In Formula 1, the story of Alex Yoong – Malaysia’s first F1 driver – is often remembered as one of failure. Yet the reality tells a very different story. His challenges were not due to a lack of talent but rather entering too early into the most competitive arena, with a small team, limited resources and minimal support.
Driving for Minardi was like “a Kancil racing against a Lamborghini”. Despite his skill, the ecosystem never gave him a fair chance. History ultimately labeled him a “failed driver”, when in truth, he was a victim of an unprepared system.
This narrative mirrors the corporate world, where small and growing companies often struggle not because they lack ability, but because they face much larger, richer and more established competitors.
QEW’s QUEST: Turning Challenges into an Ecosystem of Strength
QEW Group knows this story well. Having entered industries dominated by giants, QEW once faced the same limitations – scarce capital, an incomplete system and an uneven playing field. But instead of merely surviving, QEW embarked on a QUEST to create its own winning ecosystem.
Through subsidiaries such as QEW Smart Integrated Industrial Park (QSIIP), the development of its own participation in the Halal Industries and strategic government-linked projects, QEW has positioned itself not to race alone, but to compete on equal footing with industry leaders.
This determined QUEST to build a strong and self-sustaining platform was internationally recognized when QEW Group was named Winner of the Contribution to Regional Halal Trade Award at IMTGT-RBEA 2025, underscoring the Group’s role in advancing the halal economy across ASEAN and beyond.
“We Refuse to Be the Talented Driver in a Slow Car”
“Alex Yoong’s story is a lesson to all of us – talent alone is never enough without the right ecosystem. At QEW, we refuse to be the talented driver in a slow car. Instead, we are determined to build our own fast car”, said Dato’ Iqbal, Executive Chairman of QEW Group.
“That means creating our own innovation, strengthening our assets and partnering with trusted stakeholders. Our QUEST is to transform every challenge into an opportunity and to ensure Malaysia can compete confidently on the global stage.”
From Punchline to Champion
In Formula 1, a single second can decide whether one becomes a champion or a punchline. The same is true in business.
QEW Group has chosen to be a champion – not because the journey is easy, but because the company continues to learn from history, embrace bold strategies and drive forward with the ambition to deliver not only corporate success but also national impact.
