Early Life
Andrew Lim Tan was born in Quanzhou, Fujian province, China, in 1952. His family moved to Hong Kong when he was a child seeking better opportunities. However, life was challenging, and the family later relocated to the Philippines when Tan was 16. He studied accounting at the University of the East.
Rise to Success
Tan's career began with his work as an executive for Leonardo Ty and later as a partner in a small appliance business. In 1989, he founded Megaworld Corporation, initially focusing on condominium projects. Megaworld grew to become a leading real estate developer in the Philippines, pioneering master-planned townships like Eastwood City. In the mid-1990s, Tan founded Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI), which expanded into food and beverage, real estate, gaming, and quick-service restaurants.
Key Business Strategies
Tan's business strategy involved diversifying his investments and focusing on brand building. His companies, such as Emperador Distillers, Inc. (maker of Emperador Brandy), have achieved global recognition and market dominance. Megaworld has also been instrumental in the growth of the BPO sector, generating a significant number of jobs in the country. Tan has invested heavily in building townships integrating residential, commercial, and office spaces.
Philanthropy
Tan established the Megaworld Foundation in 1997, which provides scholarships and financial aid to underprivileged students. His conglomerate donated over P600 million to frontliners during the pandemic.