Padini’s Managing Director, Yong Pang Chaun, is a true self-made entrepreneur. He did not attend university; instead, he moved to Singapore after secondary school to learn the gritty reality of the textile trade. He returned to Malaysia in 1971 to establish a single ladies’ fashion subsidiary and organically grew it into the Padini empire. Today, he and his wife hold over 43% equity. At 74, he remains as sharp as ever and shows no signs of slowing down.

But life is eventually catching up. Having built an empire, how does he pass it on? Like everything else we have seen at Padini, he started the process a long time ago—19 years, to be exact, in June 2008.

That year, his son Andrew Yong Tze How began his career as an IT Manager at Padini Dot Com Sdn. Bhd., managing all IT operations, system implementations, and IT assets for the Group. The patriarch then gave the junior his first major mission. In 2008, Padini spent RM10 million on an SAP ERP system, which paved the way for Padini’s expansion in the 2010s as shopping malls became a more prevalent feature of the Malaysian retail scene. On 3 December 2015, Andrew Yong was appointed to the Board. He would continue to play a major role in Padini’s massive RM30M+ tech investments in RFID and warehouse automation in 2025.

While the tech side is secured, the business still requires someone with fashion acumen.

Meet Benjamin & Christopher Yong

Also sons of the founder, Benjamin graduated in Arts, Media & Communication (Melbourne), and Christopher graduated from Monash University. Rather than parachuting straight into executive suites, they both started at the absolute bottom of the retail ladder: Benjamin as a Merchandising Assistant and Christopher as an Assistant Merchandising Manager for Brands Outlet.

They spent over a decade grinding through the merchandising ranks—learning stock distribution, leasing, outlet operations, and marketing—before earning their board seats. In the fast-fashion industry, where success depends on “speed of delivery” and catching “the latest fashion trends… before they lose their appeal,” Benjamin (Head of Design/Merchandising) and Christopher (Brand Manager for Brands Outlet) are the direct operators executing this fast-fashion lifecycle and expanding Padini’s e-commerce footprint. They earned their executive directorships through a decade of hands-on retail operations, proving they understand the core product as well as their father does. Benjamin Yong was appointed to the Board on 15 July 2016, and Christopher Yong followed on 1 September 2023.

However, a ship needs steady hands to stay on course, especially in Finance.

Enter Sung Fong Fui, Group CFO & Executive Director

With no family ties, she is a powerhouse in audit and assurance with over 20 years of experience. Previously an audit partner and technical partner at a large international accounting firm, she transitioned from auditing massive corporations to managing the financial operations, risk management, and corporate governance of one.

As the company executes massive capital expenditures—including multi-million ringgit warehouses and RM30M+ in automation/RFID—a former audit partner ensures the balance sheet remains bulletproof while the next generation scales operations. She holds a vital Executive Director seat, proving that deep, specialized financial expertise (FCCA, MIA) is the ultimate ticket to the boardroom of a family-controlled empire.

Finally, the patriarch ensures the “Young Turks” always have a seasoned counselor to turn to. He appointed a former banker, Datuk Lee Say Tshin, as the company chairman.

Such foresights, from a man who started from practically nothing.

For succession, here is how Padini did it

• Put the right people in the right place
• Start early and hone them young
• Meritocracy, even if they are your sons
• Surround them with your trusted advisors

As more Malaysian first generation founders retires, Padini offers a workable roadmap that might have just worked.