Lim Chern Yuan

When oil prices collapsed from over US$100 to below US$30 per barrel in 2014, most energy companies were in crisis mode. Lim Chern Yuan, then newly appointed as Yinson Holdings' Group CEO, saw opportunity where others saw risk. Rather than joining the panic, Lim focused on Yinson’s strength—long-term leasing contracts for its floating production vessels—which effectively insulated the business from oil price volatility and allowed the company to chart a stable course during turbulent times.

Yinson's transformation is striking. Originating as a Malaysian trucking company, Yinson has evolved into the world’s second-largest independent operator of floating production storage and offloading units (FPSOs). The company today holds contract commitments running through 2048 and a robust backlog exceeding US$19 billion, demonstrating a sustained global presence and trusted client relationships in the offshore oil sector.

The company marked a major milestone in 2025 when Yinson’s largest FPSO began pumping oil off the coast of Angola, four months ahead of schedule. This project stands out as the first in the industry to incorporate post-combustion carbon capture technology, underscoring Yinson’s leadership in advancing sustainable solutions within oil and gas operations.

Lim’s strategic vision extends beyond hydrocarbons. Under his guidance, Yinson has diversified into green mobility. Yinson GreenTech’s chargEV network operates over 400 electric vehicle charging stations nationwide, making it the largest provider of EV charging infrastructure in Malaysia. The company has partnered with PLUS Malaysia to develop integrated charging and retail hubs along the country’s busiest highways, further enhancing its position at the forefront of Malaysia’s green technology landscape.