Carlsberg Malaysia has marked a historic milestone with the successful local production of ChongQing beer, becoming the first brewer to produce a homegrown Chinese beer brand outside China. The achievement attracted a delegation of prominent Chinese media to Kuala Lumpur to witness how one of China’s most recognised beer brands is expanding internationally through local brewing, while highlighting the growing influence of Chinese brands, cuisine and dining culture in Malaysia.
First brewed in Chongqing in 1958, ChongQing beer is one of China’s most recognised local beer brands, with nearly 70 years of brewing heritage shaped by the country’s vibrant culinary culture. As an iconic brand within Carlsberg China’s portfolio, it complements the evolving demands of Malaysia’s beer market. Carlsberg Malaysia also provides a strategic platform for the brand’s regional expansion. Together, these strengths support ChongQing beer’s growth beyond China, delivering a distinctive drinking experience while preserving its authentic Chinese heritage and origins.
Chinese media representatives tour Carlsberg Malaysia's brewery, witnessing first-hand the brewing process behind ChongQing beer's first overseas production.
With its signature light, refreshing and easy-drinking profile at 3.8% ABV, ChongQing beer is initially available in 490ml cans at 99 Speedmart outlets nationwide. The lager pairs perfectly with flavourful Chinese cuisine and shared dining occasions, making it a natural addition to Malaysia’s evolving food and beverage landscape.
ChongQing beer is now available at selected 99 Speedmart outlets nationwide as part of its initial launch in Malaysia.
“In recent years, Malaysian consumers have shown growing interest in Chinese brands and lifestyles. Consumption occasions such as hotpot and Chinese cuisine have become increasingly popular. The introduction of ChongQing beer into the Malaysian beer market not only provides consumers with more choices, but also enriches the experience of Chinese dining culture," Stefano Clini, Managing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia said during a media interview.
Stefano Clini, Managing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia, shares insights on ChongQing beer's historic milestone as the first Chinese local beer brand brewed outside China.
"As the first brewery in the world to produce ChongQing beer outside China, we are proud to combine our brewing craftsmanship, product innovation expertise, nationwide route-tomarket network to iconise ChongQing beer – being the first and only Chinese beer brewed in Malaysia," he elaborated.
The media delegation included representatives from prominent Chinese media organisations, such as People’s Daily Online Chongqing, Hualong Net, Upstream News, Chongqing Daily, Yicai, Western China International Communication Organization, Liangjiang TV, 21st Century Business Herald, National Business Daily and the Chongqing WeMedia Association.
Carlsberg Malaysia and Carlsberg China engage with leading Chinese media on ChongQing beer's regional expansion beyond its home market.
During the two-day visit, the media delegation gained first-hand insights into the brewing process, product innovation and market journey behind ChongQing beer’s first production outside China. Discussions focused on the brand’s expansion beyond its home market, alongside the growing popularity of Chinese cuisine in Malaysia. The delegation was particularly impressed by the investment that enabled ChongQing beer to progress from an export offering to local overseas production—marking a significant milestone in the regional growth of a homegrown Chinese brand.
From recipe alignment and brewing parameters to product specifications and quality assurance, every stage was carefully calibrated to ensure that ChongQing beer brewed in Malaysia retains the same refreshing, approachable profile that consumers have come to know and enjoy.
A key contributor to this milestone was Roger Li, Regional Sustainability Director at Carlsberg Asia and former Supply Chain Director of Carlsberg Malaysia. From August 2025 to June 2026, he played a pivotal role in facilitating technical alignment and knowledge transfer between the teams in China and Malaysia. With more than 20 years of experience in production and brewery management across Chongqing Brewery and Carlsberg China, Roger brought extensive expertise in brewing operations and quality management.
From left_ Xie Yi, VP Corporate Affairs, Carlsberg China; Roger Li, Regional Sustainability Director, Carlsberg Asia; Stefano Clini, Managing Director, Carlsberg Malaysia; and Pearl Lai, Corporate Affairs & Sustainabity
"Having started my brewing career in ChongQing, it is especially meaningful to see this iconic beer brewed in Malaysia while preserving ChongQing beer’s refreshing, smooth and easydrinking distinctive character that consumers have come know and enjoy. By brewing locally, ChongQing beer becomes more accessible to consumers while staying true to its distinctive character and quality,” said Roger.
Roger Li, Regional Sustainability Director, Carlsberg Asia, highlights the collaboration and expertise behind the successful local production of ChongQing beer in Malaysia.
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