Grow Without Growing Pains: The Singapore Logistics Giant which Robert Yap built
Jan 20, 2026 12:00:00 AM
Grow without Growing Pains Book Launch Event
SINGAPORE, December 2025 — Grow Without Growing Pains recounts the remarkable rise of Dr Robert Yap and YCH Group, tracing their evolution from a humble family transport business in 1955 to Singapore’s foremost homegrown logistics and supply chain powerhouse—now shaping Asia’s supply chain landscape.
Blending Robert’s formative lessons from chess, poker, and sports, the book reveals how strategic thinking and resilience became hallmarks of his leadership. When YCH confronted near collapse in the 1970s, Robert stepped forward to reinvent the company, shifting into warehousing, logistics, and eventually integrated supply chain management.
He championed technology ahead of industry trends, building in-house digital solutions that redefined operations and founding Y3 Technologies to commercialise this innovation. With a strong focus on people and an adaptive culture, Robert cultivated a foundation for sustainable growth, earning national recognition for excellence.
When chronicling our young nation’s development, it is important that we capture not only stories of, and about, politicians and public leaders but also those of key figures in the private sector. They also have contributed greatly to Singapore’s progress.
This is why I welcome and commend this book about Dr Robert Yap. Robert’s zest for life and his drive to take his family business to greater heights are well known to his friends. For those who may not know him well, this book gives a good account of Robert’s enterprise, resilience and leadership and is an illustration of how the private sector has played its part in shaping Singapore’s success.
— Professor S Jayakumar
Former Deputy Prime Minister (2004–2009)
Republic of Singapore
Featuring milestones such as pioneering digital transformation, regional expansion, and developing the Vietnam SuperPort™, this book offers more than a corporate chronicle—it serves as an inspiring guide to visionary growth.
Whether for entrepreneurs or corporate leaders, Grow Without Growing Pains imparts strategies for thriving amid change—growing with agility and purpose, while overcoming the challenges of expansion.
About the Authors
Dr Yap Kwong Weng is the CEO of Vietnam SuperPort and Head of Group Strategy, Sustainability, and Communications at YCH Group. He previously led transformation initiatives at Sembcorp Development and held senior executive roles at KPMG and EY, bringing extensive experience in strategic leadership and operational excellence across both public and private sectors.
Mr Sunil Nambiar is the Head of Operations for Group Strategy, Sustainability, and Communications at YCH Group. He operationalises the Group’s agenda across long-term business strategy, regional expansion, corporate communications, and environmental, social, and governance initiatives.
Available for Purchase
Kinokuniya: Link
Book Bar: Link
All YCH's proceeds from the sale of this book will support the Singapore Red Cross in caring for the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Proudly published by Marshall Cavendish International.
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About YCH Group
YCH Group is Singapore’s leading homegrown end-to-end supply chain solutions provider, with a presence in over 100 cities across the Asia Pacific. YCH focuses on boosting productivity and sustainability for its customers with its proprietary best-in-class suite of award-winning solutions across industries such as fast-moving consumer goods, electronics, chemical and healthcare, cold chain logistics, and e-Commerce. A strong proponent of innovation, YCH is recognised for its 7PL™ approach in seamlessly integrating supply chain strategy with execution. Its leadership in initiatives like the ASEAN Smart Logistics Network (ASLN) underscores its pivotal role in advancing the goals of regional frameworks and multilateral trade agreements, such as the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Media Contact:
Ms Tammy Ho
Deputy Head of Communications
E: tammy.ho@ych.com
T: +65 8086 1921
Ms Sofia Yowendra
Assistant Manager, Communications
E: sofia.yowendra@ych.com
T: +65 9618 7582