Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda held a reception to celebrate the conferment of the The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, upon Metrobank Group chairman and founder Dr. George S.K. Ty last February 28, 2018 at his official residence in Makati City. Distinguished officials from the government, business, civil society, media, and the diplomatic community graced the event.

Dr. Ty was conferred with the award by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on behalf of Emperor Akihito last November 7, 2017 at the Matsukaze-no-Ma, Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan. The Emperor later received Dr. Ty together with other 2017 honorees at the Houmei-Den.

The recognition was given to Dr. Ty for his efforts in strengthening Philippine-Japanese economic relations. In particular, he undertook landmark joint ventures with several Japanese companies in key sectors such as automotives, real estate development, investment banking, insurance, and consumer finance. By facilitating the entry of Japanese investments into the Philippines, Dr. Ty has contributed to the country’s economic development.

He is also the founder and chairman of Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group, and GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI), the Ty family foundation. Guided by his philosophy that leadership in business implied leadership in community service, MBFI implements various programs in the areas of excellence recognition, education, healthcare, arts and culture, and disaster response.

In addition, Dr. Ty serves as the group chairman of GT Capital Holdings Inc., a major Philippine conglomerate composed of Metrobank, Toyota Motor Philippines, Federal Land, Pro-Friends, AXA Philippines, Toyota Financial Services, and Toyota Manila Bay Corporation.

During the reception, Dr. Ty thanked the Japanese government and said that the award also belongs to everyone who has contributed to his life and work. He said, “I will forever cherish this award as I consider it a testament to landmark joint ventures I undertook with the Japanese people. It overwhelms me that Metrobank’s move to diversify in 1988 and venture into the automotive industry has contributed to strengthened Philippine-Japanese economic relations.” He noted that such partnerships with Japanese companies have been key to the sustained growth of the Metrobank Group and GT Capital Holdings.

Established in 1875, the Order of the Rising Sun is awarded by the Japanese Government to those who have made distinguished achievements in areas such as international relations, culture and the arts. SGV & Co. founder Washington SyCip also received this particular award last June 2017 for his contributions to Philippine-Japanese business relations.

Tags: 2018 News