“Yes, of course! It’s on me,” I replied.

Richiamo, ZUS, and He & She are among the coffee shops located on the main campus of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). I apologise if I have missed any others, especially those located within the residential colleges. Most of the time, we frequent He & She due to its strategic location, affordable prices, and spacious seating.

Coffee has become a phenomenon in Malaysia. I still remember my university days, many years ago, when it was difficult to find a coffee shop not only on campus, but even in nearby towns like Taman Universiti. Back then, our only option was traditional “kopi kampung,” not the gourmet coffees we enjoy today such as latte, cappuccino, and others. But times have changed. Today, coffee shops are everywhere, even on campus. It’s common to see students walking around with a cup of hot or iced coffee in hand. I recall a famous coffee brand once opened a branch in a mall in Taman Universiti, but it didn’t last long. Perhaps because gourmet coffee wasn’t as trendy then as it is now.

Caffeine has become the unsung hero that powers our daily routines. When consumed wisely, the caffeine in coffee offers several benefits. In the context of academic discussions, caffeine can enhance cognitive function and make conversations more productive. According to the American Medical Association (2024), low doses of caffeine may even help alleviate depression by stimulating dopamine, a chemical in the brain linked to motivation and pleasure. No wonder academic conversations feel livelier in coffee cafés as this relaxed environment can help both students and lecturers relieve stress and improve their mood.

According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2020), coffee is a complex mixture of over a thousand compounds that influence its taste and properties. Each cup we order from a coffee shop offers a unique experience, different from what we might brew at home. Factors such as bean variety, roasting methods, grind size, and preparation techniques all shape a coffee’s character. Interestingly, people also respond differently to caffeine. While low to moderate doses can boost energy and focus, excessive intake may lead to restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, or increased heart rate. Nonetheless, much of the research on coffee suggests it has overall health benefits.

I was once inspired by a professor who remarked that coffee has long been a passion among scholars. Over time, its role in academic life has deepened. He emphasized how coffee shops have become key spaces for thinking and writing. According to him, coffee often acts as a catalyst for intellectual work. Many students and lecturers see coffee cafés not just as places to drink coffee, but also as hubs for meaningful academic dialogue. He explained that coffee shops offer more than just caffeine and free Wi-Fi. They provide a stimulating social atmosphere that helps alleviate the pressure of intense academic work. In this way, cafés play a vital role in nurturing a culture of knowledge and collaboration among university communities.

Personally, I find that discussions about assignments or final year projects are more engaging when held in a coffee café. The environment inspires enthusiasm and energy. It’s uplifting to see others also immersed in discussion. Some studying alone, others in pairs, and some in groups like mine. The vibe is ‘alive’ in such settings.

Referring to the Ministry of Health Malaysia’s website, black coffee contains zero calories. However, coffee with sugar and low-fat milk contains approximately 109 kcal, with sweetened condensed milk around 113 kcal, and coffee with sugar and full cream milk about 144 kcal. As most of my undergraduate students are prospective teachers, I often advise them to limit their intake of sweetened coffee to avoid unnecessary weight gain. This is especially important because they are required to declare their Body Mass Index (BMI) when applying to the Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Pendidikan (SPP). I also remind them to balance their caffeine intake with enough plain water.

In conclusion, times have changed, and today’s generation enjoys engaging in academic conversations in coffee cafés. The coffee culture in Malaysia has flourished in recent years. As a coffee lover myself, I welcome the idea of having academic discussions over coffee with my students especially when it helps create a more relaxed and productive environment for learning and growth.

References:

American Medical Association. (2024). What doctors wish patients knew about the impact of caffeine. AMA.  Retrieved July 18, 2025, from https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/prevention-wellness/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-impact-caffeine

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2020). Coffee. The Nutrition Source. Retrieved July 18, 2025, from https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/food-features/coffee/

Associate Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim Abdullah
Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Source: UTM NewsHub