Place water into a medium Pyrex bowl and select 100% power and dial up 2 minutes; press START button

Stir in brown sugar and star anise. Return to microwave oven and select 50% power and dial up 2 minutes; press START button. Stir until sugar has dissolved

Return again to microwave oven and select 100% power and dial up 10 minutes, Press START button

Pause cook cycle and stir every 2 minutes, until syrup is reduced and thickens (makes approx. 1/2 cup). Discard star anise. Set aside to cool

Meanwhile place 2 litres of cold water in a large Pyrex bowl. Select 100% power and dial up 10 minutes. Press START button. Remove and stir in tapioca

Return to microwave and select 80% power and dial up 15 minutes. Press START button. Pause cycle and stir every 3 minutes, until tapioca turns translucent. Careful bowl might be hot

Rinse tapioca well with cold water over a sieve. Stir through coconut milk and spoon into 8 ramekins (125ml capacity). Serve warm or cold with star anise syrup