Yi Ping, an entrepreneur in her own right, channels her passion for fitness and social impact into ventures like PWRHOUSE and Recyclothes Group, while Don brings a fresh, modern perspective to the family’s longstanding hospitality ventures. “Our relationship is lively, even with the age difference,” Don shares. “Ping is the eldest, followed by our brother who is closer in age to her. Then there’s me, and finally, our youngest brother, born in 2001.”
Busy working (out)
Yi Ping’s entrepreneurial journey began with her background in marketing, which she has successfully channelled into the fitness industry. As the co-founder of PWRHOUSE, a spin studio, she encourages individuals to blend fitness into their lifestyles, combining music, movement, and motivation to create transformative experiences. Her commitment to social impact is evident through Recyclothes Group, a social enterprise that democratises fashion while supporting women in need. Before launching these ventures, Yi Ping honed her skills in marketing and public relations at FLYCYCLE, The Estée Lauder Companies, and Melium.
“Joining the family business would happen eventually; I just wanted to work on building my own career and self first.”
Meanwhile, Don contributes to the family business as the director of hospitality, overseeing events and operations primarily at Avante Hotel, and M Resort & Hotel. In fact, the latter property received four awards from a couple of organisations this year. Aside from Tripadvisor, the property secured four accolades from marketing agency Haute Grandeur Global Awards: Best General Manager, Best New Resort (under three years) in Asia, Best Resort Hotel in Malaysia, and Best Urban Resort Malaysia.
Armed with a degree in events management from Cardiff, Wales, the 27-year-old brings a fresh perspective to the growing hospitality sector, aiming to enrich the local community through unique and memorable experiences. Reflecting on his journey, Don shares, “After my studies, the Covid pandemic hit, so I decided to join the family business, pivoting my skillset towards hospitality. I’m grateful that my dad gave me this opportunity.”
During our interview, Ping also reveals her interest in joining the family business in the not-so-distant future. “Joining the family business would happen eventually; I just wanted to work on building my own career and self as well first. I will still be running PWRHOUSE, because it’s a big part of me as an individual – I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t built something on my own,” she shares.
Family ties
Being the only daughter in the family, Ping admits to being her father’s favourite, while stating that Don is their mother’s favourite. “But I’d also like to say that I’m one of the extra sons in the family too. Plus, having three brothers with various age gaps has taught me different things about different generations – the way they speak, act, and respond – so I definitely learn a lot from each of them individually,” adds Ping, who is often surrounded by testosterone in the family.
“Sometimes we want to do more ‘men’ related activities or sports, like paintballing which can hurt quite a bit, so we sometimes, also as a joke, try to keep her out of some things,” Don laughingly shares. “She usually takes it in with stride and at the end of the day we all just laugh it off,” he continues.
Although having a sister as a confidant does come with its perks, especially when it comes to dating and discovering the inner workings and thoughts of their partners. “Quite recently I was going through a rough time with a partner and Ping sort of helped clear my mind and see things from a different perspective, and I truly appreciate her for that,” shares Don.
“It can be tough when you’re the younger sibling, having to listen to your older siblings while also trying to stand out.”
Conversely, the boys are also slightly protective of their sister, who recently got engaged as well. “They have seen me through some of my worst times, and it’s important that whoever I see or am dating gets along well with them too, because we’re all pretty close, and I want to maintain that,” Ping shares.
Ping states that she usually just plays the role of an advisor and doesn’t control her brothers’ decisions at the end of the day. “Whatever they want to do is up to them, and I’m just here to look out for them. And they know that whatever happens I’m here for them; as their sister, I’m the last person to judge them, but I would advise them like a second mother,” she explains.
Takes Teo to tango
On top of that, Ping’s passion for fitness also brought about positive change in Don. “During the pandemic lockdown, she rallied all of us together and made my whole family work out. And thanks to her, I managed to lose quite a bit of weight, and now maintain a healthy figure,” he shares.
“The pandemic also allowed us to hang out more with each other than we normally used to. And it was fun to do the Instagram live workouts, plus it was nice to see his transformation – Don definitely glowed up over the course of the pandemic,” Ping says.
“[It’s important to] remember that family should always keep it together and work as a team.”
Another fond memory that Don holds dear is that of baking with Ping, as well as his other siblings. “She would sometimes ask me to help her out, so I’d be like a sous chef, and sometimes the things we bake don’t turn out the way they should, but it’s always a fun time – and these shared moments among our siblings are memories which I will always cherish,” Don reminisces.
Naturally, there are also arguments between the siblings every now and then, but it’s something that the two of them have come to manage rather well. “Of course, we don’t always see eye to eye, but it’s important to compromise and give in, and remember that family should always keep it together and work as a team. I personally try my best to listen to my siblings when they have to say their piece and keep it neutral as much as possible to try to learn from it,” Don explains. Ping concurs, “Talking it out is the most important thing to do, and I’d think it’s easy for us to communicate. At the end of the day, you can’t really control anyone, and sometimes people just have to learn for themselves.”
Mixing work and family isn’t always easy, but Yi Ping believes Don has mastered it well. “He’s more introverted than me, so it can be tough when you’re the younger sibling, having to listen to your older siblings while also trying to stand out. I’m proud of him for how he’s grown,” she says. Don ends with a heartfelt sentiment, “My sister is a strong individual who brightens our lives. Without her, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”
Featured image: Teo Yi Ping wears outfit by Sandro and accessories from Maje; Teo Don How dons outfit by Sandro.
Editor: Natalie Khoo
Words: Aaron Pereira
Creative Direction: Anson Siau
Photography: Delvin Xian | Imagerom
Photography assistant: Fazrin and Fai
Videography: Haoyii Lim
Styling: Natalie Khoo and Mon Kai Siong
Hair and makeup: Asaki | Tale Makeover Studio
Location: M Resort Hotel
Read more of FirstClasse Malaysia’s Inspire digital cover stories here.
