As we count down the days to find out who this year’s award winners might be, let’s have a look at what some of the previous years' winners are up to now.
There are many things to look forward to at the annual Malaysia Tatler Ball – take your pick from everything between the gorgeous gowns or the fine dinner menu by Shangri-La Hotel KL.
One agenda not to be missed is the Malaysia Tatler Awards that recognises the top leaders of various industries, be it in businesss, style, philanthropy, arts or the flair to throw outstanding parties. It is something we have seen to since 1999 and something we will continue to do at this year’s ball.
As we count down the days to find out who this year’s award winners might be, let’s have a look at what some of the previous years' winners are up to now.
Tan Sri Francis Yeoh
This business tycoon largely credited for transforming YTL Corporation into the world-class entity it is today was awarded the ’10 Years at the Top’ award in 1999. Today, he continues to be spearhead the mega corporation while actively contributing to a sector he holds very close to his heart – the arts. Most recently, he donated 1 billion euros to the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma in Rome, Italy.
Michele Kwok
This vivacious executive director of the SOUL Society group was awarded the ‘Most Promising Young Woman’ award in 2001. True to the title, she went on to grow the group, through a lot of determination and hard work, into a major F&B powerhouse with husband Fred Choo. Today, the group doesn’t only own SOULed Out and WIP, but can also proudly call new establishments like Hubba Hubba and Tujo Bar-sserie its own. Her sons, Brian and Mark, are also in the business.
Dato’ Bernard Chandran
Malaysia’s King of Fashion was first recognised at our 2001 ball with the ‘Master of his Craft’ award. Fast forward a decade and some later and the master has exported his craft to the European shores, showing at various Fashion Weeks in the continent. Most recently, he premiered a new sporty Spring 2016 collection called ‘The Active Intellectual’ at Paris Fashion Week, the undisputed fashion capital of the world.
Elyna Effendi
The daughter of Tan Sri Mohd Effendi Norwawi was the winner of the ‘Most Promising Young Woman’ award in 2002. The title was well-deserving as she is today the executive director of the TV productions company FE2 Productions that brought in the likes of the Laureus World Sports Awards to Malaysia. She has also married the dashing Casmad Sanuri and, when she can, enjoys exploring far off destinations like Croatia with him and their 2 children.
Dato’ Sufian Majid and Datin Alissa Fitri
One meeting with this warm and genial couple and you’ll see why they totally deserved our ‘Most Entertaining Hosts’ award in 2002. This year, they celebrate close to 30 years of beautiful marriage and continue to be as fun to be around as they are loving with one another.
Lai Voon Hon
We saw through his quiet and compromising nature to recognise his potential for great things by awarding him the ‘Most Promising Young Man’ award back in 2004. Today, he lives up to his award in his role as the CEO of Ireka Development Management Sdn Bhd. He has also gone on to win a number of other awards including the Brand Laureate Great Entrepreneur Brand ICON Leadership Award.
Datuk Wira SM Faisal SM Nasimuddin
This motoring enthusiast was once the winner of our ‘Most Promising Young Man’ award back in 2006. Today, he has translated that passion for cars into his career by leading his late father’s automotive conglomerate, the Naza Group of Companies, as the joint group executive chairman.
Dato’ Rosemarie Wee
This woman with a heart of gold has always been on our radar when it comes to affairs pertaining helping less-fortunate children. She was awarded the ‘Bon Vivant’ award back in 2006 and her charitable drive has only continued to grow since. She continues to organise various fundraisers in her role as the area director of communications for Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur.
Datin Dian Lee
The eldest daughter of Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew was awarded our ‘Most Promising Young Woman’ award in 2007. She has also lived up vicariously to her title being not only the founder and managing director of Clearwater Group but also the co-founder of the BE Group that has a string of F&B establishments under its wing alongside the sophisticated BE Urban Wellness spa and fitness centre. Come November, the BE Group will also be bringing in Michelin-starred chef Jeff Ramsey to helm an all-new original restaurant in KL, Babe.
Dato’ Simon Foong and Datin Mina-Cheah Foong
Our ‘Most Gracious Hosts’ in 2009 continue to be the much welcomed company they are in any social setting. It is hard to find one without the other. Their two sons, Daryl and Dexter, have also inherited their warm congeniality. This year, Dato’ Simon and Datin Mina will be welcoming a daughter-in-law into the family when Daryl marries his long-time sweetheart Melissa.
Dato’ Farah Khan
This stylish and exuberant power figure behind the successful Melium Group was awarded our ‘Most Elegant Woman’ award back in 2009. She continues to exude unrivalled class and sophistication even at 60 years of age, an occasion she celebrated with a grand birthday celebration at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.
More from our Malaysia Tatler high society: Meet the social welfare leaders from our 300 List.