Sterling Paper Group of Companies chairman and former Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong passed away on Aug. 2, 2024 at the age of 72.
A graduate of engineering from the University of the Philippines-Diliman and business courses from Ateneo de Manila University and Harvard Business School, Dr. Lim Bon Liong made significant contributions to the agricultural and business sector.
At just 25, he assumed responsibility for his family and their business following the unexpected death of his father in Hong Kong in 1976.
As the eldest child, he stepped into the presidency of Sterling Co. The early years were filled with challenges, but his determination to honor his father’s memory fueled his success.
Under his leadership, the Sterling Group grew into a diverse conglomerate, expanding its interests to include school and office supplies, residential and commercial property development, business process outsourcing and agribusiness.
In the late 1990s, Lim Bon Liong, inspired by China’s success in combating food shortages through hybrid rice, began researching rice production and formed a partnership with Prof. Yuan Long Ping, the “Father of Hybrid Rice.”
The collaboration led to the establishment of SL Agritech Corp. (SLAC) on Sept. 11, 2000, with the goal of promoting hybrid rice technology in the Philippines.
His commitment to this goal is beautifully captured in his famous statement:
“One seed can calm a tribe, stabilize a nation. One seed can change one’s life. One seed can determine one’s destiny. One seed can lead to prosperity.”
His relentless efforts to promote hybrid rice technology from China have left an indelible mark on the nation’s agricultural landscape.
FFCCCII President Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro said, “Dr. Henry Lim Lon Biong’s passing represents a profound loss not only to the Filipino-Chinese community and the business sector but to the entire country.”
“As a passionate advocate for Philippine-China friendship and economic cooperation, Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong played a pivotal role in fostering closer ties between our nations,” he said.
Lim Bong Liong also served as an intermediary for the Philippine government in the receipt of one million anti-COVID vaccines donated by the Chinese government.
During his tenure as FFCCCII president and chairman of the Filipino-Chinese Community Calamity Fund, Lim Lon Biong and his team donated over half a billion pesos worth of medical supplies and relief goods during the COVID-19 pandemic and in response to calamities such as typhoons and the Taal Volcano disturbances.
