Ambassador Ng: Man with a vision

"Things won are done; joy’s soul lies in doing."–Shakespeare

An outstanding life is best measured by the impact it has made on one’s family, company, and society in general. Recognition further inspires and pushes a person to do more for his nation.

One man who was recently recognized for his outstanding contributions was industrialist Ambassador John K.C. Ng. The 4th Dr. Jose P. Rizal Awards for Excellence, which honors outstanding Chinese-Filipinos, gave Ambassador Ng a Lifetime Achievement Award. Cited as "Man with a Vision," Ambassador Ng started out as a salesman in his father’s hardware shop in Quiapo. At 26, he took over the family business after his father passed away.

Three years later, he made the biggest gamble of his life. He established a steel factory on leased land in Novaliches. Through hard work coupled with his strong business acumen, his companies flourished. Today, Ambassador Ng is the chairman of the Cathay Group of Companies, which includes the three top steel manufacturers, leading tile manufacturer Eurotiles, and fast-rising real estate developer Cathay Land.

As past president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), he spearheaded their combined efforts in nation-building: the construction of hundreds of school buildings in marginalized barangays all over the country, and the donation of homes to the less privileged through Gawad Kalinga.

With his strong links to both Mainland Chinese and Chinese-Filipino businessmen, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed him as special envoy for Chinese Affairs. Now, Ambassador Ng busies himself in formulating strategies by which the Philippines can benefit from China’s economic boom.

To further boost the Philippines’ development, he has outlined his vision for the country’s first world-class satellite city: South Forbes Golf City. Located at the Metro Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay growth corridor, this integrated golf resort city features architecturally diverse communities such as the South Forbes Villas and the South Forbes Bali Mansions. Ambassador Ng is also looking forward to playing golf with his grandchildren at South Forbes’ very own world-class, 18-hole golf course designed by International Management Group (IMG), Asia’s leading golf course designer.

Mabuhay, Ambassador Ng!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Marvi Ponce de Leon, Vicky Veloso-Barrera, Viring Ongkeko, Tommy Manotoc and Edgardo Tordesillas.

Advance birthday greetings to The Bellevue Manila general manager Patrick Chan, former Vice President Teofisto "Tito" Guingona, Peter Go Pailan, Johnny "67" Velasquez, FCCP’s Helen Cruz, Michael Gibb and Cathy Garcia, July 4; businessman Mariano Arenas and FCCP’s Oscar Medalla, July 5; Ramon Atayde, Kitty Jacinto, Antonio Roxas-Chua Jr. and Dr. Leonardo Rosero, July 7; Rafael "Paing" Hechanova, Andrew de los Reyes, Dr. Elizabeth de Guia-Godino and Alfonso Reyno Jr., July 8; Edward Go, FCCP’s Cristina Ablaza and London MBA graduate Cheryl de Leon, July 9.

So, how was your week?

(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)