by Guisela Chiarella
Federico Asaro, an Italian-born entrepreneur residing in Malaysia, has achieved what he calls the fulfillment of a lifelong dream: a journey home by motorcycle from Kuala Lumpur to his native Trieste. Asaro, who left Italy for Asia as a child in 1978, has spent decades abroad building a successful career in hospitality, but never severed his connection to the Italian city where he was born.
Today, Asaro is the owner of several luxury hotels, resorts, and dining establishments across Southeast Asia, operating primarily in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. He has earned a reputation for excellence, collecting numerous accolades for the quality of his services, including the prestigious Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards. Despite his professional achievements, Asaro remained committed to a personal goal: to return to Trieste by motorcycle, the city that had stayed close to his heart throughout his years abroad.
Last summer, Asaro embarked on an ambitious 26,000-kilometer ride across multiple continents. His route took him through the diverse landscapes of Southeast Asia, China, Central Asia, Iran, and Turkey. However, an accident in Istanbul cut his journey short, forcing him into urgent medical care and a grueling rehabilitation process that necessitated a return to Malaysia.
Undeterred by the setback, Asaro resumed his trip earlier this year, setting off once more from Istanbul. But instead of taking the direct path through the Balkans to Italy, he veered north to the remote Arctic wilderness of Norway’s North Cape, adding thousands of kilometers to his already arduous journey. From there, he descended southwards through Europe, finally arriving in Trieste earlier this week.
Standing in the iconic Piazza Unità, surrounded by friends and family, Asaro reflected on his journey, describing it as a pursuit of “the pure pleasure of travel.” His motorcycle, worn by the miles, was parked beside him. He plans to stay in Italy for a month before flying back to Malaysia, where he continues to live and work. His motorcycle will remain in Trieste, a symbolic gesture, as Asaro sets his sights on an even bolder adventure next year: a return trip to Malaysia by a new, unexplored route.
For Asaro, the journey isn’t about reaching the destination, but rather the joy of the open road and the sense of connection that spans continents. “I’ll be back on the bike next year,” he said with a smile, “and I’ll take a different way home.”
