LAUNCH OF ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL DIAMOND BALLROOM

KEE@FSWMAG.COM


The Expat Group’s CEO Mr. J. Andrew Davison hosted a cool party to officially launch the city’s new luxury lifestyle magazine, Essential Kuala Lumpur.  

Bruce Hawker of Open Media, Minister of Federal Territories and Urban Well-Being Raja Nong Chik Zainal Abidin and Andrew Davison of The Expat Group

Antoine Bakache does an impressive back flip without falling
Only the Minister of Federal Territories and Urban Well-Being Raja Nong Chik Zainal Abidin was given the honour of cutting the ribbon. Either that or someone forgot to supply enough scissors!

Andrew Davison picks up the rosette

The Minister of Federal Territories and Urban Well-Being holding the rosette for a photo opportunity

Congratulations all round!

Andrew Davison and Raja Nong Chik the VIP guest
Richard Latsch, Amee Philips and Andrew Philips

Kee Hua Chee and Johan Putra the great grandson of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj our first Prime Minister

Published in conjunction with Europe-based Open Media, Essential Kuala Lumpur has been created as a magazine of unique style and quality to reflect the very best the city has to offer and showcase it to an international and multi-cultural audience. Beamed Davison who many remember as AMEX's top gun in Malaysia for many years, "We believe this publication will reflect Malaysia’s objective to make Kuala Lumpur one of the world’s top 20 global cities." Very true.

This prestigious launch was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel KL's Diamond Ballroom, with delicious canapés, fine wines, and additional refreshment and entertainment that will include a fashion show by Bill Keith and jewellery show by Mouawad.

The Guest of Honour was Raja Nong Chik Datuk Zainal Abidin the Minister of Federal Territories and Urban Well-Being who commended Andrew Davison for positioning KL as one of the world's Top 20 Cities. He congratulated Essential KL, The Expat Group and Open Media for coming to Malaysia after Essential Macau and Essential London.

In his speech, Andrew Davison recalled 40 years ago when he first came to Asia, he was working in Manila and his friend in Kuala Lumpur. "Then I was glad I was working in Manila. But for the past 3 decades I was glad I was working in Kuala Lumpur!"

It was a cocktail party with nice wine and food but no chairs to sit though you could lean on tall hors d'oeuvres tables.  Ladies in killer heels had to go outside to sit on sofas in the foyer and even the Minister had to stand though he never complained. I was in flats so I was fine. 

A simple ribbon cutting ceremony launched the party followed by a fashion show featuring Bill Keith's party dresses and bling from Mouwad.

Gorgeous couple Diyana and hubby Johan Putra

Diyana and Johan Putra

Kee Hua Chee the Maximalist and Diyana quite the Minimalist

Amee Philips, Andrew Philips and friends

The most gorgeous couple in KL; Richard Lastch and Amee Philips

The finalists of Miss Malaysia Universe

Another lookee does no harmee

Datin Angie (second from left) from Van Cleef & Arpels and friends

Datin Angie of Van Cleef & Arpels and friends




After Andrew Davison's speech came Bruce Hawker's welcome note

Meanwhile, these two continued to pose

Amee Philips and Richard Latsch

Antoine Bakache of Mouwad covers his groin tightly as he leans backwards just in case something pops out

The Minister of Federal Territories and Urban Well-Being giving his speech

Bob Hawker and Raja Nong Chik

Adilah Sainer of Facets Jewellery

BELOW ARE MODELS IN MOUWAD








BELOW ARE MODELS IN BILL KEITH COUTURE






Stunners in red

Feels like Chinese New Year, so auspicious they look!


Juliana Tan


Juliana Tan and daughter and friends

Hot chicks