A Sanctuary for the Soul

At night, Kuala Lumpur transforms into a blaze of futuristic light. The heat of the tropical night clings to the skin here at the base of the Petronas Towers, soaring like sculptures into the sky. Here in the heart of it all is Derrick Lim, a radiant smile on his face and his right hand placed on his chest. This Malaysian greeting is a symbol of respect – expressed not only with your hand, but also with your heart, and perfectly embodied by Derrick Lim. He’s here with his 911 GT3 RS (991) in Lizard Green, which blends seamlessly with the city’s nighttime color scheme. It’s just one of the vehicles in his spectacular collection, which we’ll have the opportunity to get acquainted with over the next few days.

Though brief, this evening’s get-together is important to Derrick Lim, as Kuala Lumpur’s nighttime skyline is just too beautiful to miss. We need to enjoy it at least once in the 911 before we accompany Lim and his family on a special outing in the coming days.

The next morning, we meet up with Lim in Desa ParkCity in northwestern Kuala Lumpur, a family-friendly area with a beautiful landscape, lush greenery, parks, and lakes, where the Lims live on a magnificent estate, with three Porsche models always parked out front. “We are a Porsche family,” says Derrick Lim with a smile. Though it sounds like an exaggeration, he means it literally. “We make purchasing decisions together.” His 38-year-old wife, Caryn, a dentist; his brother and business partner, Darrell; and his daughters six-year-old Sarah and five-year-old Sania are always involved. Even his parents, Amah and Atuk, have a voice in the family structure. One-year-old Safia alone will have to wait a few years to make any suggestions. “This makes our family unique,” says Lim. “In fact, my daughters are responsible for naming the cars.” The 911 GT3 RS (992) was christened the “Whale,” the 911 Dakar (992) the “Camping Car,” and the 911 Sport Classic (992) simply the “Family Car.” The family currently owns 12 Porsche, half of which remain in Kuala Lumpur. The other half is housed on the island of Langkawi off the western coast of Malaysia.

Derrick Lim has been closely linked to the brand since 2008 and, soon after joining Porsche Club Malaysia, was elected its President. Milestones under his leadership include convoys of up to 320 Porsche vehicles through the heart of Kuala Lumpur, parades on the Sepang International Circuit, long-distance road trips covering more than 2,000 kilometers, the founding of several clubs in the region, and drives organized for orphaned children – all of them centered around the community experience. As many as 60 activities can be held in a single calendar year. Despite his unwavering passion for Porsche, Lim stepped down in his role as President last year. But as a lifetime member, he is part of the brand’s GT Circle and still takes part in club events with his family.

For Lim, Porsche is so much more than just pure passion. “Sports cars are social vehicles,” he explains. “They can bring people together and spark unimagined joy.” Even his first Porsche was something of a community project. “I bought it with my brother, Darrell, in 2007,” he says. “For me, driving a Porsche has always been a ‘we.’” He also manages his mining company with his brother – the family is ever-present.

Derrick Lim begins his day with an iced coffee in Desa ParkCity. The dynamic topography of the Malaysian capital is the perfect complement to his way of life. While his job keeps him on the move much of the time, he enjoys spending his days off with his wife and children or recharging his batteries at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club. “The rhythm of golf gives me the same quiet focus I find on a back road in a Porsche,” he says. While his Cayenne and Macan models serve as spacious family vehicles in Kuala Lumpur, the two-door models strut their stuff on the island of Langkawi, where the family can often be found enjoying the sports cars and time together. Today is one of those days. With the weekend just getting started, the Lims get ready to escape the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur.

The journey begins with the shuttle to the garage and then continues in the sports cars. With the rain falling, the horizon opens up to the sound of the windshield wipers. What follows is a perfectly orchestrated ritual: gas station stop, coffee break, radio contact, and more importantly driving excitement as a shared experience. The five sports cars wind their way through the rainforest.

For lunch, the travel group makes a stop at the restaurant of the Datai Langkawi luxury hotel on the northwestern tip of the island. Amah and Atuk take a seat at their usual spot on the terrace. Conversations about favorite Porsche models mix with the sound of children laughing. “We come here precisely for these moments,” says Lim. “There’s nothing better than sharing your passion with your loved ones.”

“Langkawi offers us a slower pace,” says Derrick Lim at the end of the day. “My happiest moments are always here with my family. And sometimes alone in my sports car.”