Derrick Yap is the Chief Executive Officer of PBA Group (“PBA”), where he drives the company’s strategic direction and has transformed PBA into a global ultra-precision motion group, servicing equipment makers. Under his leadership, PBA Group has executed synergistic mergers and acquisitions, growing into an enterprise with over 30 companies and 500 staff across 10 countries.
Derrick began his career in the engineering sales team before leading the group’s sales operations in Singapore and Malaysia. He later headed the global distribution and trading arm, focusing on linear motor engineering, and pioneered the group’s contract manufacturing capability to produce ultra-high precision machines for multinational corporations. He eventually took over the helm from his father, Tony Yap, the founder of PBA Group.
As CEO, Derrick has positioned PBA as a leading motion control solutions provider, building the company into a platform for Technology 4.0 adoption. Notably, under Derrick’s leadership, PBA is now deeply involved in developing technologies for advanced packaging and metrology, working closely with world-leading semiconductor equipment makers to support next-generation manufacturing capabilities.
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Derrick is passionate about promoting entrepreneurship. He founded the Robotics Automation Centre of Excellence (RACE) as an educational platform to drive Industry 4.0 adoption, and an incubation lab to groom the next generation of leaders in engineering, reflecting his broader vision to grow a Technology 4.0 ecosystem.
An award-winning leader in the engineering sector, Derrick’s accolades include the Promising SME 500, Enterprise 50, and the 2017 EY Entrepreneur of the Year, as well as the 2018 Overall Winner of the Established Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He has also contributed to public service, having previously served with the South West CDC, participated in a government initiative under the Committee for the Future Economy (CFE), and as a patron for the Woodlands CCC.
Derrick’s mission is to build a sustainable and innovative future for PBA, where employees feel motivated and supported in a creative and inspiring environment. By fostering a culture of integrity, learning, and collaboration, PBA drives forward-looking solutions in the age of AI, 5G, and Smart Manufacturing investing in R&D, advancing motion technologies, and providing customised solutions that help equipment makers thrive. Together with partners, people, and a passion for motion, PBA continues to push boundaries, creating a world where precision drives progress for all.