by Anishametra Saravanan 

It was a quiet morning at Level 8 when I caught up with YTL Power’s Director of Business Development, Gregory V. Gijsen (pronounced as “Guy-tsen”), over a cup of joe.  

“I have two more states, Alaska and Hawaii, to cover before I can say that I have visited all 50 states in the United States,” Gregory casually mentions upon our introduction. This personal quest for exploration that he seamlessly weaved into our conversation was a brief look into his adventurous spirit and drive to embark on a quest for the unknown. 

Gregory’s role at YTL Power involves steering the ship towards new horizons. “Our ventures extended to countries like India and Pakistan in search of opportunities. As our success in the Power sector unfolded, the doors opened for expansion beyond borders,” he states.

In 1982, he initially collaborated with the Dutch company Wilma as a joint partner alongside YTL to construct a 750-bed hospital in Terengganu. By 1992, he had become a full joint venture partner and since then, he has played a pivotal role in leading the organisation’s expansion beyond Malaysian borders.  

And here’s the kicker – his determination doesn’t clock out on weekends. 

“I’m here 7 days a week. The office is beautiful, and the best part? The air conditioning is off over the weekend!” he shares as he sums up his dedication and appreciation for the workplace. 

When asked if he has always had a knack for travel, Gregory let out a muffled laugh, followed by, ‘I don’t know, I guess you could say that.’ His reply was clearly an understatement given his extensive experience exploring many countries over the years.

Gregory’s global adventures, both personally and professionally, have shaped his perspective on life. It was evident from our conversation that he truly values the experiences he has gained, fostering international collaborations and appreciating diverse cultures across the globe.

Places like Vietnam and Bali, Indonesia, hold a special place in his heart, while his homeland, Holland, sees him only in the summertime. ‘Although I’ve been to China on work trips before, the three trips I’ve taken by train with my wife are the experiences I cherish dearly,’ he adds.

Here’s a snippet from his travel log, detailing his adventures over the years:

When reflecting on decades of change and how he copes with today’s drastic technological advancements, Gregory states, ‘Technology may have changed drastically over the years, making many processes more efficient and faster for people, but in principle, it hasn’t had much of an effect on me. I’ve been doing the same thing for the past 50 years – eat, sleep, work, travel, etc. It helps to stick to a routine that you know works best for you.’

His advice to the younger generation emphasises the importance of hard work and the pursuit of excellence. ‘If you don’t like to work, you won’t have a future,’ he says with frankness.

As he shared his experience of the many years he’s worked at YTL, Gregory graciously imparted his knowledge about the Yeoh family. He has been part of many joyous moments with the family, from weddings to celebrations. Humbly, he adds, “It’s an absolute honour to watch them grow over the years I’ve known them.”

In regard to achieving key milestones professionally, he humbly deflects credit, attributing the team’s success to a collective effort. His YTL journey began when the Dutch company he worked with ceased operations in Malaysia and Indonesia, leading him to seize the opportunity at YTL. Four decades later, he quips, “I hope they don’t send me home,” expressing his genuine sense of belonging to the YTL Family.

“It’s important to stay sharp,” he points out. The seriousness with which he takes this to heart became evident as he began listing out states and capitals across the United States, India, and other parts of the world. His keen awareness of the YTL community was further demonstrated as he mentioned his ability to recall everyone’s names on his office floor, including their birthdays.

Gregory on his recent trip to Sydney, Australia for New Year’s

Beyond the office and boardroom, Gregory finds balance amidst his busy schedule through exercise by dedicating an hour to swimming and another to working out daily. “I’m currently 40+++ years old and I hope to add another ‘+’ to my age,” he jests about belonging to the Silent Generation.  It’s clear his positive outlook on life and keen interest in staying fit resonate with his belief that what matters most is what one does with the time given. 

As a man of action and wisdom, Gregory V. Gijsen exemplifies the spirit of YTL, embodying dedication, humility, and a commitment to continuous growth. His achievements and optimism are not just a testament to his journey but an inspiration for us all. In a world where time is fleeting, Gregory teaches us that every moment counts – a lesson worth remembering as we navigate our own paths to success and fulfilment.