Kuala Lumpur, 14 February – The Sapura & Kencana Petroleum Red Ribbon GP Ball 2012, the most prestigious event of the year, will bring together F1 teams and drivers as well as international celebrities for an evening of top class hospitality and entertainment.

In collaboration with Sepang International Circuit, the event will kick off the Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysia Grand Prix 2012 weekend in style at the Grand Ballroom, Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, 22 March 2012. The title sponsor of this ball is Sapura Group and Kencana Petroleum Berhad. Richard Mille is the co-sponsor.

Approximately 600 guests are expected to attend this glamorous affair under the patronage of YABhg Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of the Malaysian Prime Minister who is also the patron of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation. Amongst the VIPs expected to grace this event are YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, cabinet ministers, captains of industry, F1 team principals and drivers as well as local and international stars of the film, fashion and music industry led by Camilla Belle, Adrien Brody and Owen Wilson.

Being homegrown Malaysian entities with a global footprint, both Sapura Group and Kencana Petroleum Berhad are keen on expanding their CSR reach to make a difference in the communities they operate in, both locally and internationally. With this collaboration, both organisations are honoured to extend their current social initiatives in this global movement through a collective contribution to the Red Ribbon Grand Prix Gala 2012 which supports Malaysian AIDS Foundation and Global Poverty Project.

In addition to supporting this event, Richard Mille has created a special edition of the RM 030 Automatic watch to mark the occasion. Housing a Declutch able Rotor which took Richard Mille four years to develop and design, the 15 Limited Edition RM 030 watches cases are in 18k red gold and titanium with red accents on the crown, hands and interior flange. Each celebration timepiece will be individually numbered and engraved with ‘Malaysia Grand Prix 2012’ on the back bezel.

The Ball will be an exclusive vehicle for networking and interaction for those attending the event. Malaysia’s very own Dayang Nurfaizah will entertain alongside an international artist, whilst guests enjoy a cocktail reception and gourmet dinner amidst a spectacular and unique setting.

Besides being the highlight of our celebrations and festivities during the F1 week, this charity ball will also help raise funds for Malaysian AIDS Foundation and Global Poverty Project. The celebrities in attendance have also agreed to support this noble cause by contributing items to be auctioned off by representatives from Christie’s during the evening.

The event will be supported by ASTRO as the official media partner and Malaysia TATLER as the official magazine. Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur is the official venue hosting the event and providing luxurious accommodation for the celebrities throughout their stay in Kuala Lumpur.

The Star will also provide support and coverage for the ball, while Razak Ahmad and his team at Flora Etc have agreed to sponsor the ballroom decor.

Tables of 10 are priced at RM35,000, RM50,000, RM100,000 & RM200, 000. For purchasers of the RM 200,000 tables, one of the six Hollywood AAA-list movie stars and their partner will be seated at these tables during the evening. Purchasers of the RM 100,000 and RM 200,000 tables will also be invited to a private meet and greet session with these stars.

Proceeds from the table sales will benefit the Malaysian AIDS Foundation and Global Poverty Project. For enquiries, please contact Mr Alan How (Malaysian AIDS Foundation) at 03-4045 1033 or email [email protected]