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Message From the Founder:
Celebrating Our Journey to YAST 2.0…who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going As I sit down to pen this message, I can’t help but be overwhelmed with gratitude and joy as we celebrate a remarkable milestone—the 10th anniversary of YAST Group. A decade has passed, overflowing with experiences that have shaped who we are today. We have grown, evolved, and forged partnerships that resonate with our core ethos: passion, partnership, and progress. Reflecting on our ten-year journey, I find it fascinating how far we’ve come. YAST Group started as a spark of an idea—an aspiration to create an organization that serves as more than just a business. Our vision was to build a culture, a community, a robust ecosystem. The landscape of business and society has changed dramatically in the past decade, and so have we. We have transitioned from being a conventional company to a vibrant, dynamic entity—one that exists not just to provide services but to connect, enrich, and empower leaders for a better world. As we mark the momentous occasion of our 10th year on the journey of becoming, my heart is filled with gratitude for all those who have journeyed with me since the inception of YAST in 2015. I wish to express my sincere thankfulness to our dedicated stakeholders, partners, and friends who have believed in this vision from the very beginning. This journey has been more than a professional endeavour; it has been a collective manifestation of love, connection, and shared aspiration. From the depths of my being, I give glory to God for taking care of me, for guiding me through the challenges and triumphs that have paved our path. It is with profound humility that I reflect on this extraordinary adventure—the trials we have faced, the milestones we have achieved, and the lives we have touched together. YAST began as a platform for connection (YAST Group 1.0) but has continued to evolve. Today we stand on the verge of YAST 2.0, where our focus shifts to enrichment—with a long-term vision of empowerment in YAST 3.0. This journey has stewarded us towards a purpose—creating R.E.A.L. values through our leadership culture, nurturing genuine relationships that blossom into an ecosystem where innovation, empowerment, and compassion thrive. The Birth of YAST: A Moment of Divine Inspiration It has been a eureka moment! I recall and always will with awe that October 20, 2013 early morning in London, when the name “YAST” dawned on me. It was an instant of divine clarity, where dreams and aspirations converged into a singular vision. The four key words that encapsulate the spirit of YAST… Friendship (友), Love (爱), Growth Mindset (思维), and Uniqueness (独特)… came to life as I reflected on my journey. I realized that this vision was about so much more than me. It was about empowering humanity to harness their unique gifts for the greater good. The name “YAST” is a testament to this journey. It stands for “Your Esther”, serving as a reminder that our venture is built on the foundations of friendship, love, a growth mindset, and uniqueness… or, as we say in Mandarin, 友 爱 思 特 (Yǒu Ài Sī Tè). It all began in the early hours of that historic morning, 5 A.M. on the 20th of October 2013, in London. During the Anthony Robbins’ Business Mastery Workshop, I had the epiphany that sparked the creation of YAST. I realized that true fulfilment comes not just from our personal achievements but also from our ability to serve others with the talents and gifts we possess. The essence of YAST is encapsulated in four powerful words: Friendship (友), Love (爱), Positive Mindset (思维), and Uniqueness (独特). Each of these concepts represent not just values, but a vision of connection, enrichment, and empowerment—both individually and collectively. Friendship (友)For me, “True friendship isn’t just about being there for one another; it is about lifting each other up.” Friendship, at its core, is about connection. YAST Group thrives on building strong relationships, where members and communities support and uplift each other. It’s the nurturing of these bonds that fuels collaboration, creativity, and a sense of community. We all have unique talents, and together we can create a mosaic of strengths that enhances our collective efforts. It is in these friendships that we find the strength to dream larger, bigger, and work towards a common goal and purpose. Love (爱)My belief, “Love is the most potent force we can harness to inspire change.” At YAST Group, love is the foundation of our mission. It is the love for humanity, the love for God, for God’ creation, our planet, and the love for our craft that drives us. This passion ignites our purpose and reminds us that our work isn’t just about accomplishments; it is about making a positive impact in the lives of others. God teaches us that when we lead with love, we foster an environment where people feel safe, valued, and inspired to share their gifts. Growth Mindset (思维)I have learned, “A growth mindset is the key to unlocking our fullest potential.” In a world full of challenges, maintaining a growth mindset is essential. At YAST, we believe that every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise. This outlook not only fuels resilience but also inspires innovative thinking. By embracing a Growth Mindset, we empower ourselves and those around us to approach situations with optimism and creativity, enabling us to turn visions into reality—like the eureka moment that birthed YAST. Uniqueness (独特)I say, “Embrace your uniqueness; it is your superpower, a gift from God.” In a sea of conformity, YAST Group celebrates individuality. Each member contributes their unique gifts, perspectives, and talents, creating an enriching environment where diversity is cherished. Our uniqueness not only makes us stronger but also fosters innovation and creativity. By empowering everyone to shine in their authenticity, we can collectively make a more profound impact.
Reflecting on that moment in October 2013—a moment of divine clarity that catalyzed the formation of YAST—I realize that this isn’t just my journey. It is about all of US, coming together to harness our unique gifts for the greater good. It’s a vision filled with friendship, love, growth mindset, and uniqueness, reminding us that together, we can empower humanity. Throughout my entrepreneurial journey since 2005 – from Malaysia to China, the Middle East, and the United States – each step has shaped my understanding of what it means to lead a purpose-driven life. Being an intuitive painter, I perceive each venture as a unique masterpiece, deserving of care and creativity. YAST Group was born out of this faith and belief: we are a global brand that seeks to invest for prosperity, develop sustainable growth, and ultimately serve humanity. “I am your friend; I am your Esther” has been my guide, my calling, and a framework for PARTNERSHIP. With YAST, we aim to foster a global community where friendship and shared values create a powerful yet homely environment that allows us to elevate each other. YAST Group aims to be a caring environment for leaders who share common goals, cultural values, and systems, to co-create a breeding ground for young leaders and entrepreneurs equipped with the knowledge, connections, and resources they need to thrive in life.
The Evolution of YAST: Entering a New Era 18 August 2025 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for us as we transition into YAST Group 2.0. We’re not just focused on growth; we are all about making a meaningful impact in the world. The partnership journey has commenced since 2022, hand in hand with my first co-founder, Mr. Argenis Angulo. And on 17 July 2025, we welcomed to our ecosystem our second co-founder, Mr. Koh How Tze, adding fresh perspectives to our mission to connect, enrich and empower. Our focus in this new chapter is Globalization, Digitalization, and Capitalization, all the while building a symbiotic ecosystem that reflects our partnership solutions through investing, developing, and serving.
YAST Group 2.0, A New Vision and Mission YAST Group 2.0 is not merely an operational shift. Nay, it is a transformative initiative centred around our new vision and mission. We aspire to cultivate a culture of REAL LEADERSHIP. We believe we are not just a company, but a culture; not just an institution, but an ecosystem; not just an organization providing service, but a partnership offering solutions. Our “vision” encapsulates the essence of what we stand for: creating a dynamic symbiotic global ecosystem rooted in genuine LEADERSHIP. This vision is vital because it shapes our actions and our collective purpose. It calls us to go beyond conventional boundaries and to engage with diverse communities, creating spaces where knowledge, ideas, and resources are exchanged freely. The YAST 2.0 “mission” focuses on the CEE framework— Connect, Enrich, and Empower. This commitment drives everything we do. We believe that through connection, we foster collaboration. Through enrichment, we enhance capabilities. And through empowerment, we enable individuals to take charge of their destinies. Our mission is a promise—one that reflects our unwavering dedication to uplifting those who might otherwise feel disempowered.
Our Mission: The CEE framework Central to our mission is the CEE —Connect, Enrich, Empower. CONNECT: In an increasingly interconnected world, building connections is paramount. By facilitating interactions among individuals and communities, YAST cultivates a “learn, do and share” environment where ideas, knowledge, and resources flow freely. In this space, collaboration thrives, and authentic partnerships are born. ENRICH: Going beyond mere connection, YAST aims for real enrichment. We curate programs designed to equip leaders with the skills, knowledge, and experiences essential for their growth. By considering the unique contexts of varying communities, we create tailored opportunities that resonate with diverse needs. EMPOWER: The goal is empowerment. At YAST, we strive to create an inclusive environment where individuals feel inspired to take charge of their destinies. By providing effective resources and systems, we uplift those who may feel disenfranchised, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Our dedication to our R.E.A.L. values—Relationship, Empowerment, Attitude, and Leadership—remains steadfast as we embody the L.E.A.D.E.R.S.H.I.P. culture that guides us. Our universal principles empower us to create multiple avenues of impact, that integrates a framework grounded in the “3Z business integration model” ensuring that every facet of its operations is harmoniously aligned with the tenets of sustainability, resilience, and human responsibility. With our six-step Symbiosis Process, we aim to innovate, initiate, integrate, implement, invest, and provide the impetus for success, creating a symbiotic environment within our global ecosystem.
The Imperative of Symbiosis In a world fraught with rapid change, interdependence, and complexity, seeking a dynamic symbiotic ecosystem emerges as a cornerstone in addressing some of today’s pressing challenges. Our interconnected world demands collective action and collaborative efforts. YAST Group 2.0 is committed to fostering a culture of symbiosis—an environment where different stakeholders come together to progress, leveraging on our 6I Symbiosis Process, utilising resources, sharing knowledge, and creating holistic solutions that address social, environmental, and economic issues. Why is a dynamic symbiotic ecosystem so essential? For starters, the nature of global challenges— health crises, climate change, inequality…. —has made it clear that no single entity can solve these problems alone. They are multi-layered and interconnected. A collaborative symbiotic ecosystem allows us to pool our strengths, insights, and resources together, enabling us to navigate these complexities more effectively. Moreover, a thriving ecosystem draws its strength from diversity. Diverse background, especially from underrepresented groups, leads to more innovative and effective solutions. By encouraging inclusivity and fostering a culture where everyone contributes, we can develop comprehensive approaches to common challenges. In this spirit, YAST Group aims to prioritize authentic partnerships that respect and amplify diverse perspectives.
Building a Culture of REAL LEADERSHIP, a Sustainable Future Together YAST Group is more than a symbiotic ecosystem; it is a culture. It is an environment of leadership rooted in the principles of partnership as solution The essence of our approach is encapsulated in our B.E.U. Solution Concept, where we strive to provide Basic, Expected, and Unexpected Solutions, ensuring an exceptional experience for all involved. It is through this culture that we aim to inspire genuine leadership and create a ripple effect of positive and impactful growth in our communities. As we embrace YAST Group 2.0, we recognize that a rich culture is vital for sustainable victory. Culture shapes our identity, guides our attitude, dictates our behaviour, fuels innovations, and plays an instrumental role as solution, more than just a service. Within our ecosystem, the principles of RELATIONSHIP, EMPOWERMENT, ATTITUDE, and LEADERSHIP (REAL) will serve as core elements guiding our vision and mission.
RELATIONSHIP: Principled relationship is the heart of our organization. Building authentic connections establishes trust, partnership, and boundless possibilities for addressing pressing global issues. EMPOWERMENT: Our commitment to prudent empowerment ensures every member of our group feels capable and inspired. By offering support and resources, we nurture a culture where everyone can thrive. ATTITUDE: A positive attitude is contagious! We cultivate an environment that encourages optimism, resilience, and creativity, promoting innovative mindset that meets society’s diverse needs. LEADERSHIP: At YAST Group, pure leadership is about serving others and driving impactful change. Our culture emphasizes integrity, accountability, and ethical choices, fostering trust and transparency.
A Vision for Tomorrow Together, these elements will enhance our capabilities and strengthen the foundation of YAST Group 2.0, transforming not only individuals but global communities. As we step into this new chapter, my wish is for our YAST Group to continue to grow and inspire change in society. I pray that God will guide us in our endeavours and that He would bless even more all our stakeholders—our team members, partners, and supporters. May each of you find fulfilment in our growth and development, knowing that your contributions are pivotal in building a more prosperous and equitable future. To God be the glory for bringing us to this remarkable milestone. It is truly a joy to reflect on how far we have come, and I am equally excited about the tremendous possibilities ahead. As we march forward together, let us remember that LOVE is the foundation of our vision-mission. It fuels our passion, strengthens our partnerships, and propels us to progress as we remain rooted in our desire to create real value for humanity. I sum this up through these immortal words I hold close to my heart, “Leadership is Love in Action… an unwavering commitment to serve others and a journey to create value for all.” Thank you once again for being an integral part of this “Journey to BECOMING a SOLUTION!” Let this be our calling:
Let us continue to connect, enrich, and empower ourselves and others as we navigate the boundless possibilities of YAST Group 2.0, guided by deep LOVE and REAL LEADERSHIP. With a heart full of gratitude and a vision for a brighter now and future,
Your Esther
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Co-FounderARGENIS ANGULOCo-Founder of YAST GROUP 2.0 |
