Nearly 400 guests filled the grand ballroom of the newly reopened Regent hotel on 11 February 2023 to witness the launch of the inaugural issue of Robb Report Hong Kong’s Best of the Best.
It was the first black-tie, by-invitation-only gala of the year in Hong Kong, attended by captains of industry, the heads of several notable blue-chip companies, designer houses, and celebrities.
Part of the international network of the Robb Report family under the global Penske Media Corporation media empire, representatives from PMC and Robb Report Thailand, Singapore, and Japan also attended the event to witness the unveiling of the first glossy 300-page issue created by the publishing team in Hong Kong.
As guests trickled into the venue, all were greeted by 10 dream cars studded around the circular driveway of the iconic venue. Contenders for Car of the Year, a signature feature of Robb Report, these automobiles comprised collector’s items and recent models, with guests posing in front of their favourite sedans and sports cars—a tacit vote of approval for the slick and stunning vehicles.
Ladies in gowns and tuxedo-clad gents walked up the famed marble steps of the Regent, where a champagne reception greeted them on the mezzanine floor before the gala dinner. In fine fashion, the evening kicked off with an introductory video followed by a live message from Tak Man, publisher of Robb Report Hong Kong, as he invited the VIP guests to pick up the inaugural edition of Best of the Best and join the RR1 membership programme, the first of its kind outside of the US.
Multiple courses, created by the award-winning chefs of the hotel, were served between live performances, a fireside chat, and a few stunning revelations, including the announcement of a partnership formed between MGM China and Robb Report Hong Kong. Indeed, it’s official: Robb Report Hong Kong will pair up with MGM China and host notable events in Macau, including Culinary Masters, Best of the Best, and other RR1 Signature Events at its grand venues.
The night was not short of celebrity sightings both Asian and Western. Locally renowned performer Gin Lee took the stage to belt out her hits, and famed television personality and motor enthusiast Chris Harris, host of BBC’s Top Gear, answered questions volleyed at him by host Tak Man and Alain Li, a leader in luxury and notable car collector.
An exciting charity auction, hosted by Sotheby’s, was held on the night. On the block and gavel, up for grabs was an opportunity to race with Harris himself via three racing simulators installed by the stage. After a barrage of rapid-fire bids, a considerable six-figure cheque was raised for a worthy cause, Caring for Bristol, a charity that helps those at risk of homelessness. After a trial run, the auction winner led an exciting neck-and-neck race as the crowds cheered for the home team. All in good fun, Harris was beaten by a fraction.
By the time DJ Heman spun the decks to cap off the event in the wee hours of the night, many had to take off their designer shoes to cut a rug and eventually make their way home after hours of fun and festivities.
And this is only the beginning… Watch this space as Robb Report Hong Kong announces upcoming events for the year 2023.
