Lucio Tan is the famous Chinese Filipino business tycoon and the second richest man in the Philippines next to Henry Sy. He owns Tanduay Holdings which is one of the world’s largest rum makers. He also owns Asia Brewery, the second largest brewery in the country and Fortune Tobacco, the largest tobacco company in the Philippines. He is also the owner of Philippine Airlines the Philippines’ flag carrier. These are only few examples of the 300 companies that Mr. Tan managed. The total value of his businesses was estimated not less than $20 billion controlling the 60% share.
Lucio tan was in Amoy, Fujian, Republic of China on July 17, 1934. He was still a child when his parents decided to move here in the Philippines. He studied at the University of Santo Tomas taking up Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering but finished this course from the University of Santo Tomas.
He had stop schooling before graduating to take a job in a tobacco factory. He started the cigarette company known as Fortune Tobacco in 1966. He only begins in a small hut in Marikina gained Lucio Tan to success. He then venture and became successful from various business field namely airlines and related services; banking, finance and securities; brewery; chemicals; distillery and alcohol; education; food; hotel; manufacturing; property development; steel fabrication and construction; and tourism and travel services.
Mr. Tan received several recognitions and awards both in the Philippines and abroad for his achievements and leadership. Lucio Tan holds a Doctorate Degree in Commerce from the University of Santo Tomas along with a string of honorary doctorate degrees from various institutions of higher learning.
He launched the Tan Yan Kee Foundation in 1986 in honor of his father to share fruits of his endeavor with those in need. The Foundation is aiming to support of education, culture and sports; health and social welfare; research; and manpower development.