Car customisation draws female enthusiasts and fans

Ester Unggun poses for a photo with her customised Proton Saga at the auto show.

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Dec 10: Customising and modifying a car is not only a pastime for men, but some women as well, says 25-year-old Iban businesswoman Ester Unggun.

Esther said she loves seeing slick, customised cars, and having one of her own has boosted her confidence in everything she does, especially when driving on the road.

She is one of a few women seen among the some 300 participants taking part in Wisma Saberkas Bad Angel Autoshow Gathering 2023 Series held at the commercial centre over the weekend.

Ester revealed that she drove a few hundred kilometres from Kapit to Kuching so she could join such activities which she has been fascinated by since a young age.

She added it was three years ago she took her first step to join in such activities by joining auto group shows and events organised by Saga Kenyalang Community (SKC) and Syndicate (Street.Ride) in Kuching.

“I feel that if the men could do such activities, why not the women? It is not just about customising and modifying cars, but you learn about technical and performance aspects, and overall mechanisms.

“This is how I pass my time—a hobby I want to do now. It is also not only for social networking but to tell people about my food and beverage business,” she told DayakDaily.

Ester said she started her auto group named ‘Static Queen’, and recently spent RM4,000 to customise her car’s tyre rims and interior, as well as lower springs. She hoped that when people see what she has done to her car, it will inspire positivity.

“This could also help car accessory shops to get some business, and (give) car owners (ideas) on how they can customise their car,” she added.

Auto enthusiasts at the event.

Ester said she hoped to expand her business horizons and go into the car accessory business as well as help those who want to customise their cars in terms of music players and sound systems, body kit work, suspension, exhaust and maybe even engines.

She said her husband encourages her interest, and they are always looking for innovative ideas to make their vehicle look more eye-catching to passersby.

“That is what you do if you want to customise your car and we hope more women will join such activities and learn about auto accessories and cars too,” she said. — DayakDaily