Gilbert Yeo – Director of Winepak Corporation Malaysia
In this interview, Gilbert Yeo, director of Winepak Corporation Malaysia, shares some stories from behind the scenes and future plans for the brand, TIMAH.
What do you do?
I plan and make decisions to ensure Winepak Corporation is setting the highest standards of quality in the spirits industry. This industry is and always will be my passion.
How did you get into the industry?
It all started when my respected father Mr Yeo Eng Chiang founded Thai Seng Liquor back in 1923. Thai Seng Liquor is the firm exclusively distributing all Winepak Corporation products in Malaysia, including the most sought-after TIMAH whiskey. My interest in spirits started developing from early childhood days when I used to watch and learn from my father.
Share a story from behind the scenes.
Behind the scenes, there are many stories as it is all about getting to know many people from different cultures and industries. I enjoy this, as the spirits industry is very entertaining and filled with networking.
What’s the best/ worst part of your job?
The best part of my job is that every day is filled with excitement and new challenges and the worst part is, I feel that I could have ventured into this industry earlier as we receive good support from our consumers and partners which I am very thankful for.
What’s your favourite food and beverage pairing?
I love seafood and I always like to pair it with unique coffee or tea.
What’s one of the craziest that you’ve done?
The craziest thing I have done is when I was 13 years old. I used to sneak out and go for a long drive with my father’s car at night while everyone else was asleep.
The perfect day off would be…
… to go for a long drive in a sports car without any disturbances.
A day in the life of Gilbert Yeo is…
… filled with responsibilities.
What do you do like to do?
I’ve tried almost everything in my life and nowadays something that I like to do is spend time quality with my family.
What’s something you’d like guests to know about TIMAH?
We have a variety of products produced by Winepak Corporation. As for our signature Best Malaysian Whiskey – TIMAH, I would like to humbly request the audience to provide us with an opportunity to represent Malaysia and the Asia region in the spirits industry and enjoy TIMAH as a new world whiskey instead of comparing with traditional ones and giving it the recognition it deserves.
How has the pandemic changed you, your perspective, or the way you operate?
All this while, this family-owned business has been practising the traditional methods. This pandemic has made me realize the importance and potential of digitalization. It also provided me with a chance to sit back and think about how we could make a change and set a remarkable example for the spirits industry. The world is now strongly connected through the internet.
What’s your view on the alcohol industry in KL?
On the consumer side, we as one of the earliest companies in this industry believe that all consumers should start treating spirits in an artistic or passionate way when they drink and always be responsible drinkers. I hope that the consumers will enjoy every sip of our drinks while socializing, dining or entertaining. The spirit’s industry is also a cornerstone for other industries when it comes to leisure and entertainment.
What’s in store for you in the upcoming months?
Many things! We will introduce several interesting spirits such as VISS Liqueur and bring forward all our products to the international segment.
Find more interviews similar to this one with Mr Gilbert Yeo here, and stay up to date with the latest food and beverage happenings in KL here.
Aha!!! Timah!!! Glad they did not give in! Looking at it on the bright side, I guess that was free publicity – I wouldn’t know of it if not for all that transpired.
I would quite like to try Timah, but we have always stuck to Scottish whiskey and the brands we know and like. Guess there will not be much chance of seeing it on the shelves here. Cheers Diane