YTL In The News

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Proton Holdings and Yes, a 4G network provider under YTL Communications Sdn Bhd, today launched a collaboration to offer Malaysia's first in-car 4G internet access in Proton's high-end cars and the new sedan P3-21A to be launched next month.

In the partnership, Proton customers will enjoy 4G connectivity as a new value-added standard feature which will tap into Yes' 4G mobile internet network that currently covers over 65 per cent of the country's populated area.

Proton Group managing director Datuk Seri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said this innovation, the first endeavour in Proton's rebranding exercise, opens a new spectrum of possibilities and offers customers speed, mobility, comfort and greater productivity while on the road.

"We have been working with YTL for about a year and signed an agreement last year. Today is one small step. Following this, we are trying to work together to integrate more features embedded in the car," he told reporters after the launching ceremony.

He said this initiative would make the Proton brand much more attractive and add income to the company.

Groomed to take family business forward

A civil engineer, Mr Francis Yeoh took over the running of YTL in 1978 and grew it into a global conglomerate comprising six listed companies, which will soon be down to five as it is in the midst of privatising YTL Cement through a share swap. They have a combined market capitalisation of more than RM34 billion.

A decade ago, the group was completely reliant on its Malaysian business. Today, it derives more than 75 per cent of its revenue from abroad. The plan to hedge the group's business took place steadily and with calculation over a decade.

Mr Yeoh's penchant for scooping up valuable assets in distressed times and turning them into gems in the cash-plump stable is widely known.

Ruth and Joshua are only two of a batch of 27 of the YTL bloodline (YTL stands for Yeoh Tiong Lay - founder of the group and the elder Mr Yeoh's father) pottering about in the many units that represent the smorgasbord of businesses held under the sprawling YTL umbrella which spans Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, China, Australia and Britain.

'They belong to the generation that tasted some wealth yet competed for the best universities on their own strength. That's the first test of meritocracy. All 27 of them have not been mollycoddled. That's my greatest joy,' says Mr Yeoh.

The delegation of key tasks is very much a work in progress. In November last year, Ms Kemmy Tan, who joined YTL Group's Singapore property development arm in 2008, was appointed chief executive officer of YTL Land & Development.

In 2009, YTL Communications appointed Wing K. Lee as CEO to oversee the launch of the group's first step into telecommunications: its 4G mobile Internet services with a catchy 'Yes' ring to it.

YTL Family hosts a grand feast at CNY Open House

The annual YTL Corporation Berhad Chinese New Year open house is a highlight of the year where the country's leaders, dignitaries, royals, family and friends gather for a day of feasting and fun.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor as well as Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman graced the open house held at The JW Marriott Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

They were greeted on arrival by YTL Corporation Berhad managing director Tan Sri Dr Francis Yeoh, and executive chairman Tan Sri Dato Seri Yeoh Tiong Lay.

Also present were Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, Raja Perempuan of Perlis Tuanku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid, Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, Muhyiddin and wife, as well as Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen and Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.