Filipino marketing executive and University of the Philippines (UP) graduate Jonathan Allen Yabut became the first-ever winner of the reality TV show “The Apprentice Asia”, topping 11 other contestants in the competition that stakes a job under business mogul Tony Fernandes.
Unveiling a dynamic trademark of “diskarte,” Yabut emerged the winner after edging co-finalist Andrea Lo of Singapore in the contest’s final task, which is to spearhead a black-tie fundraiser for the AirAsia Foundation in Kuala Lumpur.
In winning the contest, Yabut took home a one-year contract to work for AirAsia, with a salary of at least $100,000.
“I think I’m exploding right now. There’s so much happiness in me,” said Jonathan. “It’s all about passion. If you never put that flame out, you will always be at your best. I am going to make some big changes in the world.”
“The Apprentice Asia” is a franchise of the American reality series with the same title where contestants compete for the chance to become the apprentice of a business magnate; real estate tycoon Donald Trump and billionaire British entrepreneur Alan Sugar are among the real-life bosses who have hosted the show.
