MANILA, Philippines — Recognized as a world-class leader of a global organization, Jollibee Group president and CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong was named the Entrepreneur of the Year by Asia Leaders Awards during its recently held awarding ceremony at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel in Makati City.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized with this Entrepreneur of the Year award from Asia Leaders Awards. I receive this on behalf of our Jollibee Group family.
More than just a title for one individual, this is actually a testament to the collective contributions of all the men and women of the Jollibee Group – both past and present – who have helped make the company what it is today,” Tanmantiong said.
Asia Leaders Awards, which focuses on global excellence of the awardees, is the culmination of the different Asia Leaders Forums held nationwide.
Its Entrepreneur of the Year award highlighted the leadership and entrepreneurial skills of Tanmantiong, which has steered the year-on-year growth of the Jollibee Group.
Under his helm, the conglomerate has expanded beyond the Philippines with 16 brands that have over 5,800 stores across 36 countries and territories. He has also led the company’s global transformation strategy as a response to the impact of the pandemic to the business.
“You might think that it is counterintuitive to be dreaming big at a time when economies are being challenged and businesses are struggling, but it is not. I believe that it is during these times when the values of entrepreneurship come to fore as we march into this new reality. Crisis breeds opportunity, and there are many opportunities out there,” Tanmantiong said.
During his speech, he encouraged entrepreneurs to continue creating jobs for more Filipinos and to continue providing access to quality products and services that people need.
He also called on entrepreneurs to continue dreaming big. “To do this, our hope for a better future must be bigger than our fears today. If we dream small, we will act small. When we dream big, we can do better, give better, make things better,” Tanmantiong said.
“To all our customers who have supported and patronized our brands for more than four decades now, we thank you for allowing us to share the joy of great-tasting food with you. This award is dedicated to you, as we continue to commit to live our mission of spreading the joy of eating to everyone,” he said.