YTL Cement executive director Rachel Yeoh on art, purpose and building a legacy that lasts

Symbols of longevity

That commitment to creativity and purpose also shapes how Yeoh views legacy, finding meaning in protecting symbols that reflect Malaysia’s natural heritage. “Turtles are such an integral part of Malaysian design, iconography and history. They even feature on our RM20 note,” she says. The symbolism runs deeper still. Of the seven sea turtle species found worldwide, four nest on Malaysian beaches: the green, hawksbill, olive ridley and leatherback turtles. Beyond the marine realm, Malaysia is also home to a remarkable diversity of freshwater turtles and tortoises, with 18 species recorded out of the 100 found across Asia underscoring the country’s vital role in regional conservation.

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The decision also stemmed from the group’s connection to local conservation efforts. “Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS) and Pulihara are doing critical work in turtle conservation. They have also carried out efforts in areas covered by YTL Hotels,” Yeoh adds, noting that both organisations have active programmes near Tanjong Jara Resort and Gaya Island Resort. “Anchoring such conservation efforts in creative work is something not often done, but it’s an exciting opportunity.”

Meaningful materials

That same attention to meaning extends to the very material from which the sculptures are formed: ECOCem, YTL Cement’s patented lower-carbon product. “We think it’s important people are moving towards sustainable construction. It’s something we’ve championed for a long time,” Yeoh says. The turtle sculptures embody extensive research and development to ensure durability and quality.

“It speaks to the ethos of what we do: creating constructions that last,” she explains. Each sculpture takes five days to produce. Concrete is carefully mixed and poured into a mould by an artisan mould maker to ensure there are no air bubbles. After a day of hardening, the sculpture is carefully demoulded and allowed to cure for three more days before it is ready for painting.

The art of collaboration

“It’s poetic how each sculpture carries the imprint of so many hands, and we want to highlight the depth of collaboration behind it, including contributions made by the artists we’ve worked with,” Yeoh says.

Among the participating artists are Abey Zoul, Bayu Utomo, Cloakwork, Fadhli Ariffin, Gabriel Cheah, Katun, Lim Anuar, Michelle Yap, Wan Jamila and many more. “One of my favourite aspects of this project is the diversity of artists: from street artists and sculptors, to textile artists, painters and even neurodivergent creators. This has been a very inclusive endeavour. After all, creativity comes in all forms.”

The National Art Gallery serves as the official partner and supporter of The Penyu Shell-Ter Project, a collaboration Yeoh deeply values. “The National Art Gallery helped us to curate and elevate conversations happening around this project,” she says. Other respected Malaysian galleries, including Galeri Sasha, G13 Gallery, Taksu Gallery, A+ Works of Art and the Angkatan Pelukis SeMalaysia, also lent their support. “With their support, we’ve managed to find a very diverse range of artists. That dynamic has given this project not only excitement, but so much integrity.”

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For Yeoh, engaging with the wider creative ecosystem was essential. “It was important to us to have conversations with the galleries and tap into an ecosystem that’s already established, that deserves to be celebrated. They have been integral to this entire project,” she says. “I may risk over-using the word, but The National Art Gallery has been extremely generous with us. Generous in terms of sharing their resources, generous with their ideas, vision and even their time. It has been a deeply rewarding partnership, and we are most grateful.”

Giving back through art

Instead of a commission fee, YTL Cement is donating RM5,000 on behalf of each artist to a charity of their choice. The beneficiaries include The Lost Food Project, Hospis Malaysia, Dignity for Children Foundation, Global Environment Centre, Hara Makers, Kloth Malaysia, Kota Buku and the Malaysia Mental Health Association. Together, these organisations support causes from food security and healthcare to education, women’s empowerment, environmental sustainability and mental health. “The artists have been so generous with us, and we hope this effort makes a positive impact across these diverse causes and charities,” Yeoh says.

Since October, the painted turtles have formed part of a travelling showcase across six locations: The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur, Pangkor Laut Resort, Tanjong Jara Resort and The Starhill. Select sculptures will be available for adoption, while others will be auctioned to raise funds for the TCS and Pulihara as they safeguard nesting sites, rehabilitate injured turtles and advance marine conservation through community engagement and research initiatives.

Building with intention

Yeoh’s approach to leadership and legacy is grounded in reflection and balance. “As long as we’re moving mindfully and intentionally with all our projects and initiatives, it will be the right direction,” she says. “We have to be agile and adapt, and if you can do that while staying true to your own values, it’s most certainly a form of success.”

With a master’s degree in fine art and an undergraduate degree in politics, philosophy and law, Yeoh acknowledges how her education shapes her perspective. “Maybe that amalgamation has given fruit to what you’re seeing around us today,” she says.

For her, impact must extend beyond the self. “True impact is about creating value that reaches beyond your own circle,” she reflects. “With this initiative, we hope the ripple can be felt by many, from the artists and galleries to the charities and communities involved. I hope it continues to grow as we move forward, always guided by the same goal: to build with purpose, intention, integrity and creativity.”

For more information or to bid on a turtle, visit The Penyu Shell-Ter Project.

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