YTL's Francis Yeoh reflects on the principles behind a legacy of success

 By Sharen Kaur

Published in New Straits Times, January 29, 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: As YTL Corp Bhd marks its 71st anniversary,executive chairman Tan Sri Francis Yeoh Sock Ping reflected on the vision, perseverance and humility that have built the conglomerate's enduring success over the decades.

Speaking after receiving the World Outstanding Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award at the London School of Economics (LSE) recently, Yeoh described entrepreneurship as a calling rooted in values that have guided YTL's growth over decades.

He said the award, presented at an institution he holds "dear and in high esteem", offered an opportunity to share the principles that underpin YTL's journey and the lessons he has learnt in building a global business.

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At the core of entrepreneurship, Yeoh said, is vision coupled with a clear sense of purpose. Entrepreneurs, he noted, are often "blessed to see what others cannot yet see", guided by faith and conviction to pursue opportunities before they are widely recognised. Vision, he said, provides direction and draws like-minded individuals together.

"Together we can imagine a better future and commit to building it," Yeoh told Business Times.

Yeoh also emphasised the importance of a relentless work ethic, noting that success compounds through sustained effort over long periods. Challenges, he said, should not be viewed as obstacles but as problems to be resolved through discipline and persistence.

Perseverance, he added, is equally vital. Often, the most significant breakthroughs arrive just after a period of sustained difficulty.

Yeoh, drawing strength from his beliefs, emphasized that entrepreneurs must weather hardships with optimism, staying resolute even when times are tough.

Integrity and character, he said, form the foundation of enduring success. "True greatness rests on trust." "Reputation is an invisible asset yet it is the most valuable tangible asset," he said.

Customer-centred thinking is another key pillar of YTL's philosophy. Yeoh said the group places deep emphasis on serving people, finding joy in understanding customer needs and fulfilment when customers are most satisfied.

On adaptability, Yeoh noted that markets and technologies evolve rapidly, and winners are those who learn and adapt quickly. He cited YTL's AI-powered Ryt Bank as an example of intuitive, customer-focused innovation that has driven strong adoption.

"So its popularity is not a surprise. We are ever hungry to learn and we thirst to improve continuously."

Long-term thinking, Yeoh said, has also been central to YTL's approach. Rather than focusing on short-term outcomes, the group builds for decades, striving to do the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, without compromising enduring values.

He also highlighted the importance of an ownership mentality, where leaders take responsibility rather than deflecting blame. "We do not pass the buck. The ubiquitous blame culture destroys growth and confidence," Yeoh said.

Discipline and focus, Yeoh added, are what ultimately separate ideas from execution. While ideas are abundant, success depends on the ability to prioritise and concentrate on what truly matters.

Above all, Yeoh underscored humility as a defining trait of leadership. Despite achievements or recognition, he said leaders must remain learners and stewards, acknowledging that success ultimately comes from divine providence.

"We are not self-centred. We are humble, knowing full well we have plenty to be humble about," he said.

The award, Yeoh added, is not only a personal milestone but also a reminder of the values that continue to guide YTL's journey – faith, service and a commitment to building for the long term.

Yeoh received the award from Datuk Zakri Jaafar, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to the United Kingdom.

Tan Sri Francis Yeoh Sock Ping. File Photo