The Foundation of Hard Work (1940s)

The Yeoh family first ventured into the transport business with just one truck, and later would be involved in the management of a quarry in Bukit Jugra.

Through hard work and diligence, a young Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay was encouraged by a civil servant to consider getting a licence in construction contracting. This would be the start of a successful lifelong career.

A Contractor from Kuala Selangor (early 1950s)

During a pre-independent Malaya, Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay was registered as an ‘E-Grade’ contractor with the Public Works Department (PWD).

He was regularly awarded contracts by the British colonial administration because of his ability to deliver well and on time.

Establishing A Solid Reputation in the Construction Contracting Industry (1950s-1960s)

Ambitious and full of vigour, Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay pursued key infrastructure projects. Having upgraded as a Grade-A contractor, he embarked on projects to develop schools, low-cost housing and teachers’ quarters.

Despite the hard work required to manage these challenging projects which were spread out over a large area of Malaysia, he committed to ensure timely completion.

A Decade of Growth for YTL (1960s-1970s)

As the newly independent Malayan Government went on a large-scale development of basic infrastructure, Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay continued to win tenders for contracts through his construction company.

In the span of a decade, he relocated to Kuala Lumpur and established YTL’s first headquarters – the fourth floor of a shophouse at 54 Jalan Bukit Bintang.

Delivering Projects amidst Global Economic Crises (1970s)

Amidst the World Energy Crisis that caused runway inflation of basic building materials, YTL continued with all tendered projects, ensuring timely completion despite suffering massive financial losses.

For Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay, his priority was ensuring his employees’ job security as well as upholding YTL’s reputation to deliver.

Bringing Innovation to the Nation (early 1980s)

YTL continued building for the young nation of Malaysia, leveraging innovative technologies that form the industry standard in construction today.

As Malaysia’s first design-and-build (turnkey) contractor, YTL pioneered a new model by handling entire projects from design to delivery. Its first major project—the Kuala Terengganu General Hospital—set new standards for construction speed and operational efficiency.

Building on this, YTL went on to deliver high-rise buildings and nucleus hospitals across the country, with the same hallmark of speed, quality, and coordination.

Bringing Innovation to the Nation (early 1980s)

YTL was the first in Malaysia to use slip-forming technology—a method where concrete is poured continuously into a moving mould, allowing vertical structures to rise rapidly without pauses. This technique was key in the rapid construction of the national airline’s headquarters.

To further drive faster and smarter building practices, YTL also established its own cement division and introduced ready-mix concrete to Malaysia, strengthening the industry’s supply chain and supporting large-scale construction nationwide.

Enhancing Malaysia’s Natural Gems through Hospitality (1985)

As Malaysia opened its doors to the world through tourism, YTL made its first move into hospitality with Pangkor Laut Resort — a venture that laid the foundation for YTL Hotels.

Originally built using unsold portable cabins with minimal environmental impact, the resort evolved over the years into an award-winning luxury destination featuring beach and overwater villas.