The Harvard OPM Leadership Awards recently took place, celebrating exceptional graduates who have had a profound impact on the Philippines. The event, spearheaded by Pinky Tobiano, the founder and chairman of Harvard OPM Philippines, honored individuals who displayed remarkable dedication and dynamic leadership.
One of the recipients of the prestigious Harvard OPM Lifetime Achievement Award was Henry Lim Bong Liong, a visionary in the rice industry. Liong’s mission was to make the Philippines self-sufficient in rice production, underlining the transformative power of a single seed.
Another notable awardee was Rajan Uttamchandani, who received the Harvard OPM Award for Leadership Excellence in Finance and Business Advisory. Uttamchandani is the founder and CEO of Esquire Financing, a company that has made significant contributions to the financial industry.
Wilson Lim, honored for his Leadership Excellence, is the driving force behind the success of the Abenson Group of Companies. With a vision to enhance Filipino homes through retail stores offering a wide array of products, Lim’s philosophy emphasizes creativity, compassion, excellence, and teamwork.
Chan Kok Bin, the next Leadership Excellence awardee, started his journey with a small shoe boutique in Escolta. Today, CLN is a dominant fashion brand in the Philippines, with numerous locations and a loyal customer base.
In the realm of public health and equitable healthcare for Filipinos, Harvard OPM Philippines recognized Ray Florence Reyes. Reyes, a healthcare advocate and business executive, brings his extensive experience and expertise to the forefront as the representative of Alagaan Natin Ating Kalusugan (AnaKalusugan) Party List.
William Tiu Lim, the next awardee for Leadership Excellence, found his passion in the fishing industry. With Mega Fishing Corporation (MFC) as its fishing arm, Lim’s family business, Mega Global, has become a household name and a leading manufacturer of canned goods like Mega Sardines.
Roswell Limsui, the leader of New Panay Agri-Ventures Development, Inc. and RL Royal Prime Construction Company, was also acknowledged for his contributions as a successful entrepreneur and visionary leader. Limsui is known for founding and leading several companies across various industries, and his philanthropic initiatives have positively impacted many lives.
The Harvard OPM Leadership Awards also recognized individuals outside the business sector. Rico Hizon, a senior anchor and director for news content development at CNN Philippines, received the special award for Truth in Journalism. Hizon holds the distinction of being the first Filipino news anchor to work for both CNBC Asia and BBC World News.
Additionally, Captain Stanley Ng Kua, a pilot, was honored with the Harvard OPM special award for Leadership Excellence. Rising from an airport crew member to becoming the Chief Operating Officer of Philippine Airlines (PAL), Captain Ng Kua’s remarkable journey showcases his passion and dedication to the aviation industry.
Pinky Tobiano, the founder and chairman of Harvard OPM Philippines, played a pivotal role in transforming the organization into a vibrant community of leaders and learners. With her engaging personality and strong leadership, Tobiano has enhanced the organization’s engagement, visibility, and impact.
Apart from her work with Harvard OPM Philippines, Tobiano is an accomplished entrepreneur, running a large veterinary manufacturing facility catering to the local export market. Her philanthropic efforts have consistently inspired and aided elderly and sexually abused children in the Philippines. Tobiano’s recent joint venture with Bureau Veritas, a French conglomerate testing laboratory, aims to elevate the voices of Filipino chemists on a global scale.
The leadership excellence awards presented by Harvard OPM Philippines are a testament to the remarkable achievements and contributions of outstanding individuals in various fields. Through their impactful endeavors, these awardees have made a lasting difference in the Philippines and beyond.
