YAST Group Honoured with ASEAN Business Excellence Award at ASEAN Sarawak Business & Economic Forum 2026

YAST Group’s Strategic Partnership and Recognition at the ASEAN Sarawak Business & Economic Forum 2026

YAST Group participated as a Strategic Partner in the ASEAN Sarawak Business & Economic Forum 2026, organised by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, on 12 February 2026 at the Hilton Hotel Kuching. Convened under the theme From Strategy to Scale: Competing in a Fragmented Global Economy, the forum brought together policymakers, investors, and business leaders to address execution-driven economic and business realities within an increasingly fragmented global environment.

The forum commenced with an opening keynote delivered by The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari, Premier of Sarawak, and was held at the beginning of Sarawak’s 13th Malaysia Plan period, reflecting a regional shift from policy formulation toward implementation, scalability, and measurable outcomes.

During the opening ceremony, in addition to the awards presentation, YAST Group’s Chairlady, Madam Esther Law Lee Poh, also released her 4th book, presenting it to the Premier of Sarawak, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari. The book release marked a significant milestone in her ongoing commitment to thought leadership and knowledge sharing.

The opening ceremony also featured an award presentation recognising global leaders and organisations for their contributions to business excellence, innovation, and leadership. During the ceremony, YAST Group was honoured with the ASEAN Business Excellence Award, presented to Mr. Argenis Angulo, Co-Founder of YAST Group.

In addition, distinguished guests of YAST Group were recognised for their leadership and innovation:

• Ms. Jia Mei Cheng, CEO of Chengdu Orange Light Universe Technology Development Co., Ltd, received the ASEAN CEO Icon Leadership Award

• Mr. Jiang Wei, President of China Submarine Cable Construction Co. Ltd (CSCC), received the ASEAN Innovation Excellence Award

• Mr. Antonio Jose Moschella Gonzalez, President of Lukiven Business Group, received the ASEAN Outstanding Entrepreneur Award, represented by Mr. Argenis Angulo

• Dato Dr Jeniri Bin Amir, CEO of Sarawak Tribune and Suara Sarawak, received the ASEAN CEO Icon Leadership Award

• Mr. Hallman Bin Sabri, Executive Director of Sarawak Skills, received the ASEAN Human Resource Leadership Award

As part of its strategic partnership, YAST Group supported the forum’s objective of aligning public and private sector perspectives on energy transition, industrial competitiveness, development financing, and climate policy under real economic and geopolitical constraints. These discussions reflected the changing conditions facing ASEAN economies, including tighter capital markets, strategic technology controls, and rising energy demands driven by artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.

Following the opening ceremony, YAST Group’s Founder and Chairlady, Madam Esther Law Lee Poh, played a key role in the forum by moderating the second topic of the forum, Business Leadership in AI, Green, and Digital Transformation. The session focused on how businesses are deploying AI, digital systems, and green technologies under constraints related to capital, regulation, talent, and market access, with emphasis placed on commercial decision-making, operating models, and investment discipline.

Aligned with its mission to Connect, Enrich, and Empower, YAST Group continues to foster meaningful collaborations, create opportunities for leadership development, and support innovative solutions across ASEAN and Sarawak. Through initiatives such as its strategic partnership with the ASEAN Sarawak Business & Economic Forum 2026, YAST exemplifies its commitment to cultivating REAL Leadership, enabling communities and businesses to thrive in a complex, competitive, and rapidly evolving global economy.

Read more on:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CARarE9t6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FHjKyvAzg/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://suarasarawak.my/penyulut-orang-gawa-perintah-dibasa/

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/186mbZ7UBN/

YAST Group Co-Founder, Mr. Argenis Angulo presented Human Duties at the Fifteenth Summit of the Global Forum on Migration and Development

Riohacha, La Guajira, Colombia — From September 2 to 4, 2025, the city of Riohacha hosted the XV Summit of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD), an international meeting that brought together representatives of governments, multilateral organizations, civil society, and academia to analyze migration as a driver of sustainable development.

In this context, our YAST Group Co-Founder, Mr. Argenis Angulo — 2022 World President of Junior Chamber International (JCI), international speaker, and leadership coach — was invited as a special guest to deliver the keynote lecture entitled “Human Duties and Their Impact on Development and Migration Governance.”

During his presentation, Mr. Angulo emphasized that while Human Rights have long been the foundation of migration policies, it is urgent to complement them with a vision of Human Duties — understood as ethical and social commitments that strengthen coexistence, integration, and sustainability.

“Rights protect dignity, but duties build a shared future,” he affirmed, stressing that migration governance must be based on mutual responsibility between migrants, host communities, and States.

Mr. Angulo’s address was aligned with the central theme of the Summit: “Regular migration, labor mobility and human rights: pillars of development and the well-being of societies,” offering an innovative perspective to the international agenda on human mobility.

LEAD with HEART: National Human Resources, Leadership & Talent 2025 – Towards Future Proofed and a Future Ready Workforce

Our Founder Madam Esther Law Lee Poh extends her heartfelt gratitude to KSI (Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific) for the kind invitation to be part of the sharing session at the National Human Resources, Leadership & Talent 2025 – Towards Future-Proofed and Future-Ready Workforce Forum, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 7th August 2025.

The National Human Resources, Leadership and Talent Forum is a high-level event bringing together business leaders, C-suites, thought leaders and human resource managers and professionals to discuss strategic issues of importance to strategic human resource management.

It is a meeting of minds for leaders and professionals to exchange ideas, insights and information and to take stock of key challenges and trends.

L.E.A.D.

Below is Madam Esther full speech transcript for the event at Royal Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Salam Sejahtera and blessed morning to you, Dato, esteemed panel speakers, distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen.

I am Esther Law, founder and chairlady of YAST Group, and this year, we celebrate not just our 10th anniversary, but also my 20th year in the healthcare sector. I have walked a meaningful path: from being the International Affairs Director and VP in a 400-bed cancer hospital in Guangzhou to leading a 1,000-bed facility in Hainan from 2005 – 2016, Now, I manage my own portfolio companies with an aim of journeying with 100 young entrepreneurs in the next decade, particularly in healthcare, agriculture, and mining, all with a strategy rich in education, digitalization, globalization, and corporate social responsibility.

I am blessed too for having 2 columns – Sarawak Tribune- Leadership Horizon and Life Senses as I am able to share inputs and hopefully be a blessing to others.

As I reflect on these years of experience, I invite all to consider the evolving role of Strategic HR Management… using the acronym “L.E.A.D.”…

I will walk you through my perspectives on effective HR leadership, performance management, and organizational transformation.

L: LEADERSHIP – The Foundation of Strategic HR Management

At the heart of successful organizations is effective leadership. Research by Gallup indicates that companies with strong leadership can improve employee engagement by up to 36%. In the healthcare sector, where empathy and communication are crucial, transforming our management into an influencer-based model has greatly enhance staff satisfaction and, ultimately, patient care.

To strengthen leadership within HR, we must focus on developing leaders who embody emotional intelligence and adaptability. I believe that co journeying programs can amplify this growth as they offer a great environment for sharing knowledge and building interpersonal skills.

E: EMPLOYEE EMPOWERMENT – A Pillar of Engagement- lead with concerned HEARTS

If we want to see real transformation in our HR, empowering employees or workforce is the key.
According to a report by the Great Place to Work Institute, there is a remarkable correlation between employee empowerment and retention rates. Employees working for organizations that prioritize empowerment experience 50% lower turnover rates.

Strategic HR should actively involve employees in decision-making processes; give them that sense of ownership. This could mean establishing employee resource groups to provide insights into workplace culture or initiating platforms for sharing ideas.

Companies like Google have led the way, offering employees “20% time” to explore side projects. This not only fosters creativity but also heightens engagement.

A: ADAPTABILITY – Responding to Change as Human Duties

In an ever-evolving landscape, adaptability is non-negotiable. HR must facilitate change management initiatives that empower employees to embrace transformation rather than resist it. In the context of today’s ever-changing world, this has become, not just an option that we may or may not take, but a duty for success and adaptability.
Harvard Business Review emphasizes the importance of a strong change management strategy, as organizations with effective change initiatives are 3.5 times more likely to succeed.

HR must develop training programs focused on resilience and innovation. Change is terrifying, yet inevitable; hence, we need to transform our workforce into agile entities. By fostering a culture of love, culture of continuous learning, culture of welcoming positive feedback or evaluation, companies can ensure they not only survive but thrive during moments of disruption.

D: DATA-DRIVEN STRATEGIES – Measuring Success

Lastly, leveraging data is essential for understanding the effectiveness of HR in driving business outcomes. Using key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess employee satisfaction, productivity, and turnover can provide valuable insights.

For instance, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) suggests that organizations using data analytics have 3 to 5 times higher revenue growth than those that do not.

Evaluating HR’s effectiveness as a strategic partner requires integrating metrics into daily operations. Regular surveys, feedback loops, and performance evaluations can help facilitate informed decisions.

In closing, I wish to draw attention to ‘employee benefits’ as a crucial part of enhancing workplace satisfaction.
Progressive companies like Salesforce and Microsoft provide comprehensive well-being programs that go beyond the standard health benefits. From mental health resources to wellness stipends, these companies highlight the importance of holistic employee support and satisfaction.

By adopting the LEAD model in HR, we become more capable to enable leadership, empower employees, adapt to changes, and leverage data to create thriving workplaces.

Change begins with us, and if we align HR with strategic goals, we not only enhance performance management but lead a transformative journey throughout our organizations.

Let’s inspire — let’s lead.

Thank you.

Presentation Deck

Photo Gallery

Note: Photos and text from Madam Esther’s sharing on social media – https://www.facebook.com/share/1B7sDbenHY/

Our YAST Group Co-Founder Argenis Angulo, Addresses Human Duties of Leaders at Historic OECD Local Development Forum

Barranquilla, Colombia – Before a packed room, with attendees even standing, Our YAST Group Co-Founder Mr Argenis Angulo, global proponent of the Universal Declaration of Human Duties, delivered a keynote titled “Human Duties of Leaders for Local Development” at the OECD Local Development Forum.

The event, held in Barranquilla, was particularly significant as it marked the first time in history that the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), headquartered in Paris, has hosted its Local Development Forum outside of Europe. The forum brought together leaders, government authorities, private sector representatives, and international organizations, all committed to fostering economic and social development in local communities.

During his address, Mr Angenis emphasized the importance of integrating Human Duties into local leadership, highlighting how these principles can transform public decision-making, social management, and the vision for progress in local territories. “We are honored by the invitation to share the impact of Human Duties on local development with leaders from around the world. The mission continues”, he stated.

Mr Angulo’s session was part of a diverse program covering topics such as social innovation, sustainability, economic inclusion, and strategies to generate opportunities at the local level.

Through this participation, the commitment to promote ethical and human-centered leadership as a fundamental pillar for sustainable development is further strengthened.

2025-05-26_The ASEAN Outstanding Women Entrepreneur Excellence Award 2025

Our YAST Group Founder and Chairlady, Madam Esther Law Lee Poh, was honoured with an ASEAN Outstanding Women Entrepreneur Excellence Award at the 2025 ASEAN Leadership and Partnership Forum held on 25th May in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The 2025 ASEAN Leadership and Partnership Forum (ALPF), held on May 25 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, convened under the theme “Unleashing ASEAN’s Potential Through Innovative, Inclusive and Sustainable Growth.” This premier regional gathering brought together key stakeholders from government, business, academia, and policy institutes to explore strategies for driving ASEAN’s advancement through innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.

Jointly organized by the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, the ASEAN Economic Club, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, and the ASEAN Business Club—with China Daily as co-organizer and support from the World Digital Chamber—the forum served as a dynamic platform for dialogue and partnership.

The forum was attended by leaders from ASEAN member countries, including Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Cambodian Prime Minister’s senior representative, Prime Minister of Thailand, H.E. Paetongtarn Shinawatra; Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, and Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, China Daily Hong Kong, Mr. Zhou Li also attended the forum and delivered speeches at the opening ceremony.

The 2025 ASEAN Leadership & Partnership Forum (ALPF) featured the Presentation of ASEAN Excellence Awards to a select group of deserving individuals, organisations, and institutions from across the region. These awards honoured exceptional contributions in areas such as public service, sustainable development, innovation, women’s leadership, youth empowerment, economic resilience, and regional cooperation.

It is with a heart full of gratitude that I reflect on being conferred the ASEAN Outstanding Women Entrepreneur Excellence Award at the 2025 ASEAN Leadership and Partnership Forum. This recognition, which falls on the 20th anniversary of my journey in healthcare and the 10th anniversary of YAST Group, is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives our collective efforts in fostering growth and empowerment.

Reflecting on the themes of “Leadership and Partnership,” I am reminded of the fundamental values that guide my work: relationship, empowerment, attitude, and leadership. Perhaps these principles form the foundation of our practice at YAST Group, where we embrace a “Partnership-As-A-Service” model. We understand that true leadership is not about individual accolades but about fostering symbiosis within an ecosystem that supports collective growth—an ecosystem where every participant thrives and contributes to the welfare of the whole.

I have always believed that relationships are at the core of empowerment. By nurturing strong connections among diverse stakeholders—from venture partners to our clients, to our community and our dedicated team—we work towards creating a fertile ground for a fulfilled innovation model. Leadership, in my view, is not about exerting control over others; rather, it is about cultivating an environment where everyone feels valued and inspired to contribute their best selves.

May 25th, 2025, marked not only a celebration of this award but also a significant milestone—the 10th anniversary of YAST. Looking back over the past two decades in healthcare, particularly my journey of service in China since 2005, I can’t help but marvel at how far we have come. This award carries weight, not just personally but symbolically, as it represents years of hard work, dedication, and the sincere commitment of everyone who has been a part of the YAST family.

It is a reminder that the journey is not one of individual accomplishment but a collective endeavor, made possible by our Almighty God, through relationships built on trust, empowerment, and a shared vision for ever growing progress.

At YAST, our ethos centers on the “Partnership-As-A-Service” model. This model emphasizes the idea that true leadership is rooted in collaborative partnership. In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, the ability to harmonize relationships within an ecosystem is vital. Just as in nature, where different species coexist and support one another in a delicate balance of symbiosis, we too must strive to create environments where businesses, communities, and individuals work together for mutual benefit.

When I think of our YAST’s REAL value in Partnership or Ventureship ( Relationship, Empowerment, Attitude, Leadership) REAL, it embodies connecting, enriching, and empowering our world. Connection is essential; it is the very foundation of everything we do. We thrive when we cultivate genuine relationships, not just transactional exchanges. Each connection we nurture lends itself to empowerment, allowing us to support one another in our respective journeys. This cycle of empowerment is what sparks inspiration, creativity, and innovation in our industries and communities.

Leadership today demands a certain attitude—a willingness to listen, understand, and embrace diversity as a strength rather than an obstacle. As I received this award, I felt a profound responsibility. Being a leader is not about being in the spotlight but about shining that light back on those around us. It is crucial that we create an inclusive environment that values every voice. I hope that this approach not only drives sustainable development but also fosters a culture of resilience, ensuring our continued growth no matter the external circumstances we face.

I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our Heavenly Father, to KSI for the nomination and conferment, my beloved family, my spiritual director, my mentors, my teachers venture partners, dedicated YAST Group team and community, friends, clients, Toastmasters International, Lions International, Junior Chamber International and church community.

Your unwavering commitment and collaborative spirit have been my guiding light and support system throughout this journey. Together, we have worked tirelessly on prioritizing the development of multiple industries across ASEAN.

As Malaysians, our homeland holds immense meaning, particularly as Malaysia moves forward as the Chair of ASEAN 2025. It reinforces our commitment towards sustained regional peace, stability, and prosperity. These values are paramount, particularly in this era of extraordinary economic transformation which requires collective resolve and concerted efforts across all sectors and communities.

As I accept this award, I do so not just as an individual but as a representative of the collective effort that makes our work possible. Together, we are building a legacy—not only for ourselves but God’s will be done—for future generations who will inherit a more equitable and empowered world.

As we embark on the next chapter of YAST and our role in the wider ASEAN and global community, I and WE promise to uphold these values and strive for a future marked by connection, enrichment, and empowerment through collaborative leadership.

To God be the Glory 🙏

Thank you very much once again for this precious recognition, which resonates deeply with my commitment to SERVE our ASEAN community.

Gratefully,

Esther

News Coverage:

Sarawak Tribune:

Law honoured as ASEAN Outstanding Woman at regional leadership forum

Sinchew Daily News:

东盟领导力与伙伴关系论坛|越总理：美中也难单独解决 东盟须团结应对各挑战

东盟领导力与伙伴关系论坛 刘丽宝膺杰出女企业家

In Times News:

友爱思特集团创始人兼董事长刘丽宝于2025年东盟领导力与伙伴论坛上荣获“东盟杰出女企业家卓越奖