Malaysia’s premier custom culture event, Art of Speed, returns in 2025 with its biggest edition yet – blending high-octane automotive showcases, cutting-edge streetwear, global guests, and live music into one unmissable lifestyle festival at MAEPS, Serdang.
Malaysia’s custom culture giant shifts into high gear
IF you’ve ever attended an Art of Speed (AOS) press conference, you’ll know exactly what to expect: a packed crowd of mostly male media, good vibes, and plenty of food for those who arrive hungry. This year’s launch did not disappoint. Hosted at a larger venue, the event featured a wave of exciting announcements from AOS founder Asep Ahmad Iskandar, setting the stage for what promises to be the biggest AOS yet.
Returning to its home turf at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park, Serdang (MAEPS), Art of Speed 2025 is scheduled for 26-27 July, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, under the vibrant theme ‘Kustom Ada Gaya’ – a celebration of custom culture, personal style, and all things creative.
With 452,084 square feet of indoor space and 320 acres outdoors, this year’s AOS is shaping up to be a full-blown lifestyle festival. Expect high-octane automotive showcases, streetwear launches, art exhibitions, live music, and global guests – all in one jam-packed weekend.
Fashion, culture and street style collabs
The Sunburst Tribe fashion show is taking place in Hall D this year. We were given a sneak peek of the runway show, which was among the highlights of the press preview. Edgy, urban, and fresh, the show spotlighted new streetwear collaborations including the highly anticipated Art of Speed x Hot Wheels collection and the nostalgic revival of Fung Keong shoes. Once a local staple from the 1920s to the ’90s, the brand is making a bold comeback with an updated silhouette.
Then there’s Art of Speed x High Cultured (Malaysia), Art of Speed x XOCKS, and Art of Speed x MOONEYES, which is commemorating 10 years of collaboration.
“We are thrilled to continue hosting the Official Hot Wheels Collectors Convention Malaysia for the third year running,” said Asep Ahmad Iskandar, Festival Director.
“Hot Wheels has been part of Art of Speed since the beginning. It’s a brand that truly resonates with our community.”
Here’s what visitors can look forward to this year:
- World of Wheels (WOW) presented by MotorTakaful.com: a special Show & Shine showcase in Hall A
- Professional Photo Studios: curated by NoEqual.co, offering premium indoor motorcycle and outdoor car photography (Note: outdoor studio closed during car club parades)
- Third Official Hot Wheels Collectors Convention Malaysia (HWCCM): featuring the first-ever left- and right-facing pair of Southeast Asian convention cars
- Collectible Alley (Hall C): a new section for curated vendors specialising in diecast models and memorabilia
- Beetle Battle: a cross-border collaboration with the Volkswagen Beetle Club Indonesia, promoting camaraderie between Southeast Asian car enthusiasts
- Car Club Gathering: now expanded to Laman Tiba and the Hall A parking lot
- Revamped AOS Entrance Arch: redesigned as this year’s iconic photo opportunity
Global guests and VIP appearances
AOS 2025 will host an impressive line-up of international custom culture leaders, including:
- Shige Suganuma, Hiro “Wildman” Ishii, and Hey Murakamii – MOONEYES Japan
- Brendon Vetuskey – Hot Wheels Designer, USA
- Darren McKeag – McKeag Art, USA
- Mark Hawwa – The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, Australia
- Yuichi Yoshizawa – Custom Works Zon, Japan
- Masa Sugihara – Luck MC, Japan
- Ben Forster – Benflathead, Australia
- Scott Johnson – Pipeburn, Australia
Additional guests from StanceNation, AmeriFest, Wicked Wallop, Kustomstyle Japan, MOONEYES Bangkok, and more from across the Asia-Pacific region.
Custom machines to watch
Motorcycle lovers, take note: three standout custom builds will be on display:
- Yuichi Yoshizawa’s BMW R18 “Ground 0” – built in 2023 to celebrate BMW Motorrad’s 100th anniversary
- Masa Sugihara’s Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Chopper – known for its sleek, minimalist styling
- Ben Forster’s Custom Harley-Davidson Flathead – making its Malaysian debut
- These masterful machines showcase craftsmanship at its finest – not to be missed.
SoundCircus Takeover: Music with an edge
Get ready to vibe at SoundCircus Takeover 2025, featuring a bold music line-up that blends indie, rock, and street culture sounds.
Held indoors at Hall A from 2 pm to 7 pm, this all-weekend music experience is family-friendly – although parents are advised to supervise young attendees.
The Kembara Passport Challenge
New this year is the Visitor Passport: complete simple tasks at six brand booths to collect stamps and stand a chance to spin the Wheel of Speed. Prizes include overseas trips to events in Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and beyond.
Grand finale: A sneak peek of what’s rolling out
The press conference closed with a dramatic reveal of two Porsche cars flanking the entrance of Dewan Berjaya at Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort, setting the tone for this year’s limited-edition toy car release – inspired by one of the classic models on display.
Art of Speed 2025 is more than just an event. It’s a cultural movement – a celebration of creativity, self-expression, and the spirit of custom in every form. Whether you’re a collector, gearhead, fashion fan, or music lover, this is one lifestyle weekend you won’t want to miss.
