I chose Mr. John L. Gokongwei because he came from a rich family but when his father died his
family lost all their riches and became poor. But Mr. Gokongwei had determination to earn
money and worked hard for his family. And he became the third richest entrepreneur in the
Philippines. I admire him because he is a hardworking, kind, loving, charitable and humble
John L. Gokongwei, Jr. (born August 11, 1926in Gulangyu, Xiamen,Fujian Province, China) is
petrochemicals, power generation, aviation and live stock farming. He was born into a
wealthy Cebu-based family, originally from China's Fujian province. The family fortune was lost
when his affluent father died. He started his business career during World War II, buying and
selling rice, clothing and scrap metal. He is married, and has six children. His only son, Lance
Gokongwei, is now in charge of the Gokongwei Empire, serving as president and COO while
his father serves as Chairman Emeritus. He is the chairman of JG Summit Holdings, one of the
largest conglomerates in the Philippines. In 2005, his company spent $700 million of internally
generated funds which was used to buy new aircrafts for his airline, Cebu Pacific Air. From 2003
up to the present his telecom company Digital Telecommunications Philippines spent nearly
$800 million for its mobile carrier, Sun Cellular which is the 3rd largest mobile operator in the
from Singapore of which he owns in excess of 30%. UIC controls Singapore Land, one of the
biggest property landlord in Singapore. Gokongwei also owns Universal Robina Corporation,
one of the largest manufacturer of snacks in the Philippines. He also controls Robinsons Land
one of the biggest property developers in the Philippines which also operates a chain of malls.
On August 29, 2007, at the Ateneo de Manila University, Gokongweis biography, John L.
Gokongwei Jr.: The Path of Entrepreneurship by the Universitys Dr. Marites A. Khanser, was
launched, and it narrated the riches-to-rags-to-riches story of the tai-pan. Gokongwei stated
that entrepreneurship is a way out of poverty. In 2002 Gokongwei donated P200-million to the
undergraduate school of management and he also made donations to University of San Carlos,
Xavier School, De La Salle University, Sacred Heart School and Immaculate Conception
Academy. And he said There goes the principle of self-determination, again. I tell you, it works
for individuals as it does for companies. And as I firmly believe, it works for nations. I have
always wondered, like many of us, why we Filipinos have not lived up to our potential. To be a
truly great nation, we must also excel as entrepreneurs before the world. We must create Filipino
brands for the global market place. Yes, our government may not be perfect, and our economic
environment
not ideal, but true entrepreneurs will find opportunities anywhere. And his famous quote Be an
entrepreneur!
Chinese-Filpino entrepreneurs notably the Taipans, are openly challenging the dominance of the
Entrepreneurs are probably lucky because they cultivate good countenance and intense
credibility. When you keep on doing business honorably, you end up becoming more likable and
Entrepreneurship is a calling. Gokongwei says what propels me is not the money I made,
although that has been great. Nor is it even the satisfaction of helping my countrymen.
Entrepreneurship, for me, is a path to a life lived to the fullest. It is a road strewn with
challenges that constantly tested my character. For those who want a life of adventure, this is it.
SOURCES
Overseas Chinese entrepreneurship and capitalist development in Southeast Asia
By Annabelle R. Gambe
http://www.mightyrasing.com/entrepreneurship/john-gokongwei-jr-biography-lessons-in-
entrepreneurship/
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/86/philippines-10_John-Gokongwei-Jr_G09D.html
http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20070901-
86043/A_way_out_of_poverty%2C_according_to_%91Mr._John%92
http://www.millionaireacts.com/772/gokongwei-success-story.html