From his innovative real estate projects to his successful acquisition of world-famous brands, Dr. Andrew L. Tan, is, without a doubt, one of the country’s most successful taipans. But even after 45 years, the hardworking chairman of Alliance Global Group, Inc., whose companies have become household names, continues to reach for greater heights.
Through his hard work, paired with a wellspring of experiences, he has gained a unique perspective on what matters most in this fast-changing world.
As the man behind property giant Megaworld Corp., one of the companies under Alliance Global, Andrew has helped transform landscapes and lifestyles in the Philippines. “Being in real estate, we at Megaworld have a deep appreciation for the country’s journey towards urbanization and modernization,” says Andrew. “We constantly look for ways to bring value to people’s lives.
This proactive mindset can be described as almost prescient, especially where Megaworld’s developments are concerned. Even before the traffic situation was making headlines, the company’s master-planned townships were already emphasizing the importance of integration, connectedness and mobility.
“The benefits of living in a township are so much more prominent today. Megaworld has always built offices, leisure hubs and schools near its condominium developments precisely so people could walk everywhere easily, right within the community,” he shares. By design, Megaworld’s townships encourage walking instead of driving, lessening the need for vehicles within the property.
Pioneered by Megaworld in 1996, the township concept was first brought to life in Eastwood City in Quezon City. Megaworld has since launched a total of 25 townships in 30 cities spanning 4,700 hectares. These developments are spread across Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
“With new centers of growth being born, new jobs are being created outside the National Capital Region, extending opportunities to these promising areas, while helping decongest the metro,” says the chairman.
Creating one township after another no doubt demands an enormous amount of passion and dedication. But it is all in a day’s work for Andrew. He may have a lengthy list of business achievements, but he is looking not only to do well, but to also do good.
“Sustainability continues to be at the forefront of our company’s businesses under Alliance Global. The various programs and activities that we have put in place for years now are aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations,” he says.
For Megaworld in particular, the company has consistently initiated local community development efforts and educational programs. Green initiatives have been a part of its township developments for years. The company has long been generating employment through its BPO offices, while supporting the country’s tourism efforts through its hotel and integrated tourism offerings. In addition, it has constantly empowered women in the workplace, which earned for the company recognition through the “Women at Work Leadership Award” from the Asia Best Employer Awards 2019.
Described as a visionary, Andrew has always been able to see far ahead. This explains his ability to look at the long term for his businesses.
In 2019, Megaworld celebrated its 30th anniversary. Despite its relative youth as a company, its developments have resonated with different generations. Eastwood City is well into its 20th year, and it exemplifies just how successful the live-work-play model has become. In fact, it hosts nearly 100,000 homeowners and employees.
Meanwhile, another notable township, McKinley Hill in Taguig City, marked 15 years, also this 2019. Today, some 130,000 residents, employees and students call the 50-hectare community their home.
Making things that stand the test of time—it is almost a calling for Andrew, who has a profound sense of history.
A toast to the future
Through Emperador, another one of his companies under Alliance Global, he started strategically purchasing vineyard lands and assets in Spain in 2013. A year later, Emperador acquired Whyte and Mackay Ltd., the world’s fifth largest Scotch whisky company. In 2016, Emperador acquired Fundador Pedro Domecq, Spain’s largest and oldest brandy. Part of the acquisition was Bodegas Fundador, the largest and oldest brandy cellar in Spain.
“Fundador, established in 1730, has nearly 300 years of history. Over the centuries, different Spanish kings and various members of royalty have visited Bodegas Fundador. Whyte and Mackay, founded in 1844, has close to 200 years of history. Emperador here in the Philippines just celebrated its 40th anniversary. Combined, these three companies are over 500 years old,” shares Andrew.
“I am very much aware of the responsibility that falls on my shoulders to preserve the rich histories of these companies, and to pave the way forward so they continue on for hundreds of years more.”
While Andrew sees success in longevity, he also recognizes the accomplishments of the so-called unicorn businesses of today. “I have a great deal of respect for startups, considering the challenges they have to contend with, such as high uncertainty and high failure rates. That is why when a startup manages to achieve the rare feat of being valued at over US$1 billion, I can only join in the applause,” he says. “Knowing how difficult it is to break into an industry or market with a truly exceptional idea for a product or service, I can only hope that such startups will not be the ‘here today, gone tomorrow,’ breed.”
It is the reality of “tomorrow” that keeps this businessman going. And for him, the future is bright, knowing that he has put together a strong team of leaders who share his vision for each of his companies. Andrew’s eldest son, Kevin, is a key part of that leadership team. “Kevin has risen to become CEO of Alliance Global after proving he has the creativity and commitment to move the conglomerate forward,” he says.
With father-and-son being leaders in their own right, the natural question that arises is whether they have the same management style. “I have been in business for over four decades, and through my experiences, my management style has definitely evolved over time. Furthermore, I have been positively shaped by the people around me. These people have been with me during the pioneering years of my companies. They grew up with me and they are like my brothers and sisters,” shares Andrew.
“Kevin will be molded by his own experiences,” he continues. “The people surrounding him will also play a role in defining his management style. Whatever that style is, I have always advised him about the value of humility, and to respect professionalism and seniority.”
These simple words of Andrew reveal the kind of wisdom that can only be gained through years and years of hard work, as well as an uncompromising work ethic. And while he may say he is, “first and foremost, a businessman,” anyone that reads his story will realize that it is not teeming with just anecdotes about business. His story has remarkable depth and nuance, reflecting a life filled with purpose, just like the man himself.
