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Partnership-As-A-Service: YAST Group’s Strategic Catalyst at ASEAN Sarawak Business & Economic Forum 2026

by YAST Group 2026-02-13

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.

A Visionary Start: Opening by the Premier of Sarawak

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.

Celebrating Excellence: The ASEAN Business Excellence Award

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.”

Honouring Global Leadership: YAST Group’s Distinguished Guests

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

Driving the Conversation: AI, Green Energy, and Digital Transformation

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.

Commitment to the Future

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.

For more insights into our initiatives and partnerships, follow our updates on Facebook and the Sarawak Tribune.

Related info (external sources):

Sinchew Daily Biography of Celebrities Award 2024

by YAST Group 2024-09-27

爱，让她走出古晋，走向世界，学习奉献自己，感受天主的恩典。

刘丽宝也热爱绘画与写作，这是她此生不断深化的志趣。绘画让她感受到更多的自己，而写作让她看到自己年复一年的进化。绘画与写作的结合，让她更接近深化与天主的恩典。

意念意境意志决定企业寿命

越是有明，越要谦虚；
越是有名，越要低调。
成为唯一是她的目标，
成为明人是她的目的 ─
谦卑低调、虚心学习是关键。

名人传记：刘丽宝

Media Links

Sinchew Daily 星洲日报

名人传记珍藏系列．多才多艺女企业家．刘丽宝把世界带到砂拉越

https://sarawak.sinchew.com.my/news/20240927/sarawak/5840926

Facebook Sin Chew Sarawak 砂拉越星洲日報脸书链接

刘丽宝是来自伦乐小镇的本土女企业家、作者、专栏作家、直观画志趣者及社会人文工作者。她本着生于砂拉越，成长于砂拉越的理念，在古晋设立友爱思特（YAST）集团，定点砂拉越，以婆罗洲为基础，服务全世界。

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=942172917950991&id=100064748738698&mibextid=oFDknk&rdid=TZLQH5TEbRfPkpsn

The Great ASEAN Entrepreneur Awards 2024

by YAST Group 2024-08-16

Our founder and chairlady, madam Esther Law Lee Poh, received the ASEAN Great Entrepreneur Award 2024 on 15th August in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In conjunction with ASEAN Day 2024, the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, in collaboration with the ASEAN Economic Club and the World Trade Network, hosted the 2024 Great Asean Entrepreneur Award to recognise and honour entrepreneurs who have made outstanding contributions to regional growth and economic prosperity in the ASEAN region.

The prestigious award ceremony is organised to recognise and celebrate the contributions of outstanding individuals through this award ceremony.

Message from Founder and Chairlady

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for being awarded the ASEAN Great Entrepreneur Award 2024. This moment is truly humbling.

I am grateful and thankful to the Love and Grace of God, which has always been my guiding light. Without God’s Loving Grace.. I am NOTHING

Congratulations to our beloved Leader of Sarawak, our Premier of Sarawak, for the conferment of Great ASEAN Distinguished Leadership Excellence Award. It is a great honor to be part of this prestigious occasion.

I am thankful to KSI for this esteemed recognition. This award not only acknowledges my efforts but also highlights the hard work and dedication of my spiritual director, mentors, partners, team and staff. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in achieving this milestone.

I am also grateful to my family and friends for their constant encouragement. This award is a testament to our collective journey.

As I strive for personal growth and learning to serve for the betterment of mankind, I will continue to learn and evolve… Partnering with God has been the cornerstone of my life…

Thank you very much and all Glory to God…

Gratefully yours,
Esther Law Lee Poh

Media Reports

New Sarawak Tribune

Sarawak’s woman entrepreneur receives Great Asean Entrepreneur Award

Suara Sarawak

Sinchew Daily 星洲日报

https://sarawak.sinchew.com.my/news/20240817/sarawak/5847401

International Times 国际时报

砂杰出女企业家刘丽宝荣获2024年东盟企业家卓越奖

https://intimes.com.my/news2a/index.php/2018-07-09-11-40-04/2018-07-09-11-46-38/item/93472-2024

United Daily News 联合日报

砂女企業家劉麗寶獲東盟企業家卓越獎

https://weareunited.com.my/12204970/

Related News

UKAS (Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak)

Sarawak Premier Receives The Great ASEAN Distinguished Leadership Excellence Award

https://premierdept.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/news_view/5232/UKAS

Honourable Visit to Sarawak Biodiversity Centre

by webmaster 2024-05-30

EXE Healthcare Group (a subsidiary of YAST GROUP), along with its partners, six prominent Chinese companies, had the privilege of visiting the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre on May 29, 2024.

Our heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Bede Hong, the General Manager of Invest Sarawak for making this visitation possible.

During the visit, they were truly captivated by the exceptional tour and the in-depth explanations of the various plant species, graciously provided by the remarkable team. It is with utmost gratitude that we extend our sincere appreciation to the CEO of Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, Yang Berbahagia Dato Dr. Yeo Tiong Chia, for hosting us and imparting such invaluable insights.

Honourable Courtesy Visit to the Ministry of Transport Sarawak

by webmaster 2024-05-30

EXE Healthcare Group (a subsidiary of YAST GROUP), along with its partners and 6 prominent Chinese companies, had the privilege of paying a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Transport Sarawak on May 29, 2024.

It is with utmost gratitude that we extend our sincere appreciation to the Deputy Minister for Transport Sarawak II (Riverine and Maritime), Yang Berhormat Dato Henry Harry anak Jinep, for hosting us and imparting such invaluable insights during this productive and enlightening session.

Media Report

Read full article: 6中國企業有意來砂建廠友愛思特集團拜會副交長

Honourable Courtesy Visit to Sarawak’s Deputy Premier

by webmaster 2024-05-29

YAST Group would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to TVS, International Times Sdn. Bhd., United Daily News, Sin Chew Daily and See Hua Daily for their media coverage.

In collaboration with our global partners EXE HEALTHCARE Group and six prominent Chinese companies (including two from Hong Kong), along with a representative from Invest Sarawak, we had the honor of paying a courtesy visit to Sarawak’s Deputy Premier, Yang Berhormat Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, on May 28, 2024.

During this esteemed visit, we engaged in comprehensive discussions with the Deputy Premier to explore and understand the favourable policies and incentives available for prospective investments and collaborations.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Sarawak government for their warm welcome, hospitality, and unwavering support.

Click to check out the full article on TVS here:

Click to check out the full article on International Times Sdn. Bhd. here:

Click to check out the full article on United Daily News here:

Click to check out the full article on See Hua Daily here:

Image from the Sin Chew Daily Publication:

Image from See Hua Daily Publication:

A Memorable Session with INVEST SARAWAK & EXE HEALTHCARE

by webmaster 2024-05-25

We were honoured to host our global partners from EXE HEALTHCARE at YAST Group on May 24th, 2024. During this insightful session, they had the chance to explore invaluable perspectives on investing in our beautiful home state, Sarawak.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Invest Sarawak and their outstanding representative, CEO Timothy Ong, for his exceptional support and the enlightening session he provided. It fills us with immense pride to witness his dedication to showcasing Sarawak with such honour and distinction to our global partners.

#YASTGROUP #EXEHEALTHCARE #INVESTSARAWAK

Honoring His Excellency: A Grateful Celebration of Chinese New Year at YAST Office

by webmaster 2024-03-28

It was such a great honour to have the blessing of welcoming the presence of His Excellency T.Y.T, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, and his beloved wife, Yang Amat Berbahagia, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, at the YAST Office in conjunction of the tenth day of Chinese New Year, on February 19, 2024.

We are forever grateful to Tun and Toh Puan, whose attendance has bestowed upon us immeasurable joy, rendering our Chinese New Year celebration profoundly meaningful. Their graciousness and humility have left an indelible mark on our hearts. May their warmth and camaraderie continue to illuminate our path throughout the year ahead.

With the utmost sincerity and profound gratitude, we would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our beloved guests:

– Tuan Raden Sigit Witjaksono (Consul General, Indonesia Consulate)

– Ibu Lucy Octavia (Spouse)

– Yang Berhormat Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang (ADUN State Assembly N14 Batu Kitang)

– Tuan Haji Junih (Private Secretary of TYT)

– Tuan Theodorus Satrio Nugroho (Consul Economy, Indonesia Consulate) 

– Father Ramon

– Father Andrea