What happens when Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z walk into a room? You get magic—or at least, that’s what YTL Construction, the construction arm of YTL Group, pulled off at the GenConnect: Building Better Together forum on December 3, 2024. Held in partnership with the British Malaysia Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) at the JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur, this transformative event united over 300 professionals to tackle one big question: How can businesses harness the strengths of all four generations to build the workplace of the future?
This wasn’t just another corporate event. It was a standout moment in YTL Group’s Beyond 70 celebrations, marking nearly seven decades of innovation and progress. YTL Construction has mastered the art of bringing people together, transforming every gathering into an unforgettable experience of collaboration and forward-thinking.
Kicking Off with a Bold Vision
The forum opened with a thought-provoking message from Yeoh Keong Yuan, Executive
Director of YTL Construction. With 70% of YTL Construction’s workforce made up of Millennials and Gen Z, Yeoh highlighted how balancing tradition with innovation has been the secret sauce of YTL’s success.
“YTL Construction thrives on the synergy of honoring tradition and embracing innovation,” he shared. “Through platforms like GenConnect, we celebrate the diversity within our workforce and reaffirm our commitment to building inclusive, thriving workplaces.”
Yeoh’s remarks set the tone for what would be a lively and inspiring day packed with fresh ideas, dynamic conversations and practical takeaways.
Yeoh Keong Yuan delivering his opening remarks at the GenConnect: Building Better Together forum
Mixing Generational Wisdom and Witty Insights
Insights and perspectives from different generations, highlighting unique experiences and shared wisdom.
The first session, Generational Perspectives: Understanding the Differences, turned the spotlight on how Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z each bring something unique to the table.
Moderated by Hwei Tan, Creative Director at YTL Group, the panel had something for everyone:
- Dato’ Sri Azmi Abdul Aziz, CEO of YTL Construction’s Rail Division, reflected on Baby Boomers’ loyalty and love for structured communication.
- Lee Soo Fern, EY ASEAN DEI Leader, shared how Gen X is the ultimate bridge between older and younger generations, thanks to their adaptability.
- Endry Lim, Chief of Staff at PayNet, brought a Millennial twist, championing collaboration and meaningful work.
- Komalah Selva, Development Manager at Patience Modular, gave the Gen Z perspective, advocating for flexibility, inclusivity and purpose-driven careers.
The session delivered moments of humor and reflection, leaving attendees with a shared understanding that workplaces flourish when generations listen, learn from one another and collaborate effectively.
Innovation Meets Tradition
Panelists from different industries shared ideas on improving workplaces to meet the needs of younger generations while staying true to core values.
The second session, Innovation and Tradition: Balancing Old and New Practices, demonstrated that even companies established in 1955 can evolve and innovate like industry leaders.
Moderated by Natasha Zulkifli, YTL’s Stakeholder & Business Development Director, the session captivated the audience with valuable insights:
- Yeoh Pei Tsen, Director at YTL Construction, shared how technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) have revolutionized processes originating from YTL’s earliest days, seamlessly blending heritage with modern efficiency.
- Nic Chambers, Managing Director at Michael Page Malaysia, highlighted how combining digital tools with personal connections strengthens recruitment strategies, building adaptable and resilient teams.
- Fatin Fatihah Zahari, Microsoft’s Global Cloud Solution Architect, showcased how AI and digital tools can foster collaboration and improve workflows while retaining a humancentered approach.
This session proved that tradition and innovation aren’t opposing forces but complementary strengths that, when combined, create a powerful foundation for sustainable growth.
From L-R: Natasha Zulkifli and Yeoh Pei Tsen (YTL Construction), Fatin Fatihah Zahari (Microsoft), and Nic Chambers (Michael Page Malaysia).
Creating a Collaborative Culture
The final session, Creating a Collaborative Culture: Strategies and Best Practices, delivered by Andrew Hunt, Head of Learning & Development at HILTI Asia, focused on the importance of clarity and cohesion in creating collaborative cultures. Andrew highlighted that true collaboration goes beyond simply working together—it’s about building an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. He shared practical strategies to enhance communication, dismantle silos, and foster teamwork, emphasizing that clear goals and a cohesive approach are essential for teams to thrive on shared success.
Andrew Hunt shared his insights on creating a collaborative workplace at HILTI Asia, where multiple generations come together to drive innovation and success through diverse perspectives.
Looking Ahead: Building a Bright Future
Dato Kathleen Chew, Group Legal Counsel at YTL Corporation, wrapped up the forum with a call to action. She encouraged attendees to take the valuable insights from GenConnect and implement them within their organizations. “GenConnect is more than just a forum—it’s a call to build workplaces where every generation feels valued,” she stated. “By embracing diversity and improving how we work together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future.”
Dato Kathleen Chew closed the GenConnect: Building Better Together Forum, wrapping up the event with inspiring words on teamwork and collaboration.
Building Better Together: Celebrating 70 Years of Building Better
As YTL Group prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2025, the GenConnect forum exemplifies the company’s enduring legacy of excellence and innovation. By embracing technology, modernizing processes and fostering collaboration across generations, YTL Construction is setting the stage for an even brighter future.
Through initiatives like GenConnect, YTL Construction continues to demonstrate its commitment to Building The Right Thing—creating workplace cultures and infrastructure that stand the test of time. Celebrating 70 years of progress, YTL Construction remains focused on building better together, shaping the future for generations to come.
A glimpse of the engaged participants at the GenConnect: Building Better Together Forum.
For more information on YTL Construction and its initiatives, visit ytlconstruction.com
