Metrobank Group head receives award

MANILA, Philippines - The WCEF Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2011 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective field of work. The recipient must have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to make a difference and have provided outstanding contributions over the years to the regional and global community. Awardees should be eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves in their industry or profession and they are being honored by WCEF for their dedication, selfless service, and innovative leadership.

George S.K. Ty was particularly cited for his pioneering efforts in founding one of the Philippines’ premier universal banks and among the foremost financial conglomerates – the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank). By way of giving back, Ty founded the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) in 1979, guided by his philosophy that leadership in business implied leadership in community service as well. Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, MBFI continues to contribute to national development through its recognition programs for key sectors of society – teachers, police officers, soldiers, artists, journalists, and the judiciary. MBFI also provides support to disadvantaged sectors of Philippine society through its grants program and remains equally responsive to emergency and relief operations in times of natural calamities. It also implements social services such as subsidies for in-house patients, outreach programs, and health-related interventions in adopted communities through its healthcare affiliate, Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH).

In 2009, Ty also established GT-Metro Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization that serves as the Ty family foundation. GTMF commits to serve the community through its programs on health, environment, and education. GTMF also implements legacy projects and extends financial assistance to socio-civic organizations through its grants program.

He was likewise cited for going back to his Chinese roots through the establishment of the Metropolitan Bank (China) Ltd. (MBCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Metrobank established in China with the approval of China Banking Regulatory Commission.

MBCL started operations in 2010 and its headquarters is located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. It is the first wholly foreign-owned bank incorporated in Jiangsu. At present, MBCL has six branches in Nanjing, Shanghai, Changzhou, and Quanzhou. Prior to this, Metrobank first opened its international branch in Taipei, Taiwan in 1970 and later opened its first branch in the PRC in Shanghai in 1993.

MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña received the award on behalf of Ty.

The World Chinese Economic Forum is a leading annual forum promoting closer linkages between China and Southeast Asia and China and the West as well as the global Chinese diaspora.

The World Chinese Economic Forum is supported by government, business and academic/think tank leaders in China, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Britain, Germany, Switzerland and USA. It provides a timely opportunity for sharing of ideas and experiences and strengthening business networking.