taylor's University’s scenic Lakeside Campus. The workshop welcomed 25 Diploma in Hotel Management (DH) students, accompanied by their Programme Director, Ms. Michelle Lee Gee Wey. During the session, Ms. Shinyi introduced participants to a selection of teas, featuring three exceptional brews: Scient in the Sky, Dark Sheep, and Asamica Red Tea, all meticulously prepared and savored by the attendees.

Ms. Shinyi shared the inspiring journey of Hi Tea Malaysia, rooted in her family’s tea plantation in China, which later expanded into wholesale operations in Malaysia. To meet the growing demand for tea appreciation, they established Hi Tea Malaysia, a distinctive rooftop tea house in Petaling Street. This venue offers short courses, tea-sharing sessions, and a vegetarian menu, creating an immersive experience for guests.

Tracing the history of tea to the Tang Dynasty, Ms. Shinyi introduced The Classic of Tea (茶经) by Lu Yu, the first known monograph on tea. She detailed Lu Yu’s dedication to tea culture, which began during his care for a monastery’s tea garden and led to his mastery of tea brewing, to the extent that he drank only his own brews. Participants also explored the two primary tea plant species, Camellia Sinensis and Camellia Taliensis, which produce various teas such as Green, White, Oolong, and Black teas. Additionally, Ms. Shinyi highlighted key tea-producing countries and explained the tea production process, from harvest to brewing.

The session concluded with a hands-on tea ceremony demonstration at Terrasse. Ms. Shinyi guided participants through the art and etiquette of tea ceremonies, explaining the use of tools like the gaiwan (lidded bowl) and serving cups. She demonstrated precise brewing techniques, emphasizing the mindfulness and attentiveness integral to each gesture, which conveys respect for the tea, its origins, and shared enjoyment. The event culminated in a graceful tea-pouring ritual, symbolizing harmony and tranquillity, leaving students with a profound appreciation for tea’s rich heritage and the artistry behind its preparation.


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