Ben Chan honored as Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Monaco
MANILA, Philippines - Ben Chan, the iconic retailer behind Bench, the Philippines’ largest clothing chain, took a break from work last weekend to receive yet another award. But this time, he had to fly to Monaco to claim his trophy as Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, which is considered the Nobel Prize of entrepreneurship.
The award is given to those who build their business and in the process make our communities, our country and our world a better place. EY chronicles the innate ability of businessmen with a vision to enrich lives and contribute to the vibrance of national lives. The World Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 is banker/finance man Uday Kotak of India.
And as Ben joined other international winners of this most prestigious award covering 145 cities and 60 countries, his social media followers could see the events as they were happening, thanks to Bench architect Miguel Pastor who was posting photos on Instagram and Facebook. So we saw how Ben and other honorees were fetched by vintage cars in this kingdom where the regal charm of monarchy blends with the fast excitement of the Grand Prix, and how they were welcomed by Cirque de Soleil performers.
The success story of Ben is an oft-repeated one. In 1987, he opened a small shop in an SM department store space offering affordable T-shirts with a certain style and character. With his creativity and work ethic, he was able to build a retail empire of about 120 shops which now cover not only clothing but shoes, handbags, undergarments, cosmetics, furniture, educational toys, coffee shops and restaurants, both homegrown and foreign brands as well.
Ben Chan is an idol and an inspiration to the young generation. What really makes him such a winner is that he is a man of passion and compassion. — M.M.M.
