Francis Yeoh March 6, 2010
Posted by Han in : Personality , trackbackI have found the recent interview between Tan Sri Francis Yeoh, YTL Group Managing Director with the readers of ‘The Star’ published on 9 Jan 2010 very encouraging. As a businessman and devout Christian, Tan Sri Francis Yeoh has inspired and touched many people in this country and around the world.
A profile of Tan Sri Francis Yeoh, trained as a Civil Engineer, Tan Sri Francis took over the running of his family’s company in 1988 and grew it into a business conglomerate comprising of six listed companies, with a combined market capitalisation of over RM38 billion (USD10.5 billion). YTL owns and manages regulated utilities and other infrastructural assets, serving 10 million customers in three continents.
Ranked by both Fortune Magazine and Business Week Magazine as one of Asia’s 25 Most Powerful and Influential Business Personalities, Tan Sri Francis has won many business awards. He was Ernst and Young’s Master Entrepreneur in Malaysia and CNBC’s Malaysia CEO of the Year. Most recently, Asiamoney named him one of Asia’s Top Executives 2008.
Question: What is your advice to young Malaysians who aspire to become successful entrepreneurs in this era of booming information technology and borderless world? – Benson Ting, KL
To be successful in any given moment, the fundamentals have to be right. I always say, master the three languages first. The language of God – integrity and long term perspectives; the language of Man – ability to articulate a vision and inspire confidence; and the language of Machine – ability to innovate with technology and skill-sets.
Once the DNA is correct, excel in what you are good at. Then be smart in coming up with cool products and services that people actually need or want, like the iPod or Facebook. Why force onto the market what no one wants? By all means, capitalise on the Internet. Use it wisely to brand and accelerate the exposure of what you could offer, especially in Asia.
But make sure you deliver – on time! Finally, timing! Be ready to work your socks off to build a solid business. Quick fixes do not get anyone far. Just look at the mess in the global economy today.
Question: As a wealthy entrepreneur, how do you wish to contribute to your countryman? There’s a perception that the group doesn’t contribute enough to the hard-core poor or the sick. Is that true? – Jennie Lai, Johor
Helping the poor and the sick is more than corporate social responsibility or moral obligation. It is a biblical command which I obey diligently. I believe in giving sacrificially and I deplore tokenism and boastfulness. However, I also observe Jesus’ teachings that “when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and (God) your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
Philanthropy should not be boastfully paraded. I can accept the premise that high-profile corporate philanthropy could help promote a particular cause or campaign, such as the environment. And YTL has been pushing the green agenda not only within the entire group, but also by actively supporting campaigns and charities.
Question: What do you value most, and why? Bulbir Singh, Seremban
I treasure my daily quiet hours spent reading, praying and in reflection. Everything comes from my Maker, from Whom I derive joy, insight and strength. Without my Lord, I am nothing! I am also a family man who loves his family to bits. I treasure the time spent with my wonderful children, my parents, my siblings and their families. Of course, I also give time to my friends.
Life is very short. The richness of one’s relationships is what defines him or her. Not wealth, not knowledge, not fame!
Question: As a devout Christian, how do you keep yourself righteous from unethical business practices, especially in the construction field? – Mong, Sunway
Given YTL’s long term perspectives on our business interests, we cannot do without credibility. Otherwise, we would certainly have failed in buying public utility assets abroad like Britain’s Wessex Water or Singapore’s Power Seraya. My point is this – in business and in life, integrity and trust are priceless! Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
There are principled folks in the business world, in the construction industry and not least, in governments. Our preference is always to work with them. Having honest partners spares us many headaches. We know we can trust them to be transparent, as well as to uphold our values.
If I mention some of their names, you would instantly recognise them as those already advocating and upholding moral leadership in their own spheres of influence. To avoid being in “compromising positions,” we do not go into certain businesses – even if the money is good. And whenever we do pursue new ventures and investments, I do openly inform our potential clients and partners of our values and ethics. But always only after the most stringent due diligence. Finally, we find places to invest and operate in where transparency is promoted and the rule of law upheld.
Question: What is the one big personal goal you would like to achieve in 2010? – Sunita, KL
My personal goal is always to walk in the footsteps of God. Whether in 2009, 2010 or God willing, in 2050!
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