Melanie Ng: Born to lead

MANILA, Philippines — In the eyes of both public and private sectors, she is an ultimate example of success. A leader, a mother, a wife, and a boss to several businesses she managed and owned.

Melanie Chua Ng has been in the limelight for the last couple of years, as the president of a male dominated business organization — Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI). But, what really puts her into the pinnacle of success is her big heart for service.

As a child, Melanie is determined to be a physician, not because it paints a lucrative and prestigious profession, but because she thought it’s the best avenue for her to serve the people regardless of backgrounds, colors, and affiliations.

Although she grew up with a business-minded family, she knew that it is in her DNA to serve, and doing business could be her second priority.

A cum laude graduate of Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of San Carlos, Melanie thought her journey to becoming a Medical Doctor was a sure ball, until she met her old-friend Wilson Ng after college. That meeting changed everything.

Wind beneath her wings

Behind Melanie's extra energetic and sunny disposition is what she described as her great "influencer" — her husband Wilson.

Together, they established the Ng Khai Development Corporation, one of the pioneers in the Information Technology (IT) solutions in Cebu.

Business wise, it wasn't that hard for this frustrated Doctor to cope with the ups and downs and challenges, as their union is a perfect match to strike a balance.

But even if Melanie has her hands full all the time to tend to the business as in-charge of the finance operations and to personally tend to her three boys, still she often felt something was missing. It was Wilson who reminded her to pursue her dream to serve, which somehow skipped her memory along the way.

Leadership is Melanie's cup-of-tea. In fact, it comes easily to her wherever she goes. She led several prestigious organizations prior to CCCI, such as the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA-Cebu), and the Association of Computer Businesses, among several other groups.

All these responsibilities, she said looks too overwhelming and time-consuming, but she finds her true self in doing these jobs. It even made her more effective knowing that at the end of the day, she takes comfort and inspiration from Wilson — the "wind beneath her wings."

Business and service

A holistic success, they say, can only be achieved if it is shared unconditionally. Melanie affirmed this to be true while she got involved with the reputable Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) starting 2006 to present.

She shared that PBSP honed and sharpened her love for service in greater scope. Melanie's servant heart expanded some more, with deep understanding that generosity in all forms knows no bounds.

First hand, she witnessed and still continues to see the magic of social service, and that business cannot just thrive by acquiring more profits, but also by opening the reservoir of wealth to those who most need them. That's the magic she discovered in this organization.

Melanie sits as one of the board of directors of PBSP since 2006 until now.

The give-and-take core concept in business, she said is surely part of an entrepreneur's engine to success, but it only holds one part of the  secret. The great and only equalizer she discovered is putting the other hand wholeheartedly on the ground, through service and giving.

Her gem

The more she gives herself to others, the more she is given the time and luxury to treat herself.

Apart from Ng Khai, which she and Wilson built, Melanie also runs a business, which practically she calls her own.

Her colorful, bubbly and positive aura is the first thing you notice when shes around. She has that certain presence which somehow calms and uplifts your spirit. This maybe because of her penchant for fine things, particularly gem stones.

She calls her personal pet-business "Gems and Designs by Premium Concepts." This is her personal treat to herself. A business which is too personal for her.

Perhaps, Melanie's only "sin" amid her pre-occupied year-plan, is to sneak a trip to different countries and shop for precious novelties — the trivial, yet beautiful accessories women usually adore.

This is another gem that invigorates her (aside from Wilson and her children). This personal business somewhat help her to fulfill her multi-faceted duties and pressures with grace.

She masters the art of giving to others — beyond business, because she gives to herself first — feeding her whims with those little and pretty  but precious gems.

At 48 years old, she does not look her age. Her energy of youthfulness and playfulness are the important spices to her effortless way of leading and serving even beyond and outside of her comfort zone.

Inspiring women

While she has only a few months left to lead the largest business organization in Cebu, Melanie is heading towards another advocacy to encourage more women in business to shine and lead.

"There are many women whose hearts are ripe to lead and more than ready to serve the community. They just need a little push and inspiration," she said.

Before her term ends, she vowed to enlist women to take important chairs in the chamber to break the tradition.

Since its establishment in 1903, the Chamber has been led by men until in recent years when women leaders in the business sector started to claim their equal rights.

Melanie's predecessor Ma. Teresa Chan broke ground as the first woman president of CCCI.

According to Melanie this move is not entirely meant to overpower the men in the business sector, but putting women in the leadership in a very influential body of the business sector is important nowadays, especially that the dynamics and environment have changed.

She further quipped that women leaders serve as the heart to any organization, and sometimes their softness and versatility provide a more conducive and inspiring backdrop in a busy world of business.