A Conversation with Teoh and RWB MIYABI

The Interview: A Soul-to-Soul with RWB Kuala Lumpur

Q: Let’s start with the basics—who are you, and how does the community know you?
Teoh: Most people just know me as Teoh, and the one behind the wheel of RWB MIYABI.

Q: What was the "spark" that finally led you to RWB?
Teoh: I’ve always been into mechanical things, aesthetically as well as functionality of machines—be it in movies and toys. RWB came into the picture when my mates and I started looking into classic cars, cars that were "poster cars" that weren't accessible when we were kids. One day, a 911,964 variant came up, and we jumped on it. After driving it original for a while, I got bored of the "mild" look and wanted to enhance it. I’d seen Nakai-san’s work in magazines long before social media existed. I loved how he restomodded his own cars, and that’s when I decided to pursue the project.

Q: What’s the actual history of RWB MIYABI in Malaysia?
Teoh: Technically, our car was the 5th RWB in Malaysia, but we were the very first in Kuala Lumpur. Bringing that energy to the city for the first time was something special.

Q: Working with Akira Nakai is a "bucket list" moment for many. What is he actually like during a build?
Teoh: Nakai-san is a beast! He is the epitome of Japanese work culture and passion. When it’s build time, he is super serious and focused, but the moment he’s relaxing, he’s incredibly friendly. Nothing phases him. If there’s a roadblock, he doesn’t see it as a problem—it’s just a challenge to be solved. And more often than not, he solves it.

Q: What would you say is the most challenging part of the entire process?
Teoh: It’s actually the preparation. Even before the actual build happens, everything needs to be organized perfectly so that when Nakai-san gives you a date, you’re 100% ready. I always tell people to visit a build in progress first to familiarise themselves with the process. After that, it’s just about soaking it up and creating memories and lasting connections.

Q: RWB is a massive investment of time and resources. What keeps you committed?
Teoh: If you decide on an RWB, it means you really want it. The commitment is big, but it’s a journey. You have to enjoy that journey or it isn't worth it.

Q: What does MIYABI means to you?
Teoh: To me it’s a culmination of a shared passion for cars and friendships. memories of a lifetime that I am grateful to have been able to be part of.

Q: When you’re in the driver’s seat, is it a machine or a piece of art?
Teoh: It’s both. We built it to be driven. Nakai-san builds his cars to race and look good while doing it—we completely agree with that philosophy.

Q: How does it feel when you finally take it out on the road?
Teoh: It’s a mix of exhilaration, exhaustion, and pride! Exhilaration because it’s an RWB, exhaustion because it’s a visceral car—you feel everything—and pride because of the smiles and excitement you see from people who appreciate the craft.

Q: Having been in the scene for a decade, how has the RWB culture in Malaysia evolved?
Teoh: It’s changed a lot. During our build, social media was still in its infancy, so not many people really knew what was happening or got to see Nakai-san in action. Nowadays, RWB has become such an icon. People are constantly asking when he’ll be back.

Q: For the person reading this who dreams of their own build, what’s your best advice?
Teoh: Know why you want an RWB. It’s an extension of your own self-expression; you are the one deciding how it should be. Learn as much as you can about what it takes to own one. As the official partners for RWB in Malaysia, I’m here to be your guide through that whole journey.