13th Feb, 2026 – The ASEAN Sarawak Business & Economic Forum 2026 recently concluded at the Hilton Hotel Kuching, marking a pivotal moment for regional economic integration. Organized by the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, the forum centered on the theme: “From Strategy to Scale: Competing in a Fragmented Global Economy.”
As a Strategic Partner, YAST Group played a cornerstone role in these high-level discussions, aligning with policymakers and global investors to navigate the complexities of the modern economic landscape.
The forum was officially opened by The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari, Premier of Sarawak. His keynote address set a decisive tone for the Sarawak’s 13th Malaysia Plan period, emphasizing a regional shift from policy formulation to aggressive implementation and measurable scalability.
The highlight of the evening was the prestigious award presentation, where YAST Group was honored with the ASEAN Business Excellence Award. The accolade was received by Mr. Argenis Angulo, Co-Founder of YAST Group.
“We are deeply grateful for this recognition. This award is a testament to our mission to Connect, Enrich, and Empower (CEE) communities. Guided by our L.E.A.D.E.R.S.H.I.P. culture and H.E.A.R.T.S. model, we strive to create an ecosystem where innovation and humanity thrive together.”
YAST Group’s commitment to excellence extends through its global network. Several distinguished partners and guests were also recognized for their outstanding contributions to their respective industries:
| Awardee | Organization | Award Category |
| Ms. Jia Mei Cheng | Chengdu Orange Light Universe Tech | ASEAN CEO Icon Leadership Award |
| Mr. Jiang Wei | China Submarine Cable Construction (CSCC) | ASEAN Innovation Excellence Award |
| Mr. Antonio Jose Moschella Gonzalez | Lukiven Business Group | ASEAN Outstanding Entrepreneur Award |
| Dato Dr Jeniri Bin Amir | Sarawak Tribune & Suara Sarawak | ASEAN CEO Icon Leadership Award |
| Mr. Hallman Bin Sabri | Sarawak Skills | ASEAN Human Resource Leadership Award |
Beyond accolades, YAST Group was at the forefront of the forum’s technical discourse. Madam Esther Law Lee Poh moderated the high-stakes session: “Business Leadership in AI, Green, and Digital Transformation.”
The panel addressed the critical realities of deploying emerging technologies under capital constraints and regulatory shifts. Key takeaways included:
Operational Discipline: Transitioning from digital experimentation to commercially viable AI models.
Sustainability: Balancing rising energy demands from digital infrastructure with urgent climate policy.
Human Capital: Equipping the ASEAN workforce to lead in a technology-driven economy.
In a moment of significant thought leadership, Madam Esther Law Lee Poh, Chairlady of YAST Group, officially released her 4th book during the opening ceremony.
Presenting the inaugural copy of the book Life Senses to the Premier, Madam Esther reaffirmed YAST Group’s commitment to knowledge sharing and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
Through its strategic involvement in the ASEAN Sarawak Business & Economic Forum 2026, YAST Group has solidified its position as a catalyst for “REAL Leadership.”
We remain dedicated to bridging the gap between public policy and private sector execution, ensuring that the businesses and communities we touch are prepared to compete and succeed on a global scale.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the KSI Strategic Institute, our global partners, and the Sarawak government for a successful and transformative forum.
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