A head start may open many doors, but the road that follows is authored by personal effort. At some point, one must decide what the rest of their story will say—what they stand for, what they contribute, and how they wish to be remembered beyond the comfort of their beginnings. This act of self-definition is what ultimately separates inherited reputation from earned respect.
For next-generation leaders, such reflections take on extra weight, particularly within established family enterprises such as the Yeoh family and their stewardship of YTL Corporation. In the company’s 70th year, YTL Cement’s executive director Rachel Yeoh weighs in on the legacy her family has built. “As we celebrate 70 years, there’s so much talk about legacy. And legacy, to me, is really about impact—because what is legacy without it? When I think about being a next-gen leader, it feels like navigating an ocean full of possibilities,” she says. “There are so many exciting paths to explore, many of which don’t even exist yet. I see this as just the beginning of my career, and I’m focused on carving out a role for myself.”
A proactive go-getter, Yeoh is academically grounded in politics, philosophy, law, and the fine arts. Although she often captivates attention with her travel escapades, curated style, and entrepreneurial ventures with her premium gifting brand A.Cross Creations, it’s her humanitarian and conservation work that paints a fuller picture. Earlier this year, her leadership in the Penyu Shell-Ter Project brought together 51 Malaysian creatives to reimagine 70 concrete turtle sculptures, using art as a vessel to champion the protection of Malaysia’s sea turtles. “It’s been so nice to have projects like the Penyu Shell-Ter Project guide the direction of my career,” she reflects. “These little stepping stones and opportunities I feel fortunate to be part of allow me to make the impact I hope to achieve.”
In a family business with such strong foundations, how have you carved out space for your own voice and individuality?
I feel very lucky to be able to follow my instincts with the projects we’ve been doing. There’s a lot of creativity and room for growth within the company, and I think it’s really what you make of it. It’s about how you scope opportunities for yourself, choosing projects you feel passionate about, and ideas that align with your values. I strongly believe that if you do your work quietly with integrity, it will naturally shine. Sometimes, being the mouthpiece or spokesperson can distract from the value of the project itself. I prefer to keep my head down, focus on the work, and trust that it will speak for itself.
What do you think your generation of leaders should break away from to move forward and create real change?
I really like the word ‘platform’. I think everyone should consider themselves as a platform for others—people who have so much potential beyond what they might initially see. With plenty of creativity and imagination, you can do so much, and, really, the world is your oyster.
With so many eyes on you, do you ever feel a sense of isolation, and how do you find support in those moments?
No, because I have such an incredible team that I can truly lean on. Leadership, for me, isn’t about knowing everything or expecting people to follow whatever I say. It’s just as much about conversations and discussions as it is about direction. I always welcome constructive criticism and good feedback. All of us have such diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, and that diversity is a real asset. It gives me insight I wouldn’t have on my own because I only see things from my own lived experience.
When people look at your life, they might see glamour on one side and grit on the other. Where do you feel most yourself?
I think my life is so dynamic and every day is completely different, which keeps it exciting. I feel most myself when I’m working because that’s when I’m making progress, creating change, and bringing my ideas to life. Someone once told me, ‘You can’t truly run a business unless you’ve tried every role at least once.’ I like that approach. For me, work is a real training ground—a playground, in the most professional sense.
Of all the places you’ve lived and travelled, where do you feel the strongest sense of home and why?
I’ve lived abroad for most of my life in so many different places that home has become wherever my friends or family are, and wherever my passions take me. Right now, I feel like this is home because the project is here.
What’s something small or ordinary you do that brings you more joy than any big accolade?
I like celebrating every little milestone along the way. It’s not just about the big picture but also the small steps it takes to get there. Those are wins too! I think our generation often doesn’t take the win enough. So I try to pause for a second and say, ‘That was good,’ and let myself be happy about it.
What’s one skill you wish you had but haven’t mastered yet?
Pottery. I like creating beautiful, functional objects, and it’s something I’d love to master. Maybe with more time. Check back with me next year.
What’s your go-to comfort food when you’ve had a long day?
I really treasure my coffee; it’s a big part of my daily routine. An oat latte, always. I try to limit how much coffee I drink, so that one cup I allow myself each day feels like such a highlight.
