Darwin Ng, Suntory Brand Ambassador in Malaysia, Dishes on His Role & His Secrets to Festive Hosting

We sit down with Darwin Ng, Suntory Brand Ambassador in Malaysia, for a chat about festive hosting, how he defines a “good drink”, and the impact of Roku Gin. 

Imagine being tasked with the job of bringing the spirit (no pun intended) of a brand as storied as Suntory’s Roku Gin to an audience as diverse as Malaysians. Well, Darwin Ng doesn’t have to. Since September 2025, Ng—who has years of experience as a bartender—has been uplifting the message and craftsmanship of the iconic gin. In his role, he brings the Suntory spirit to life, offering the world a deeper look into the complex and wonderful world of the brand. As such, the festive season is an all-important time for someone like Ng. With hosting at the core of celebrations here, ensuring that guests are treated to memorable bites and drinks is key. That’s where Ng and Roku Gin come in. Below, we chat to him about how he brings the soul of Roku Gin to celebrations and how he takes on his role as brand ambassador. 

When did you begin your journey in bartending and cocktail crafting, and at what point did you realise this was an industry you wanted to fully commit to?

My journey into the world of beverages began over a decade ago while I was studying Hotel Management. It was during this time that I discovered the depth and artistry behind food and drink—particularly within wines and spirits—and realised this was an industry where learning never truly ends.

I formally stepped behind the bar in 2020, during the first Movement Control Order. Originally trained as a sommelier, I had been seeking a role in wine service when I decided to join Jann Bar temporarily. That experience opened an entirely new world of craftsmanship, flavour-building, and storytelling through cocktails. The more I explored spirits and techniques, the more I understood how layered and expressive this craft could be and I never looked back.

Each stage of my journey has shaped the way I work today,  from education and relationship-building to sharing the philosophy behind premium Japanese spirits in a way that feels both meaningful and accessible.

How would you explain the role of a brand ambassador to someone who isn’t familiar with the title?

A brand ambassador is a bridge between the spirit and the experience. My role is to help people discover not just how a spirit tastes, but why it was created the way it was, the craftsmanship, philosophy, and intention behind every bottle. Through education, collaboration, and shared moments, I aim to make each serve feel thoughtful, memorable, and true to the brand’s character.

How does your role as a brand ambassador differ from your previous work behind the bar, and how have these experiences shaped your idea of what makes a “good drink”?

The shift has been significant, from crafting individual drinks to shaping how a brand is experienced across many spaces. Today, my focus lies in strategy, collaboration, and long-term brand building. What remains unchanged is the importance of connection. Whether behind the bar or working with partners, it’s always about creating moments people genuinely enjoy. 

As for a “good drink,” I believe it’s ultimately personal. A great cocktail isn’t defined by trends or complexity,  it’s one that resonates with the person holding the glass. When a drink feels balanced, intentional, and brings pleasure, it has done its job.

What do you draw inspiration from that isn’t related to alcohol and cocktails?

Inspiration often comes from stories, history, and everyday experiences. When creating menus in the past, I found myself drawn to the untold narratives of places such as the rich heritage of Chinatown and translating those moments into flavours and textures. Whether through culture, seasons, or simple human connections, these influences continue to shape how I think about balance, storytelling, and experience in every drink.

What do you hope someone takes away from their first sip of Roku Gin?

I hope it invites them to slow down and truly savour the moment. Roku Gin is delicate yet layered. Bright notes of sakura and yuzu greet you first, followed by gentle botanicals, soft spice, and a silky mouthfeel before finishing with a refreshing lift from sansho pepper. It’s a spirit that unfolds gradually, rewarding attention and appreciation for detail.

And that is why I think Roku shines in elevated social occasions. It brings a sense of refinement without ever feeling intimidating. It encourages people to connect, to be present, and to enjoy the company around them. The spirit has a natural sociability to it—premium, but warm and inviting. If someone walks away from that first sip feeling both refreshed and a little more mindful of the moment they are in, then I believe Roku has done exactly what it is meant to do.

Roku Gin is known for its exquisite balance and Japanese craftsmanship. How do you make sure those values translate into your drinks?

Roku Gin is beautifully balanced on its own, which is why I often enjoy it simply with tonic and some ginger slices. Having it this way, in my opinion, allows its natural aromas and seasonal botanicals to shine.

When creating cocktails, I focus on harmony rather than complexity. Each ingredient is chosen to enhance what already exists within the gin, never to overpower it. Roku is shaped by the philosophy of Shun, capturing botanicals at their peak and I carry that same respect into every serve, working with flavours that feel fresh, purposeful, and in season.

What is one Roku Gin cocktail you’d bring to a festive gathering and why?

A Roku Gin Fizz is my go-to for gatherings. It’s refreshing, elegant, and wonderfully adaptable, built around Roku Gin, citrus, gentle sweetness, and soda. On the surface it feels simple, but that simplicity is exactly what makes it novel. With just a few thoughtful tweaks, the drink can evolve to reflect the season while still letting the gin shine. What makes it special is how easily it takes on different expressions. Fresh fruits, herbs, or subtle spices can be introduced depending on the occasion, yet Roku’s delicate complexity and balance always remain at the forefront. It’s a cocktail that encourages creativity without losing its identity.

At the same time, I often gravitate back to our signature Roku Gin & Tonic with Bentong ginger. The gentle spice and aroma of the Bentong ginger bring a new dimension to the serve, enhancing Roku’s botanicals rather than overpowering them. It’s a small improvisation, but one that shows how a familiar drink can be reimagined with local elements while staying true to Roku’s character. Both serves are approachable yet refined, perfect for sharing, experimenting, and celebrating together.

When creating cocktails for festive gatherings, what does the “peak of the season” look like to you?

For me, the peak of the season is less about specific ingredients and more about the atmosphere—moments when people come together to slow down, share stories, and enjoy one another’s company.

In these settings, cocktails should feel inviting rather than complicated. Consumers today are also seeking the new and the novel. They enjoy exploring flavours and putting their own twist on a drink. The Roku Gin Fizz fits perfectly into that mindset. It is premium yet approachable, and it sparks curiosity without overwhelming anyone. Drinks like the Roku Gin Fizz encourage participation, creativity, and connection, allowing guests to experiment with seasonal flavours while keeping the experience relaxed and joyful. 

From your perspective as a brand ambassador working closely with the bar community, what excites you in the local cocktail industry right now?

What excites me most is the growing confidence and creativity within the local bar scene. Each space has its own personality, and each bartender brings a unique perspective to flavour and presentation.

Even when working with the same spirit, the expressions are wonderfully diverse, yet increasingly thoughtful and intentional. It’s inspiring to see how bartenders explore seasonal ingredients, storytelling, and balance while staying true to the essence of the spirit itself. Supporting this evolution and watching the community continue to mature is incredibly rewarding.

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