Taking over the reins and stepping into his father's shoes

Paying it forward

To Chan, securing a bright future for the company is important not because it boosts profits but because it also allows the company to contribute more to society, either as a tax payer, a good employer or as a generous donor.

This philosophy of giving back to society, said Chan, is one that successful ethnic Chinese in the Philippines take pride in. Carlos has been donating fire engines, ambulances and school buildings back in his home country.

"We derive our meaning to life mostly from how much one can contribute to the society," explained Chan.

Li Peiming, the executive vice-president of Liwayway China - he used to work for one of the two State-owned food plants the company partnered with - recalled that many of the Chinese workers were anxious about job security when the joint ventures took place.

According to Li, it was the Chan family's modesty and compassion that eventually won their trust and loyalty.

In fact, Liwayway even became one of the most sought-after employers in the market. Over the past decade, the company has employed hundreds of workers who were laid-off due to the restructuring of State-owned enterprises.

Li pointed out that the Chans have also been very generous when it comes to donations to disaster relief and education initiatives in China.

In 2007, Oishi became the main sponsor of the first Special Olympics in Shanghai. The following year, Carlos donated 12 million yuan ($1.82 million) from his own pocket to help with relief efforts for the Wenchuan earthquake.

"I think the honor of winning the Magnolia Award has encouraged my father to become more active in social causes," said Chan, adding that his father has set an example for him to follow.

Just as his mother expected him to follow in his father's footsteps, Chan has similar expectations for his two teenage children in terms of taking over the family business and maintaining the tradition of giving back to the community.

Using himself as an example, Chan believes his children would not decline taking over the reins.

"Anyway, food is not a very difficult industry to be interested in," he smiled.