Samuel Yong

Samuel Yong

CEO, Laureate Asia Pacific and Laureate Education Asia

Dr. Samuel Yong is chief executive officer of Laureate Asia Pacific and Laureate Education Asia. Dr. Yong has more than 20 years of leadership experience in international business with a focus on Asia, as well as more than 10 years of experience in academic and corporate research and development with a focus on new business and new product development.

Before coming to Laureate in 2007, Dr. Yong was regional vice president and head of General Mills Asia for 8 years, presiding over the establishment of a very successful business in China and the acquisition/integration of Pillsbury and other businesses in the region. Prior to his work with General Mills, Dr. Yong served as president of Au Bon Pain. He was formerly senior vice president and managing director of Burger King Asia Pacific. Dr. Yong has 15 patents and has authored numerous publications from his years in R&D.

Dr. Yong graduated magna cum laude with bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and economics from Haverford College, earned his master of business administration from St. Thomas University, and earned his Ph.D. in food technology and nutrition from M.I.T. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.