The first Apprentice Asia dreamt big — and realised his dream
FILIPINO Jonathan Yabut who emerged winner of The Apprentice Asia reality television show on AXN has all the right attributes and criteria to be part of Tan Sri Tony Fernandes’ AirAsia-Tune Group business enterprises, says chief executive officer of Tune Hotels’ Group Mark Lankester who was one of Fernandes’ advisors on the programme.
“Jonathan’s passion, attitude, charisma and team player qualities have been apparent from the start. He has shown that not only is he a man of many ideas but, most importantly, is able to execute them well in a team environment,” he said.
“Tony, Kathleen and myself were very impressed by this young man and I have no doubt he will thrive within the AirAsia-Tune Group environment,” said Lankester, while congratulating the 27-year-old University of the Philippines economics graduate.
Mark sat on the board of The Apprentice Asia as an advisor alongside AirAsiaExpedia chief executive officer Kathleen Tan. The weekly show aired on AXN to 150 million homes across Asia since May 2013 and culminated with the final episode recently.
Dubbed “The Ultimate Job Interview”, The Apprentice Asia was the regional adaptation of the US reality series based on the format created by reality TV guru Mark Burnett (The Voice, Survivor) and produced by Fremantle media Asia.
Jonathan was selected winner over the other finalist, Singaporean Andrea Loh. It was a gruelling, neck-to-neck competition for the two in the final episode, before Fernandes announced Jonathan as Asia’s first Apprentice for AirAsia.
“To be part of the show with among the best professional and entrepreneurial young talents across Asia was truly an amazing experience. What made it particularly interesting was as an Advisor, you are actually in the midst of all that happens but at a safe distance. That step back allows you to see what’s happening around the contestants and the train wrecks which are heading their way,” said Mark of his experience with The Apprentice Asia.
Jonathan was selected winner over the other finalist, Singaporean Andrea Loh. It was a gruelling, neck-to-neck competition for the two in the final episode, before Fernandes announced Jonathan as Asia’s first Apprentice for AirAsia.
“To be part of the show with among the best professional and entrepreneurial young talents across Asia was truly an amazing experience. What made it particularly interesting was as an Advisor, you are actually in the midst of all that happens but at a safe distance. That step back allows you to see what’s happening around the contestants and the train wrecks which are heading their way,” said Mark of his experience with The Apprentice Asia.
Tune Hotels is an international value hotel brand that started six years ago with its base in Kuala Lumpur. It is part of Tune Group, a lifestyle business conglomerate co-founded by Fernandes and Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, who are the group chief executive officer and deputy group chief executive officer respectively.
“The time spent with the production team and contestants of The Apprentice Asia made it clear to me that we have such great talents and capabilities in Asia and we can take on the world. Tony is a role model to not only the contestants but also viewers of The Apprentice Asia,” Lankester added.
Meanwhile, Jonathan, with fellow Filipino contestant Celina Le Neindre hosted a viewing party in Manila recently, celebrating Jonathan’s win. They were joined by 300 friends and fans for a viewing of the finale on AXN.
An overjoyed Jonathan said: “Tonight is not about me. It’s about the people who had contributed to make who I am right now. People will eventually forget about Jonathan Yabut but I do not want to forget the people who’ve made me who I am. Life is about sharing a part of you with someone and finding what you had shared grow into something bigger and better.
“This victory is for each and every Filipino out there. You can never be too small to dream big, because dreams are for free, so seize it while the iron is hot. This victory is for the Philippines and the rest of Asia ... the power is ours to make it happen,” said Jonathan to thunderous applause from the audience.
Source: NST
