The Ferrari Owners' Club Malaysia Gala Dinner: A Decade United By The Cavallino Rampante

Towards the end of 2023, the Ferrari Owners’ Club Malaysia (FOCM) threw a gala dinner to commemorate the club turning 10, a milestone in the club’s ongoing journey. The gala, held at Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur, was also significant in that it was also an opportunity for many out-of-town FOCM members to visit the newly inaugurated Ferrari Malaysia showroom by the marque’s official importer and dealer Ital Auto Malaysia, located just downstairs of the Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur. In here, the guests who turned up could cast their eyes on the striking Ferrari Purosangue, the first four-door offering from Maranello as well as the recently unveiled Roma Spider.
Upstairs, the scene was set with the foyer abuzz with activity and many luxury references including French perfumers Henry Jacques, Italian leather maestros Poltrona Frau, Spanish high porcelain artists Lladro, Danish audio specialists Bang & Olufsen and the unmistakable scent of coffee from Italian coffee machine manufacturers De Longhi. To keep spirits high were Telmont champagne as well as Johnnie Walker Blue Label Scotch whisky as guests took their turns to marvel at the array of luxury showcases, as well as striking a pose for the 360-degree camera, many of them dressed to the theme of The Great Gatsby.
Before long, emcee Nadia Heng announced the arrival of His Excellency Massimo Rustico, the ambassador of Italy to Malaysia accompanied by FOCM President Abu Rizal Bakri Dato’ Sulaiman and the Executive Director of Ital Auto Malaysia Zahir Kelvin Ong Abdullah. In his opening remarks, FOCM President Abu Rizal offered his heartfelt gratitude to FOCM members who continued to portray the spirit of fellowship and supported each other through thick and thin, and always showing strong participation at the club’s philanthropic activities, with financial contribution as well as their time, automobiles and willing dedication towards these events. “Tonight’s gala dinner, celebrating a significant anniversary in FOCM’s history, is only possible because we can all come together in solidarity.”
Throughout the night, a joyful air resonated among the 400-plus guests at the Grand Ballroom of Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur as they were serenaded by the soaring vocals of songbird Jeryl Lee, recent winner of China’s reality singing TV show The Next 2023. In between, guests were regaled by the past videos of FOCM activities including the many memorable drives which took place in the preceding years.
Arriving at one of the highlights of the evening, the always anticipated auction threw up some spectacular limited edition and piece unique gifts; a Lladro porcelain dragon numbered 288, a vanity number plate bearing FF296 and an FOCM-customised Louis XIII Jeroboam complete with a trip-of-a-lifetime to visit the home of Louis XIII in Cognac. Excitement reached a fever pitch as the emcee Nadia Heng, together with the gala dinner’s organising committee chairman Datuk Abu Bakar Fikri Dato’ Sulaiman and past FOCM president Datuk Tan Su Cheng oversaw the intense bidding with the entire room held in thrall of the high stakes.
With the winners finally declared, lots hammered down and lucky raffle winners announced, it was time to party to the high-energy performance of Malaysian hip-hop artist Namewee who delighted the crowd with his signature tongue-in-cheek lyrics and crowd favourites which had the whole room on their feet. The evening would draw to a close to the up-tempo beats of DJ Rachel B, a fitting finale to the 10-year journey of the Ferrari Owners’ Club Malaysia.
Photography: Momenz Creation
Videography: Momenz Creation
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