Yuen-Li Chan

In the last 25 years, Yuen-Li has pioneered the development of the outdoor industry in Malaysia. With many first ascents to her name and setting up the first climbing gym in the country, she was responsible for introducing thousands of Malaysians to the sport of rock climbing. As an enthusiastic kayaker, Yuen-Li also made the first descents of a number of whitewater rivers, including Sungai Kampar.

In 1998 Yuen-Li gained international acclaim when she captained Toyota Team 2020 in the world’s toughest race, the Eco Challenge in Morocco, They became the first Asian team to complete an Eco Challenge race and the team’s inspirational efforts became the focus of the Emmy Award winning television program of the race. The team went on to race in four more Eco Challenges and win the Team Spirit Award. She brought the sport of adventure racing to Malaysia. As course designer and Race Director for an amazing 17 adventure races in 8 years, Yuen-Li has also acted as a safety and race consultant on AXN’s urban adventure races in Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Yuen-Li is the Regional Director for Asia for Rescue 3 International and also an instructor trainer for Swiftwater Rescue and Technical Rope Rescue and a Wilderness First Aid Instructor. In 2015, she qualified as a Level 3 Instructor with the International Rafting Federation.

Her creative program design and innovative debriefing methodologies have inspired thousands of participants in their personal and professional journeys. She has been trained by some of the most renown trainers in Experiential Learning such as Dr Jim Cain, Dr Roger Greenaway and Professor Colin Beard. She has completed a Transformational Coaching course certified by the ISA-MM Institute from Switzerland and Germany

In 2020  Yuen Li used 20 years of financial proceeds from Nomad Adventure to co-found a green technology company in the United States. Phoenix Waste Solutions has a patent for a revolutionary micro waste-to-energy technology that has the potential to change how trash is managed around the world. To date, they have won grants exceeding USD$1M to support the development of this climate technology.

Yuen-Li fervently believes that adventure is an artful canvas that expands our sense of who we are and what is possible. Above all, she appreciates being an evolving spirit on this planet.