The Red Ribbon Gala 2006 A Night of Glitz and Glamour,
Benefit and Awards Presentation

Kuala Lumpur, 5 November 2006 – This year’s Red Ribbon Gala recreated the glitz and glamour of a five-star benefit with the fantastic theme “Fire and Ice”. Deemed one of Malaysia’s most eventful fundraisers, the Gala once again spelt top class fine dining, entertainment and superb company.

The Malaysian AIDS Foundation and Malaysian AIDS Council, in pursuit of outstanding commitment to the cause of HIV/AIDS and excellent journalistic flair in disseminating information on education and prevention on HIV/AIDS, presented the Dr. Siti Hasmah Award (DSHA) 2006 and the DaimlerChrysler Red Ribbon Media Awards (RRMA) respectively during the Gala held at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur.

Nurse Jubaidah Bee Bt. Nagoor Pitchay of Penang General Hospital was presented with the Dr. Siti Hasmah Award (DSHA) 2006 by YABhg. Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Hj Mohd Ali for her outstanding contribution and long term commitment in addressing HIV/AIDS in Malaysia. The Award consists of a DSHA trophy sponsored by Chopard and a cash prize of RM5,000 and certificate of excellence from the Malaysian AIDS Foundation.

In addition, seven media representatives were recognized with the DaimlerChrysler Red Ribbon Media Awards (DCRRMA) for exemplary work in educating the public on the issue of HIV/AIDS.

The winners were presented with a trophy, RM2,500 and a certificate of excellence and will also be on their way to a10-day field trip to South Africa sponsored by DaimlerChrysler Malaysia, the wholesale distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Malaysia. (RRMA Winners List as attached)

“I would like to congratulate each winner, whose work and contributions have impacted in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Malaysia,” said Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, Chair of the Red Ribbon Gala Organising Committee.

The Red Ribbon Gala, MAF’s most celebrated biennial charity effort, was graced by Guest-of-Honour YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Patron of MAF YABhg Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor. Among many notable personalities included former Prime Minister YABhg. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and wife, YABhg. Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd. Ali, Dato’ Frank Steinleitner, Former President and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Malaysia, Mr. Peter Honegg, President and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Malaysia, Mr. Rolf Knuschel, Executive Director of Chopard Geneva, Ms. Florence Fang, Managing Director of Malaysia Tatler, Mr. Jonas Schuermann, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, and many more.

In addition, the evening witnessed a spectacular fashion show by Malaysia’s Prince of Fashion and international designer Dato’ Bernard Chandran in collaboration with Chopard modeled by stunning socialites including Datin Mastisa Mohamed, Datin Norzieta Zakaria, Puan Sharmaine Farouk, Datin Lisa Teoh, Tengku Asra Tengku Azlan, Puan Asha Hashim, YM Putri Astrini, Puan Shivaanya Tirathai, Datin Mary Chandran and their children who took the catwalk with much grace and composure. The show also guest-starred Malaysia’s newly-married songbird Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza who sang a song at the finale of the show.

The Gala’s lively auction session, hosted by Ms Lim Meng Hong of Christie’s Auction House also saw several bidders leaving the Gala satisfied, having outbid other interested parties, with their newfound treasures - a stunning men’s watch and a ladies’ diamond pendant by Chopard, a Mercedes Benz R350 car and a song each sung by YAB Dato’ Sri Najib and YABhg Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah.

“We are grateful for the great support we received from our corporate sponsors and donors especially our Platinum sponsors including PETRONAS, YTL Corporation Berhad and Berjaya Corporation Berhad as well as the media to make this event a success. The funds raised this evening will go towards MAF’s Grantmaking Programme, the Circle of Hope, which amongst others includes the Paediatric AIDS Fund, the People Living with HIV/AIDS Drug Assistance Scheme and the People Living with HIV/AIDS Business Assistance Scheme,” Datin Paduka Marina added.

The Red Ribbon Gala 2006 is made possible with the support of principal sponsors like Chopard Malaysia, Bernard Chandran, DaimlerChrysler Malaysia, Malaysia Tatler, Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur. The Red Ribbon Gala is known for its classy, elegant and interesting programme line-up. Held four times since its introduction in 1996, the Red Ribbon Gala has brought together world-class chefs, trunk fashion shows from the world’s top designers and world-renowned performers. The Red Ribbon Gala has raised over RM6 million for HIV/AIDS programmes in Malaysia.

For more information, please contact tel: +603 4045 1033 or fax your enquiries at +603 4043 9723 or e-mail at maf@mac.org.my.