by Anishametra Saravanan
Registration
The annual YTL Leadership Conference, or better known as its moniker, LEAD, was held on 9th November 2022 at Sentul’s KL Performing Arts Centre (klpac). After two years of virtual LEAD Conferences, it was good to see participants connecting and networking with one another in a physical setting. This year’s turnout recorded over 500 participants from different companies all across YTL Group as they listened to experts speak on global trends, business management and contemplated what it meant for the Group to embark on new business opportunities.
Executive Chairman’s Address
The conference was officiated with the annual opening address by Tan Sri (Sir) Francis Yeoh, Executive Chairman of YTL. With how fast the world is changing, Tan Sri Francis’ speech addressed how issues can present new ways of thinking which could lead to new innovative opportunities. As an example, he spoke of Henry Ford, the founder of the American multinational automobile manufacturer, Ford Motor Company as well as American lumber industrialist William E. Boeing, founder of The Boeing Company. Without their ingenuity and bravery to learn by trial and error, the world of automobile may have never achieved such greatness. Tan Sri Francis reaffirmed that in YTL, it is about embracing these moments of uncertainty as it creates more room for us to grow, transform and be of help to our society and nation.
Keynote Addresses & Seminars
Tan Sri Francis’ speech was followed by a keynote address by CK Chim, Field Chief Security Office, APAC of Cybereason. Titled ‘The State of Cyberattack and Beyond’, Chim covered what can be expected when global cyber threats turn into reality, especially when so much information and resources are stored online and protecting data in this day and age is more crucial than ever. The keynote ended with a short cybersecurity presentation by YTL Communications’ Executive Director, Jacob Yeoh.
The second keynote address of the day was by Gobi Partners’ Co-Founder and Chairman, Thomas Tsao. With the most interconnected Pan-Asian venture capital firm with US$1.5 billion in assets under management across North Asia, South Asia and ASEAN, Tsao shared his valuable insights into emerging trends in China and how companies within the region are capitalising on these trends. By the end of the second keynote address, participants were headed to their respective seminar sessions, held in multiple venues within klpac. In between breaks, attendees of LEAD had the opportunity to visit various booths across the venue such as Yes, Cybersecurity, FrogAsia, a Book Exchange Booth, What LEADS Me (an interactive visual installation for participants to explore what they think of ‘Leadership’), Letter to Myself, YTL Official Merchandise and an exciting photobooth which displayed colourful lights, following this year’s theme of prisms.
The third keynote address was presented by Chan Zi Xiang, Co-founder of Langit Collective in which he shared his journey of bridging the urban-rural divide through economic empowerment initiatives. With his session titled ‘Discover Indigenous Malaysia’, participants were able to get a glimpse of Malaysia’s hidden gem through the speaker’s journey of social entrepreneurship bridging the remote hinterlands, its communities and the urban market. The fourth and final keynote address of the day was made by Boston Consulting Group’s Principal, Isaac Tan. With his keynote titled ‘Winning the Digital Banking Battle’, Isaac talked about how digital banking is rapidly reshaping the financial services landscape globally. Although the local markets can be big, attractive, and ripe for growth, they are not easy to crack and he shared his views on what it takes to win in the digital banking battle.
BTRT Awards & Directors’ Panel
The Directors’ Panel, the highlight of every LEAD, was held towards the end of the day and it was moderated by John Ng, CEO of YTL Power Seraya as well as Ruth Jefferson, Executive Director and Group General Counsel of Wessex Water. It was enlightening to hear the Directors advice to the new generation of YTL employees as well as their thoughtful response to tackling complacency which is known to end great legacies. The panel was then followed by the much-anticipated announcement of this year’s BTRT Award Winners as listed below;
- Ruslan Anwar Mohd Saleh, Head of Safety of YTL Construction
- Chan Oi Li, Account Executive of YTL Corporation
- Bernard Leong, Head of Business Architecture of FrogAsia
- Woon Wei Li, Head of Department, Leasing and Special Project of YTL Land
- The YTL Learning Academy of YTL Construction
Managing Director’s Closing Remarks
The eventful day drew to a conclusion when Managing Director, Dato Yeoh Siok Kian gave his closing remarks. LEAD 2022 marked its end with a dinner and After Party celebration at Sentul’s Pavilion. With many Lucky Draw prizes up for grabs, the night ended on a good note as many participants won their share of attractive prizes such as luxurious hotel stays, a 55” TV and many more.
Stay tuned for LEAD 2022 videos over the next few months!
Here’s a glimpse of LEAD 2022:
