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Meet Martin Yeung. This Gen T lister is proudly local yet global.
This husband and father is in charge of overseeing several large scale businesses, from the family's operations in Hong Kong, to Cebu. Martin manages MSY holdings which includes land development and Kandaya Entertainment Co, as well as all of their Hong Kong based companies, covering the diamond industry, and real estate as well. As CEO and President of MSY Corporation, Martin is successfully improving the landscape of Cebu. By developing countless housing projects and continuing to work on Kandaya Resort, he is presenting many new jobs, opportunities, and experiences the Filipino people.
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With a hectic (international) schedule and a family, he definitely knows how to manage his time. Martin has great appreciation for his mentors, Mom and Dad, from whom he says he has learned a wealth of knowledge, to do with business and life, alike. As a family man and an entrepreneur, Martin always looks at the bigger picture saying that the three most important things to him are “God, country and family. The desire to give others that, which has been given to me, inspires me. My goal is to have contributed to humanity, by serving a cause greater than my own.”
Read on to get to know more about Martin:
How do you predict the real estate and hospitality industry in the Philippines and more specifically in Cebu, will evolve? What do you think of the industry/scene right now?
Due to the recent robust growth in the Philippine economy, the real estate market has been booming steadily and has continued to do so with the strong economic foundation of the country. Growth, naturally brings an increased demand in all forms of real estate, such as housing, condominiums, commercial buildings etc. In terms of evolution, at least in my personal property development industry in Cebu, I feel the trend will shift more heavily into high-rise condominiums in comparison with the traditional house and lot. At the end of the day, its all about location, and as time progresses, it is expected that premium land and location become extremely scarce and significantly more costly, forcing newer developments to move further out, which results in longer non productive commutes and heavier expenditure for individuals on just travel alone. Ultimately, people always prefer to live strategically located, rather than being forced out of the area due to financial constraints.
With regards to the hospitality industry in the Philippines, tourism has always generally been self sustaining and growing relatively steadily every year, especially in terms of foreigners entering the country as tourists, but I feel that I can and could be much better. One of the biggest hindrances to increased growth in international tourism, is the overview of the country itself as a whole, and how it is portrayed to other countries around the world in terms of safety and wellbeing - both in the personal, as well as in the business aspect. With stronger stances on peace an order, and improved diplomatic ties with other countries, I strongly believe tourism can achieve ground breaking records and beat its neighbouring countries with relative ease.
What made you want to enter the real estate development and hospitality industry?
Everything began with our 50 year old Diamond business industry in Hong Kong. With the great success of our diamond trade, and the intuitive business decisions of my father, he was quick enough to notice, many years ago, the lucrative business potential in the Philippines and shortly after, established our development company, MSY Holdings. Being in the family business for 16 years now, and having my father as my sole mentor, I was humbly and fortunately able gain my fathers full confidence, and elevate myself and rise to the occasion to manage both companies as President and CEO.
How would you say MSY holdings is able to benefit and impact the Filipino people, in particular, Cebuanos, and Cebu itself?
MSY holdings prides itself as being a corporation run on “good old fashion family values”. We strive in the importance of quality, credibility, responsibility and integrity - We don't cut corners just to make an extra buck. Brand loyalty is of utmost importance for us, as we want our customers, especially the Cebuanos, to be proud of everything they own that comes from us. Hence, we always go the extra mile to ensure that all of our products go through rigorous market research, constant innovation, upgrading of technologies, design and methodologies, meticulous quality control, and lastly ensuring that our products remain environmentally responsible, sustainable and future proof.
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Why do you believe that jewelry is a good investment?
My concept of investment, in terms of Jewellery, has a slightly different perspective. I see jewellery, generally in the case of diamonds, as more of an emotional and sentimental investment that essentially makes it priceless. With that being said, of course it never hurts when your investment consistently yields an extremely high monetary value, that gradually increases over time - a practice that has been ongoing for centuries, if not longer.
What should a buyer know before purchasing diamonds? Important things to consider?
The 4 C’s - Colour, clarity, cut, and carat. But, more importantly, know who, what and where you buy from to truly be confident and know that you are purchasing the exact worth of the piece.
How does Simlpex Diam Co Ltd ensure that it deals with non-conflict stones?
To be completely transparent, but more so, being realistic, no diamond dealer in the business, anywhere around the world, can truly be 100% sure that each piece are not conflict diamonds. From the mid to late 1990’s, it was estimated that 15% of the entire global diamond trade were conflict stones. But, of course there are many ways to at least ensure and minimise the possibilities of dealing in them and more importantly being a responsible jeweller. For us, we make a commitment to ethical sourcing, in which we are literally hands on, step by step, for the entire process from obtaining the stones directly from non conflict mines, all the way to the manufacturing process, and ultimately releasing to the market. As I mentioned before - always know who, what and where you buy from.
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What do you do when you feel discouraged or when you are facing a hurdle (ex. dealing with haters)?
“If at first you don’t succeed, Try, try, try again.” Thomas H. Palmer
As for how to deal with haters, I honestly never feel the need to pay attention to nonsense. Someone once told me, “ignore the boos, they usually come from the cheap seats”. That pretty much says it all.
How do you inspire others, those who work for you?
Be a visionary leader, humble and ethical yet enthusiastic, determined and courageous, but most importantly, to lead by principle and example.
How do you handle stress or fear with regards to your career? (ex. when making big decisions or risky moves)
Always find that balance in life, whatever that may be, that gives you peace, comfort and relaxation, and try to do everything in moderation. As for making big decisions, I tend to always make plans with forethought, and calculated risks.
Are you comfortable with public speaking? If so then what are your tips on being a good public speaker? If you get nervous when speaking publicly, how do you confront this fear?
Generally, I would probably consider myself quite comfortable with public speaking. But I would be lying if I were to say I am never nervous going on stage, especially when addressing big crowds. Tips on being a good public speaker? Do it more often. Lastly, to confront my nerves prior to speaking publicly, I tend to not think about it, and just go for it.
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