Dr Robert Yap is the Executive Chairman of YCH Group and a leading force in advancing supply chain connectivity across ASEAN. A strong advocate for resilient, technology-driven logistics ecosystems, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s trade and logistics landscape.

He pioneered the Asset Right Strategy™, which underpins the development of world-class logistics infrastructure such as DistriPark®, FUSIONARIS®, and Supply Chain City®. To further strengthen regional connectivity, he spearheaded initiatives including SGConnect™ and the ASEAN Smart Logistics Network (ASLN), leading to landmark developments such as Vietnam SuperPort™. Under his leadership, YCH Group has expanded to over 100 locations across 15 countries, employing more than 6,000 people.

Dr Yap is also the Founder and Chairman of Y3 Technologies, a leading supply chain and technology solutions provider; Chairman of Supply Chain Angels, a corporate venture fund; and Founder and Chairman of Supply Chain City®, Asia’s premier supply chain nerve centre. He also serves as Emeritus Chairman of Supply Chain Asia.

Beyond the private sector, Dr Yap has made significant contributions to regional economic development. With over two decades of involvement in the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), he has influenced key trade and policy initiatives. As ASEAN-BAC Chair in 2007, he launched the ASEAN Business Awards (ABA), and in 2018, he introduced SGConnect™ as a legacy initiative to enhance cross-border trade and logistics integration.

A strong advocate for workforce development, Dr Yap actively promotes knowledge sharing and upskilling. He serves on the Singapore Computer Society Honorary Advisory Council and the École hôtelière de Lausanne Singapore Advisory Board. Through the Supply Chain and Logistics Academy (SCALA), he has trained over 800 logistics professionals across the region.

He also contributes to various national and international platforms, serving as President of the Singapore National Employers Federation, Singapore Chair of ASEAN-BAC, and Singapore Co-Chairman of the Malaysia-Singapore Business Council.

Dr Yap’s contributions have been recognised with numerous accolades, including The ASEAN Outstanding Logistics Entrepreneur Excellence Award (2025), the Distinguished Service (Star) Award at the NTUC May Day Awards (2025), the Public Service Medal (2017), Businessman of the Year at the Singapore Business Awards (2016), the NUS Business School Eminent Business Alumni Award (2014), the Lifetime Achievement Award (Logistics) by the World Chinese Economic Forum (2013), and EY Entrepreneur of the Year (2007). He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and serves as Professor of Practice at Zhejiang International Business School.

His leadership continues to shape the future of ASEAN’s logistics, trade, and economic resilience.