THE 14th edition of Art of Speed (AOS 2025) thundered into the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) from 26 to 27 July, captivating thousands of automotive enthusiasts and reaffirming its place as Malaysia’s definitive celebration of custom culture. This year’s event offered more than just a car show; it delivered a full-spectrum lifestyle experience, infused with international energy and homegrown talent.
Global Icons in Attendance
This year’s AOS drew renowned guests from around the globe, lending weight to its growing international stature. Among them were Shige Suganuma and Hiro “Wildman” Ishii from Japan’s legendary MOONEYES, Hot Wheels designer Brendon Vetuskey from the United States, and motorcycle builder Yuichi Yoshizawa from Custom Works Zon, Japan. Notable contributors also included Australia’s Mark Hawwa of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, Indonesia’s SixtySick Paintlab collective, and prominent media partners like Pipeburn, Vibes Magazine, and 645 Magazine.
A New Gateway into Speed Culture
Visitors were greeted by a reimagined AOS gateway, an all-LED display that lit up the venue with vivid animations and set the stage for the weekend’s high-octane festivities. It quickly became a social media sensation and symbolised AOS’s bold evolution while preserving its grassroots ethos.
Celebrating Automotive Unity Across Borders
The “Beetle Battle” programme, led by Denny Kusumah of the Volkswagen Beetle Club Indonesia, served as a shining example of international camaraderie, showcasing Beetles from various Southeast Asian nations and strengthening regional friendships through automotive passion.
Small-Scale Legends with Hot Wheels
In Hall C, the 3rd Official Hot Wheels Collectors Convention Malaysia offered a haven for die-cast collectors. Activities included a rare collectables exhibition, a swap-and-sell marketplace, custom competitions, and the unveiling of Southeast Asia’s first left- and right-facing pair of convention cars, with design insights provided by Brendon Vetuskey himself.
Festival of Movement, Music and Machines
AOS 2025 also featured large-scale gatherings from clubs such as Alfa Romeo Owners Club Malaysia (AROCM), Porsche Owners Club, and local K-Car communities. Two-wheeled culture was on full display at Roda Rumble 2025, supported by Retro Mania, while food lovers enjoyed open-air dining at Medan Selera and coffee delights at Payung Kopi. The ever-popular Moto4Sale brought the motorcycle marketplace into the heart of the event, complemented by outdoor test rides from major brands including Royal Enfield, Vespa, and Triumph.
SoundCircus Electrifies Hall A
Music took centre stage at the SoundCircus Takeover in Hall A, where diverse acts such as Noh Salleh & Restore Iboe, Ruffedge, and Romantic Echoes led a vibrant lineup. Up-and-coming performers like Iqbal M, Chronicalz, and Langkawi Dub Club SoundSystem added fresh energy, transforming the space into a pulsating arena of rhythm and rebellion.
Road to Yokohama: AOS Champions Invited to Japan
The pinnacle accolade—Best of Show—was awarded to Shaun Pinto’s 1965 Volkswagen Beetle and Omar Jumiran’s Honda CB 175cc ‘Eastern Bobber’ motorcycle. Both winners earned invitations as Guests of Honour to the prestigious 33rd Annual MOONEYES Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show 2025.
Top Honours and Special Picks
Awards spanned a wide range of categories, recognising exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and presentation. Among the standout winners were:
Best Marketplace: Abah & Sons
Best Display Car: Toyota Hilux (Nedree)
Best Display Motorcycle: Harley-Davidson Shovelhead by Mutohead
Best of Lowrider: Ubai (12″–20″ class), Izzat (24″+ class)
Best Paint: Mitsubishi Evo9 Wagon by Pok Him
Best JDM Pre-1998: Hakosuka by Amin
Best of VW Air-Cooled: Shaun Pinto
Best Livery Design: Imran BK Auto Art (Merc W123)
Best Fabrication: Chevy Kitty (Bangkok)
Motorcycle Glory
The motorcycle segment celebrated a diverse array of builds, from choppers and café racers to scooters and retro Japanese bikes. Noteworthy winners included:
Best of Chopper Above 401cc: Mutohead (Shedi)
Best of Café Racer Below 400cc: Shahnaz Faqeha
Best of Scooter Fever – Modern: Bike Empire 96
Best Tank Design: Din Cheaptrills
Best Livery Design: Carazee Artwork
Partner Picks and Industry Acknowledgement
Major partners and brands such as Mattel, Harley-Davidson Malaysia, Royal Enfield, Petronas Lubricants, and IGL Coatings also presented their own curated awards, recognising vehicles and individuals that exemplified excellence in engineering, styling, and innovation. Notable picks included:
Isuzu MUX by Brighten Performance (Mattel)
Liberty Walk Silvia (No Equal)
GTR 42 Hakosuka (IGL Coatings)
VW Beetle by Shaun Pinto (Tarmac Works)
Harley Hausboom (Harley-Davidson Malaysia)
Future-Forward with Heritage at Heart
Art of Speed 2025 proved once more that Malaysian custom culture is not only thriving—it’s evolving. With expanded global participation, next-level creativity, and a bold spirit of unity, AOS continues to inspire a new generation of builders, collectors, and dreamers. Whether through lowriders or lambrettas, soundscapes or showcars, AOS remains the beating heart of Southeast Asia’s automotive subculture.
