Our Founder’s Story

A Journey Built on Perseverance

From humble beginnings to establishing ValueMax, Mr Yeah Hiang Nam’s journey reflects resilience, entrepreneurship and a commitment to creating lasting value.

Mr Yeah Hiang Nam
The Founder

Mr Yeah Hiang Nam

Mr Yeah’s entrepreneurial journey began long before ValueMax was established.

Born in Penang, he learned the importance of hard work from an early age. At 17, he left for Singapore to seek better opportunities and started working as an office boy in a Chinese medicine hall.

His experiences in jewellery, manufacturing and overseas markets eventually shaped the knowledge and determination that would lead him into pawnbroking.

Mr Yeah Hiang Nam Founder & Managing Director, ValueMax Group Limited
His Journey

From Humble Beginnings to ValueMax

A journey shaped by opportunities, challenges and the determination to keep moving forward.

Early Years

Starting from the Ground Up

Mr Yeah began helping his family at a young age. Despite performing well academically, family circumstances meant that he had to leave school early.

At 17, he left Penang for Singapore in search of opportunities and started his working life as an office boy.

Jewellery Business

Learning the Value of Gold and Jewellery

An opportunity to work in a jewellery store introduced Mr Yeah to an industry that would shape much of his future.

After gaining experience, he borrowed $10,000 to start a small gold jewellery manufacturing business.

Mr Yeah during his early business journey
The early years of Mr Yeah’s entrepreneurial journey.
1980s

Adapting Through Difficult Times

When economic conditions weakened in Singapore, Mr Yeah looked beyond the local market and explored opportunities overseas.

His ability to adapt brought his business into markets including the Middle East and Hong Kong and strengthened his understanding of international trade.

1988

Entering the Pawnbroking Business

In 1988, Mr Yeah opened his first pawnshop. His background in jewellery gave him valuable experience in assessing gold, jewellery and precious items.

This marked the beginning of the business that would eventually become ValueMax.

Early ValueMax pawnbroking business
The early foundations of the pawnbroking business.
2004

The ValueMax Brand

ValueMax was launched with the aim of creating a more modern pawnbroking experience while continuing to provide professional valuation, competitive value and reliable service.

2013

A New Chapter

ValueMax became the first pawnbroking chain in Singapore to list on the SGX Mainboard.

What started from one entrepreneur’s journey had developed into an established financial services group.

In challenging times, there is work to be done, solutions to be derived and goals to be achieved.
— Mr Yeah Hiang Nam
1988 First pawnshop established
2004 ValueMax brand launched
2013 Listed on SGX Mainboard
2016 Public Service Medal
Giving Back

A Commitment Beyond Business

Mr Yeah believes that business success also carries a responsibility to contribute back to society.

Over the years, his contributions have supported community initiatives, education, elderly care and people facing difficult circumstances.

Public Service Medal Awarded in 2016 in recognition of his contributions to society.
Mr Yeah receiving the Public Service Medal
Supporting the wider community.
His Legacy

Values That Continue to Guide ValueMax

Mr Yeah’s journey is one of perseverance, adaptability and an enduring focus on creating value for customers.

These principles continue to shape ValueMax today as the Group grows while remaining connected to the communities it serves.