There is nothing fishy in how Mega Prime Foods operates, although the company gets its main raw materials from the sea. The firm has always been candid and straightforward.
For the company’s president and chief executive Michelle Tiu Lim Chan, the word “fishy” does not even come close to the usual connotation of being dubious or questionable.
When her father William Tiu-Lim handed over the executive portfolio to Michelle in March 2023, she committed to taking the company to greater heights. She laid out a blueprint for innovation, sustainability and inclusive leadership.
“Her appointment is significant, not just as a woman executive but as a daughter stepping into a leadership role in a family business, reflecting a shift towards a more inclusive leadership,” the firm said in a statement.
With Michelle at the top of corporate ladder, the firm believes she will “inspire other women who want to be future leaders.”
“Her leadership serves as a beacon of inspiration, proving that women have the ability to empower communities, raise industry standards, and lead with impact, innovation, and purpose. Through her example, she continues to break barriers and redefine what it means to be a female leader,” the firm said.
Having been educated at the prestigious University of British Columbia, Michelle could have easily chased more lucrative careers overseas, but opted to help run the family business at the home front.
Michelle and her four brothers were exposed early in life to the intricacies of business. Their parents usually took them to the plant to see for themselves how the company operates.
“My mom used to go to Navotas fish port at night, and sometimes she brought me with her. Even if the place was very fishy, with lots of fish scattered on the floor, and lots of people around.”
Even as a teenager, Michelle manifested a keen business sense. She sold stationery pads to classmates at Saint June Catholic School, although not officially allowed by administrators.
On Wednesdays after school, Mom Marilou brought her to Baclaran Church to pray.
“My favorite part is the shopping afterwards,” Michelle said. “We would shop in the buildings near the church, and I would watch my mom negotiate with the vendors. Sometimes, we would walk away and the vendor would chase us and give us what my mom asked for. This instilled in me the value of money—no matter how small the ‘tawad,’ it is still savings.”
The scenario instilled in Michelle the value of wise negotiations.
Mega Prime also prides itself with the underlying self-imposed mission of caring for the community under a mantra of “malasakit.”
“When malasakit is embedded in the workplace culture, it fosters an environment where employees work with compassion and a genuine desire to uplift one another. It becomes a powerful motivator, encouraging individuals to act with goodwill and purpose,” Michelle said.
“In our 50 years in the business, our proudest edge is our ability to translate this commitment to our products, fostering a deep understanding of food and love on the table,” she said.
Mega Prime’s corporate social responsibility transcends humanitarian endeavors to cover environmental protection and preservation.
Thus, the company set off on a journey called Mega Ocean Clean-Up which involves sweeping the seabed for trash by attaching nets to the boats and taking the garbage back to land.