Moses Chan Returns to Hong Kong to Reopen Coffee Shop

When actor Moses Chan opened a coffee shop in Malaysia last year, he hoped to turn his passion for coffee into a viable business. But just months later, the venture closed — leaving behind lessons, losses, and a determination to try again.

Chan’s Malaysian café shut down after less than a year. While he didn’t disclose the exact amount, industry sources estimate the loss at over HK$100,000. Despite the setback, he remains committed to opening another shop, likely in Hong Kong, within the next one to two years.

A Failed First Attempt in Malaysia

In April last year, Moses Chan partnered with friends to open a coffee shop in Malaysia. The goal was to expand his involvement in the coffee industry. However, the business didn’t make it through its first year. Chan acknowledged the closure matter-of-factly, stating, "No big deal. That’s how business with partners goes. It was my first time, and I learned a lot."

He declined to specify the financial loss but admitted it was significant. Sources close to the project suggest the shortfall exceeded HK$100,000. For Chan, though, the numbers weren’t the main takeaway.

Lessons Learned: Why the Shop Closed

"I’ve absorbed some experience," Chan said. "If you don’t put in the effort, you won’t see results. I believe you have to do things yourself to get real outcomes. You can’t manage everything remotely — you need to know every step."

His comments reflect a hands-on philosophy. Chan doesn’t believe in delegating the core work. He sees coffee shop ownership as something that requires full engagement, not just financial backing or high-level oversight.

Turning Failure into Fuel

Despite the loss, Chan’s enthusiasm for coffee hasn’t dimmed. "My passion for coffee is only growing," he said. "I’m focused on quality and want to raise it to the highest level."

That commitment extends beyond the shop. Chan is currently hosting a new season of the TVB show Taste of Coffee, which premiered on Sunday nights. For the series, he travelled to Guyana, Brazil, Vietnam, and Australia — all major coffee-producing regions.

Coffee Adventures Across Continents

The show took Chan to some of the world’s most renowned — and challenging — coffee origins. In Brazil, particularly Rio de Janeiro, he faced safety concerns. "The production team hired armed guards for our protection," he revealed. "Most coffee-growing countries are still developing nations, and local tourism advisories warn about risks. But we didn’t encounter any problems."

Beyond safety, the trips allowed Chan to bring back green coffee beans for roasting experiments back in Hong Kong. His travels weren’t just promotional — they were research-focused, aimed at deepening his understanding of global coffee profiles.

What’s Next: A Hong Kong Comeback

Chan hasn’t given up on the café dream. He plans to secure a location in Hong Kong and aims to reopen within the next 12 to 24 months. "I’m more determined than ever," he said. "The setback in Malaysia was just part of the learning curve."

With a clear focus on quality and firsthand involvement, Chan’s next café could reflect the lessons learned from his first attempt abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did Moses Chan open his first coffee shop?

Moses Chan opened his first coffee shop in Malaysia in April last year, in a joint venture with friends. The shop aimed to expand his involvement in the specialty coffee business.

Why did the coffee shop in Malaysia close?

The café in Malaysia closed after less than a year. While the exact reasons weren’t disclosed, Chan mentioned it was his first business venture and that he gained valuable experience from the process.

How much money did Moses Chan lose in the failed café?

Chan did not reveal the precise amount, but industry sources estimate the loss at over HK$100,000. He acknowledged it was a significant sum but focused on the lessons rather than the financial setback.

What is Moses Chan planning next?

Chan plans to open a new coffee shop in Hong Kong within the next one to two years. He remains committed to the idea and wants to be more hands-on in the next venture.

Did Moses Chan learn anything from the failed business?

Yes. Chan emphasised that he learned the importance of personal involvement, stating that you must do things yourself to achieve real results and that remote management doesn’t work in hospitality.

What countries did Moses Chan visit for his coffee show?

For the new season of Taste of Coffee, Chan travelled to Guyana, Brazil, Vietnam, and Australia. He also went to Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, where security concerns led to armed guards being hired for the production crew.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee Exploration

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