Ancient mariners of the ocean, sea turtles have silently moved across our planet’s vast history for more than 100 million years. They’ve traversed the same oceans that once cradled dinosaurs and now carry humans, with shells shaped by time and movements honed by grace. More than just an armour, the shell is made of bone and covered in keratin, containing nerves, blood vessels, and sensation. Each scar and scratch on it tells a story: a near-miss from a predator’s snap, a scrape against coral, or battles amongst testing currents.
However, survival is a fragile thread. For every thousand hatchlings that break free from their sandy nests, perhaps only one will reach adulthood. From the moment they emerge, crabs scuttle in pursuit, birds slice through the sky, fish hover in ambush, and even human activity poses threats. Yet those who make it grow into majestic navigators, carrying within them the resilience of every survivor before them.
For YTL Hotels’ director of conservation Justin Juhun and marine biologist Scott Mayback, genuine hospitality is as much about the world beyond the guestroom as it is about the guest within it. Respect for nature, culture, and local communities forms the bedrock of their approach, guided by three core pillars: Protection, Rehabilitation, and Education. This manifests in on-site sanctuaries offering critical care to endangered wildlife, collaborative conservation initiatives, and programmes designed to safeguard habitats for generations to come.
A property’s picturesque setting can hold guests in awe, but maintaining the integrity of its natural environment is equally vital. At Tanjong Jara Resort, this principle is put into action through a decade-long turtle hatchery adjacent to the Nelayan Restaurant, developed in partnership with non-profit organisation Pulihara. Built with simple yet sturdy wooden lattice, the hatchery offers guests a rare window into the delicate nesting process, while shielding the eggs from potential threats. If fortune smiles, guests may even witness the spectacle of young hatchlings emerging at night.
As YTL Group marks its 70th anniversary, YTL Cement is commemorating this milestone beyond celebration by expanding its conservation further with The Penyu Shell-Ter Project. Led by Rachel Yeoh, executive director of YTL Cement, the initiative brings together 51 Malaysian artists and public figures—endorsed by the National Art Gallery of Malaysia—in reimagining 70 handcrafted turtle sculptures. Participating creatives include fashion designer Khoon Hooi, contemporary artist Michelle Yap, inspiring creators such as Ng Qiu Yan and Wan Jamila (ARTJAMILA), and other notable figures such as Siti Saleha, Tengku Marina Ibrahim, Datuk Nicol Ann David, Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin, Dato’ Sheila Majid, and Dato’ Zainal Abidin.
“As much as we are thinking about decades past, we are mindful of the future that we want to live in and the biodiversity that is integral to it,” Yeoh says. “The Penyu Shell-Ter Project is an extension of our work and mission at BUILDS, which is guided by environmental stewardship, community engagement, and support for Malaysian talent. As each sculpture comes to life, we look forward to seeing the impact that they will make and the critical conversations around conservation that it will spark.”
Inspired by the green sea turtle, each 30cm by 25cm sculpture is crafted from ECOCem, YTL Cement’s low-carbon solution, and cast from custom silicone moulds that replicate every intricate ridge and curve of the species’ natural form. After demoulding, every piece is meticulously hand-finished, with each curve polished to perfection, and finally brought to life through the artists’ paintwork.
All sculptures are currently on public display at selected YTL Hotels nationwide before being offered in a live auction on 25 November 2025, with 100 per cent of proceeds going directly to Pulihara and the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS). In addition, YTL Cement is contributing RM5,000 on behalf of each artist, amounting to RM255,000, to a charity of their choosing.
“Community awareness and action are essential in protecting Malaysia’s turtles,” says Dr Chen Pelf-Nyok, co-founder of TCS. “The Penyu Shell-Ter Project not only raises critical funds for our conservation programmes, but also creates a creative, public platform that brings these issues into everyday conversations. We are grateful to YTL Cement, the participating artists, and the public for joining us in this shared mission.”
The sculptures are now available for bidding in a live online auction on the official project website.
