Datuk Yong Yoon Li (Photo: Sam Fong/The Edge)
Options: Congratulations on celebrating 140 years. What have been some of your favourite personal moments in leading the brand and family business?
Datuk Yong Yoon Li: My favourite moments include hosting the Jazz Festival at our Visitor Centre, where more than 18 local bands and musicians — The Shang Sisters, WVC Malaysian Jazz Ensemble, Tay Cher Siang, David Gomes, Junji Delfino, FAZZ and The Frankie Sixes — played for more than 12 hours. Another highlight was the Royal Selangor Design Festival in 2016, where we welcomed global design experts such as Lauren Sizeland from the Victoria and Albert Museum, VW&BS, Xu and Jamy to share insights with students and professionals at the one-day event. Collaborating with the National Palace Museum, Xu and Erik Magnussen has been deeply fulfilling, inspiring both our designers and craftsmen. Also, working with my late cousin, Chris Yong, the lead designer was particularly exciting. His creative force continues to push the boundaries of design and pewtersmithing.
Tell us what one can expect from Spirit of Artistry: A Timeless Journey on Feb 21.
It’s a tribute to the creativity, craftsmanship and heritage that have defined Royal Selangor [from the start]. The celebration marks the beginning of a year-long affair honouring design and craftsmanship through immersive experiences. Guests can expect the unveiling of our 140-year timeline graffiti, the Icons through the Decades exhibition, interactive workshops and special showcases that highlight the evolution of our artistry. There’s more to come throughout the year.
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Tell us about the artists behind the graffiti wall. What inspired this?
When our marketing team suggested collaborating with a graffiti artist to tell the Royal Selangor story, my first reaction was, ‘Are you sure? How would a graffiti artist understand our craft?’ But I trusted them to explore the idea, and the result was nothing short of remarkable. So, they researched and researched and finally decided that Abdul Rashade (@abdulrashade), Iskandar (@siek27) and project manager Adi Azwan (@wise.wan) of Wise Works Collective would be the right team to take on the project. Over a month, the trio engaged with our team and worked on various concepts. Their dedication to storytelling through art mirrors the way our craftspeople and designers pore over every pewter piece. I hope visitors will enjoy the graffiti when they visit our centre.
We also heard about a nostalgic Kombi ride-along experience.
It’s no secret that I am fond of old vehicles, so I will find any excuse to get one! When the chance to acquire a Volkswagen Transporter came up, I jumped at it. After all, the ‘Kombi’ played a key role in our brand’s growth in the 1970s and 1980s —my grandmother used to drive one all the way to Seremban to deliver pewter to our dealers, at a time when female van drivers were a rare sight in Malaysia. These vans also doubled as moving billboards, proudly showcasing our products, including the iconic pewter pitcher. Besides the Kombi, there will also be art workshops and crossover music performances, such as classical strings meeting contemporary beats in a live show that reflects the spirit of reinvention, much like our own evolution over 140 years.
Speaking of music, what are you listening to right now?
I haven’t had much time for music lately — too much travel. But whenever I have the chance, it has to be Bill Evans. His style of piano music is incredibly calming.
You recently travelled to China to open a new store. Tell us about it and some favourite latest discoveries about the Middle Kingdom.
We have always viewed China as a very important market for us, and a rich source of inspiration through its oriental art and craftsmanship. The pandemic forced us to close stores there, so it was only a matter of time that we revisited our retail network. Our new store at Seasons Place, Beijing, marks an exciting chapter for Royal Selangor, alongside our recently opened shop-in-shop at SKP Chengdu. We plan to continue expanding our retail presence across the country. I also visited Dunhuang — a fascinating city steeped in art, culture and the influences of both East and West. After all, as the ancient gateway to the Silk Road, it was incredibly inspiring. Watch this space!
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Where else are you looking to travel to this year?
I’m writing to you from London, which is still an important market for us with plenty of potential — not just for retail expansion but also as a source of inspiration. Our latest collection with the British Museum is both beautiful and sophisticated. China remains an exciting market with incredible stories to tell and there’s so much more we can explore. I’m also planning a few trips to Europe, mainly Germany and France to meet clients, and Denmark for a visit with friends.
If one is new to Royal Selangor, what are the three must-buy items and why? Your late aunt [Datin Paduka Chen Mun Kuen] would undoubtedly have pushed the iconic melon teapot.
Yes, the melon teapot is iconic. You should also get a tankard, as beer always tastes better served in pewter. The third item should be up to you. We make so many beautiful products for the home and office.
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And what will the next 140 years look like for one of the world’s great pewtersmiths?
I hope our customers will continue to support us, as they have all this time. Their trust and appreciation fuel our commitment to creating timeless, beautifully crafted pieces for the living space, inspired by culture, art and life. We take great pride in being a Malaysian brand made by Malaysians and cherished by people around the world. Our journey is one of heritage, craftsmanship and innovation, and we look forward to sharing it with generations to come.
This article first appeared on Feb 17, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
