The Soul of Travel: Angela Mak’s Journey to Human-Centered Tourism
In a world where travel is often reduced to transactions and timelines, Angela Mak, CEO of Yes Travel & Holidays, offers something deeper:
Experiences that stay with people forever. As the heart and helm of one of Malaysia’s leading travel and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) companies, Angela has built more than just a successful business—she’s cultivated a movement centered on meaningful, memorable, and human-focused travel.
Angela’s journey into the world of tourism was rooted in education and purpose. Her strong academic foundation, including IATA Training and certifications in tourism and hospitality, gave her the technical edge needed to navigate a complex industry. But it was her innate curiosity, sense of empathy, and desire to create joy that turned technical skill into transformative leadership. Since joining Yes Travel & Holidays in 2008, she has taken the company from a reputable agency to an award-winning powerhouse known for its ingenuity and unwavering commitment to service.
Under Angela’s leadership, Yes Travel & Holidays has redefined what it means to plan and deliver a travel experience. For her, travel is not just a product—it’s a story. Each itinerary is a narrative woven with intention, whether it’s a couple rekindling their connection after 20 years on a cruise or a corporate team finding alignment and purpose through a well-crafted retreat. Angela believes the true impact of travel lies in the emotion it evokes and the connections it sparks.
Angela leads with equal parts vision and empathy. In an industry often driven by margins and efficiency, she has anchored her company on human values. She places a high premium on listening—to clients, partners, team members, and even competitors. This approach has allowed Yes Travel & Holidays to remain agile, relevant, and ahead of the curve. Whether it’s integrating eco-conscious travel options, leveraging data for smarter personalization, or designing experiences that reflect local culture and sustainability, Angela has ensured that the company remains future-ready while still grounded in service. Her leadership is as much about what the company offers as it is about how it makes people feel. “A well-executed event or journey isn’t just remembered; it’s felt,” Angela shares. “That feeling—of being seen, valued, and inspired—is the real destination.”
Angela’s success story is also one of regional pride and global ambition. While her home base is Malaysia, her impact spans continents. By leveraging Malaysia’s strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and cultural diversity, she has positioned Yes Travel & Holidays as not just a national leader, but a rising force across Asia. From customized MICE experiences for global corporations to tailor-made cultural immersions for niche traveler segments, the company has continuously adapted to changing trends and client expectations. Angela remains committed to putting Malaysia on the map as a premier destination for world-class events and tourism. “We want the world to see what we already know—that Malaysia is not just a stopover, but a destination in itself,” she says.
One of Angela’s most defining traits is her dedication to transparency and trust. She believes that integrity is not just a moral choice but a strategic one. In an age of fine print and hidden charges, Yes Travel & Holidays distinguishes itself by being refreshingly open. Clients are informed upfront about pricing, logistics, and planning processes. This transparency builds trust, and trust, Angela believes, is the foundation of long-term success. The result? Repeat clients, glowing testimonials, and a brand that people believe in. Angela’s team is trained to value relationships over transactions, to ask the right questions, and to care deeply about the client journey from start to finish.
There is a story Angela often recounts—one of a couple who danced together on a cruise for the first time in decades. That moment, filled with joy and rediscovered connection, served as a reminder of why she does what she does. “When someone chooses us to plan their journey, they’re placing their dreams in our hands. That’s not a transaction—it’s a trust.” Such moments fuel her passion and keep her team grounded in their mission. She believes that impact is measured not only by the success of an event or the beauty of a destination but by the emotions it evokes. “I want every client to come back not just with photos, but with stories that move them,” Angela notes.
Angela’s impact on the MICE sector is particularly noteworthy. By designing unique experiences that cater to corporate teams, educational institutions, and international associations, she has created a niche that combines creativity with precision. Her approach blends cultural storytelling with logistical excellence—ensuring that events are not only memorable but also seamlessly executed. One of her most innovative ideas has been the creation of themed travel experiences. Among them, the James Bond-themed corporate adventure stands out. Imagine executives rappelling from helicopters, decoding missions, and engaging in high-stakes simulations—all designed to build teamwork and leadership in a completely immersive environment. Such experiences go beyond PowerPoint presentations and hotel ballrooms—they create lasting behavioral change.
Angela’s leadership philosophy is deeply collaborative. She believes that empowered teams create empowered experiences. From regular strategy sessions to informal coffee chats, she fosters an environment where every voice matters. “Great ideas don’t come from hierarchies; they come from conversations,” she says. She champions internal upskilling, mentorship, and cross-departmental collaboration. Her team is encouraged to experiment, take ownership, and continuously learn. This not only boosts morale but also ensures that the company remains innovative and responsive. Long before it became a trend, Angela had made sustainability a pillar of Yes Travel & Holidays. From reducing carbon footprints through optimized travel routes to supporting local businesses and eco-resorts, every initiative reflects a commitment to the planet and its people. Angela is particularly proud of the company’s waste-reduction programs and efforts to promote slow travel. “Sustainability isn’t just about doing less harm; it’s about doing more good,” she explains. “It’s about leaving places better than we found them.”
Over the years, Angela’s work has garnered recognition from both industry and government bodies. A recent highlight includes being honored by AIA for organizing a flawless trip for over 700 attendees—a project praised for its attention to detail, seamless execution, and customer satisfaction. These accolades, while gratifying, are not the goal. “Awards are affirmations, but the real reward is in the thank-you notes, the smiles, and the trust our clients show us time and again,” she reflects. Looking to the future, Angela has her sights set on expanding Yes Travel & Holidays beyond Asia. Vision 2030, her long-term roadmap, includes launching innovation labs for travel tech, forming strategic partnerships with global sustainability organizations, and building experience centers where clients can preview journeys using immersive technology. She is also deeply invested in developing the next generation of travel leaders. Plans are underway for an in-house training academy that will combine technical training with emotional intelligence, ethics, and entrepreneurship. “The future of travel belongs to those who lead with both head and heart,” Angela insists.
Angela Mak is more than a CEO. She is a storyteller, a change-maker, and a steward of meaningful experiences. In a world where the soul of service often gets lost in the speed of scale, she reminds us of what truly matters: connection, care, and courage. Her story is not just about rising through the ranks or building a business—it’s about redefining what success in travel looks like. Through Angela’s lens, travel becomes not just a means of escape, but a medium of transformation. At The Visionary Spark, we celebrate leaders like Angela who don’t just adapt to the future—they help define it. Leaders who understand that innovation isn’t just about technology, but about humanity. And leaders who, above all, lead with purpose. Angela Mak isn’t just guiding Yes Travel & Holidays. She’s guiding an entire industry toward a future where travel heals, connects, and uplifts us all. Let the journey continue.