18 April 2017:  The International Magicians Society (IMS) – recognised as the world’s largest magic society by the Guinness Book of World Records – recently presented Vision Four Media Group Founder and Chief Executive Dato’ Steve Day with a prestigious Merlin Award for Exceptional Showmanship and Outstanding Contribution to Magic.

Illusionist Mahdi Moudini, Vision Four Media Group Founder and Chief Executive Dato’ Steve Day and IMS Founder and World President Tony Hassini

Mr Hassini presenting the award to Dato’ Steve

The Vision Four Founder also recently gained his Doctor of Magic Degree from the Society after completing the extensive Magic Academy studies and exams.

Invited to the special surprise party were some of KL’s most prominent faces who greeted the unsuspecting recipient as he entered the doors under the illusion of attending a launch party for the newly opened Italian restaurant.

The latest venture from Cavaliere Modesto Marini, the homely ambience of Modi & Rosa served as the perfect platform for a night of celebration.

Multiple Merlin Award winner Criss Angel delivers a special congratulatory message via video while Mr Hassini and Dato’ Steve look on

A magical evening to celebrate exceptional showmanship.

There to present the award in person was IMS Founder and World President Tony Hassini who worked with Dato’ Steve on a grand illusion for the 2013 MIGF Awards and Celebration party, where Dato’ Steve welcomed the crowd while seemingly levitating in mid-air.

Also present on the evening was the enigmatic Mahdi Moudini, recipient of five Merlin Awards, and IMS Ambassador to Malaysia. The Iranian illusionist has performed around the world, wowing crowds with a blend of close up  sleight of hand and mental magic.

Created by the IMS to promote magic and magicians to the public, Merlin Award winners are chosen based on talent, showmanship, originality, skills and the rare ability to entertain under any conditions.

This is certainly true of the always-game Dato’ Steve, who has performed numerous magic tricks and illusions over the years.

Previous winners of the Merlin Award include Harry Blackstone, Doug Henning, Criss Angel, Channing Pollack, Siegfried & Roy, Penn & Teller, David Copperfield, Lu Chen, Luis de Matos and Rocco Silano.