KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay was a humble man who was always focused on his family.
Datuk Mark Yeoh said in his eulogy, his father was a selfless man, always teaching him and his siblings to put their family first.
“The last time I met him, which was last Thursday, was when we had dinner. He told me to take care of myself. He always took care of everybody else and made sure that we maintained our health,” said Mark at his father’s wake on Thursday.
“What I have learned from him is how important the unity of our family is. I have felt so much love from my siblings,” the youngest of seven children said.
Mark noted that his father’s passing came as a surprise to the family but he took comfort that his father is in a better place now.
He said that his father often spoke fondly of his friends and valued his friendships.
Datuk Yeoh Soo Keng added that the late billionaire had taught his children to be humble and resilient.
“He never treated us, daughters and sons, any differently. He always cared for us equally. He let me take up engineering since I had always wanted to pursue it,” Soo Keng, the youngest daughter said.
She added that her father was unique as he only allowed his children to lead his company with him assisting them from behind the scenes.
She also said that her father took his job seriously especially as a philanthropist.
“Dad has touched many hearts but fulfilled his public duty attending events until we had to stop him due to his deteriorating health,” she said.
Family, friends and acquaintances had come to pay their last respects to the late founder of YTL Group at the wake service held at the family’s residence in Damansara Heights, where many spoke highly of the business mogul and prominent philanthropist, sharing stories of his humility and contributions to the society.
Federation of Malaysia Yang Association deputy president Datuk Yang Tian Pei said the passing of Yeoh is a great loss but his spirit will always be with them.
“The late Tan Sri was a very humble man and he cared greatly for the Chinese community especially when it comes to education.
“He was a good role model and contributed so much to society despite his busy schedule as a businessman,” Yang said.
YTL Communication chief executive officer Wing K. Lee said his late employer was a cheerful man who often checks on his employees.
“He is friendly towards his employees. He was a dedicated employer and stressed on the importance of the company’s impact to the society.
“He was also a great mentor for entrepreneurs. According to him, not everything is about money. We were treated with humility and he never fails to ask me about my family,” he said.
Lee added that Yeoh often reminded him of the importance of hard work.
Also present at the wake tonight was Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
The wake service will be held until Saturday at 8.30pm.
The funeral will be on Sunday at 10am.