The prestigious award highlights Gokongwei’s exceptional leadership within the Southeast Asian business community. He will be honored on Nov. 18 in Singapore.
Lance’s business philosophy
“I want to make a positive and lasting difference in everything I can do and pay it forward,” said Gokongwei, who heads some of the Philippines’ biggest corporations, including the P160-billion family conglomerate, JG Summit Holdings.
The philosophy, which seeks to balance profitability with creating value for stakeholders, employees, and communities, has been central to Gokongwei’s leadership.
Celebrating regional business icons
The EY ASEAN Entrepreneurial Excellence (AEE) award, founded in 2015, honors business leaders who inspire cross-industry excellence. Presented by EY and sponsored by Bank of Singapore, it honors Southeast Asian entrepreneurs who propel business growth and create meaningful societal impact.
“Through its subsidiaries, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) and Cebu Pacific (CEB), JG Summit has successfully broadened its presence throughout ASEAN,” JG Summit said in a statement.
URC has established operations in major markets including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Cebu Pacific, one of the Philippines’ leading airlines, contributes to regional connectivity, with flights spanning Southeast Asia, driving tourism, trade, and mobility.
Digital innovation
GoTyme, a digital banking venture with Singapore’s Tyme Group, embodies Gokongwei’s vision for financial inclusion by offering millions of Filipinos seamless access to previously unavailable banking services.
“His unrelenting pursuit of excellence drives continuous innovation, evident in the entrepreneurial DNA that he embodies and the enduring spirit of his leadership,” JG Summit said.
Regional integration
Under Gokongwei’s leadership, JG Summit has driven growth in line with the AEC’s vision of a more interconnected and competitive Southeast Asia.
“As the region continues to experience rapid development, Gokongwei’s leadership shows a powerful example of how commercial success can go hand in hand with social responsibility,” JG Summit said.
“His enduring legacy of paying it forward ensures that his influence will resonate far beyond the boardroom, inspiring others to make a lasting impact on their own communities,” it added.
