Hello Mentor EP15 | Julian Yee – On Being Malaysia’s First Ever Olympic Figure Skater
Julian Yee shares his story and how he beat the odds of being the first Olympic Figure Skater in Malaysia as well as his experience competing and lessons learnt along the way.
By Matt Khoo on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM
Updated on 2025-03-17 at 6:10 AM
“We were so narrow-minded back then because skating was very new to us, we didn’t know much. A lot of things we did were just within our community and that made me realize there’s so much more I can do with skating. ” – Julian Yee
About The Episode
When no one else envisioned the possibilities, Julian Yee did. He pushed boundaries, broke stereotypes, and carved a path that hadn’t been walked before.
In this episode of Hello Mentor, Julian Yee shares his inspiring journey of becoming Malaysia’s first Olympic figure skater. From his debut at the Winter Olympics in Korea to launching the Julian Yee Skating Academy, Julian reflects on overcoming challenges, staying disciplined, and managing stress in high-stakes situations.
Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or someone chasing big dreams, Julian’s story offers valuable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and passion.
Getting to Know Julian Yee
Julian Yee (@julianyeeee) is no stranger to blazing trails. Not only did he represent Malaysia at the 2018 Winter Olympics as the nation’s first Winter Olympian, but he is also:
- Two-time SEA Games Champion
- Seven-time National Champion
- Director of the Julian Yee Skating Academy
Julian’s commitment to advancing figure skating in Malaysia is evident through his work with the Julian Yee Skating Academy, which aims to nurture future talent and grow ice sports in Southeast Asia.
To learn more about his academy, visit:
https://www.julianyeeskatingacademy.com/
Key Highlights from the Episode
1. Starting Young and Staying Fearless
Julian began figure skating at the age of four, but it wasn’t until his teenage years that he realized the magnitude of his potential. Despite early doubts and sacrifices, including missing out on social activities, his persistence paid off.
Lesson: Early starts build discipline, but success demands consistency and sacrifice.
2. Navigating Challenges with Resilience
From adapting his training routines during the pandemic to competing under immense pressure at the SEA Games and Winter Olympics, Julian shares how he uses humor and self-talk to maintain composure in stressful situations.
Lesson: Laughter and a positive mindset can help ease stress and unlock peak performance.
3. Developing Malaysia’s Ice Skating Talent
With his skating academy, Julian focuses on sharing his expertise and creating opportunities for the next generation of skaters. His goal? To shorten the learning curve for young athletes and showcase Malaysia as a contender in the world of ice sports.
Lesson: Giving back to the community can amplify your impact and legacy.
Memorable Moments
Julian recounts his unforgettable experience at the Winter Olympics in Korea, where he had the honor of carrying Malaysia’s flag at the opening ceremony and skating his heart out on the world stage.
Despite narrowly missing the final round by one spot, he was proud of his performance and saw it as a testament to his growth and determination.
Just as Julian strives to put Malaysian figure skating on the global map, employers can strive to position their companies as leaders in their industries. Hiredly’s Employer Branding Community is a hub for HR professionals and branding experts to exchange insights, share strategies, and elevate their employer brand.
Hello Mentor is a podcast show that platforms raw discussions on career, ambition and success with inspiring individuals who are accomplished in their own rights.
Hello Mentor is hosted by Derek Toh, Founder and CEO of Hiredly.
Check out all our episodes on Spotify for your dose of inspiration and career advice from real people who have been there!
Ready to make your career soar? Visit Hiredly to explore opportunities that align with your aspirations.
By Matt Khoo on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM