In 2025, Green Stone Coffee Academy hosted its first Lunar New Year alumni gathering in a seminar-style format, bringing together students from different years and training programs.
The event was designed to create opportunities for our students and alumni to connect, exchange experiences, and learn from those who have continued their coffee journey beyond the classroom.
We invited award-winning alumni to share their experiences in coffee roasting competitions, as well as café owners and coffee entrepreneurs to discuss the realities of building and managing a coffee business.
Through these conversations, we hoped to give students who are considering starting their own coffee brand, café, or professional coffee career greater confidence and a more realistic understanding of the journey ahead.
Four Green Stone alumni were invited to share their experiences in competition, brand development, and café management.
Simon Hsu｜Coffee Roasting Competition Champion
A graduate of Green Stone Coffee Academy’s SCA Roasting Certification Program, Simon shared his competition experience, preparation process, and insights gained from competing as a coffee roaster.
Mark Shih｜Coffee Roasting Competition Runner-Up
A graduate of Green Stone’s Practical Roasting Program and L2 Brewing Program, Mark shared his competition journey and how continuous practical training helped him develop his coffee skills.
Blues Chen｜Founder of Mr. Dou-Dou Coffee Brand
After completing six advanced Green Stone practical programs from L2 to L3, Blues shared his experience in developing his own coffee brand and operating a community-based coffee business.
Bo-Hsiang Wang｜CozySunday Coffee
A graduate of Green Stone’s L2 Practical Brewing Program, Bo-Hsiang shared his experience managing a takeaway coffee shop and discussed the practical considerations involved in daily café operations.
At Green Stone Coffee Academy, we believe coffee education does not end when a course is completed.
Students may begin with roasting, brewing, or professional certification, but their journey can continue into competitions, coffee brands, café entrepreneurship, professional development, and lifelong learning.
By bringing together students from different generations, we hope experienced alumni can share what they have learned with newer students, while those just beginning their journey can see different possibilities for their own future in coffee.
The 2025 Lunar New Year Gathering represented an important step in building this ongoing Green Stone coffee learning community—a place where students can continue to connect, exchange ideas, and grow together.
