Next-gen CEO leads purpose-driven innovation at Mega Prime
Michelle Tiu-Lim Chan is the next-generation CEO of Mega Prime Corp., a household name in the Philippine canned sardine industry. As the company marks its 50th anniversary, Michelle leads a brand rooted in tradition but oriented toward transformation.
In this interview, she discusses leadership, innovation and the unique dynamics of a family business.
Question: Taking on the role of CEO in a business with such a rich history must be both an honor and a challenge. What does success look like for you as you navigate this responsibility?
Answer: Success is about honoring our legacy while embracing the future. As we celebrate our 50th year, I see myself as a steward of our founder’s vision—grounded in Filipino values like “malasakit” (genuine care for others). This value has driven our success and continues to shape our quality and service.
Having been with the company for 25 years, I bring deep institutional knowledge and passion. This helps ensure continuity while adapting to future needs.
I also believe in putting people at the center. By promoting inclusive leadership and work-life balance, I aim to build a culture where our team feels valued, fulfilled and empowered.
Ultimately, success means making a lasting impact—on our employees, customers and communities—and ensuring that Mega Prime remains a trusted brand for generations to come.
Q: Mega Prime has already established itself as a market leader. With that success, what’s your approach to risk-taking? Where do you see the greatest risks for the company, and how do you intend to manage them moving forward?
A: Sustaining success means avoiding complacency. My approach is rooted in calculated innovation—taking risks with a clear purpose. We adapt not for disruption’s sake, but to meet changing consumer needs and secure long-term relevance.
A major risk is becoming too comfortable with past successes. Today’s consumers are health-conscious, brand-savvy and they seek convenience. We respond through investment in R&D (research and development), digital transformation and product diversification—such as promoting Mega Sardines as a superfood or improving our supply-chain efficiency.
Another key concern is environmental sustainability. As a company tied to the sea, ocean health is vital to our future. That’s why we support Mega Ocean Clean-up initiatives and community development through the Mega Tiu Lim Foundation.
For me, managing risk is about responsibility—building a brand that can stand the test of time through purpose-driven innovation and sustainable practices.
Q: Family businesses face unique governance challenges. How do you maintain boundaries and accountability as the company grows?
A: Balancing personal ties with professional duties is crucial. At Mega Prime Foods, we’ve implemented strong governance to ensure that decisions are made objectively and transparently.
We hold everyone—including family members—accountable through clear performance metrics and job roles. There’s no room for favoritism; all are evaluated on merit. This helps foster a culture of fairness and professionalism.
We’ve also formalized our operations and brought in independent advisors to our board. This blend of family legacy and outside expertise ensures balanced, future-ready leadership.
Open communication is vital. We make space for generational perspectives while staying united by shared values. I believe the strength of a family business lies in evolving with structure and trust while remaining rooted in its purpose.
Q: You’ve expanded Mega Prime’s product portfolio significantly. How do you balance innovation with long-standing business practices?
A: Innovation at Mega Prime is always purpose-driven. We don’t chase trends—we focus on real needs in Filipino households. Our legacy was built on quality, trust and malasakit, and those values continue to guide every new product.
We’ve diversified with brands like Jimm’s Coffee Mix, added more canned fruits and vegetables, and spotlighted health benefits of products like Mega Sardines. We also pushed for digital transformation, integrating data and technology to boost efficiency and responsiveness.
At the same time, we remain committed to what made us successful—meticulous sourcing, product freshness and our community-first mindset. Innovation means growing with our customers while staying true to our roots.
Q: As a next-generation leader, you’ve had the benefit of mentorship from the founders. What key lessons have you taken from them, and what are you still working on as a leader?
A: Learning directly from my parents has been a privilege. Their discipline, purpose and values—especially malasakit—have profoundly shaped my leadership. My father always emphasized that business should create lasting value, guided by integrity.
I’ve also learned the importance of resilience. Building a business in a changing world requires patience and an unwavering commitment to values.
Still, I see leadership as a continual journey. One area I’m developing is managing rapid change. Today’s world moves much faster, and I need to keep our team agile and aligned.
I’m also working on expanding our global perspective.
As we aim to bring our proudly Filipino products to international markets, understanding diverse cultures while staying true to our roots is key.
Ultimately, I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me, and I’m committed to evolving the company while preserving what made it great.
Q: On a more personal note, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave—both in business and beyond?
A: Legacy is about creating something that lasts beyond yourself. I want to be remembered as a leader who led with heart, purpose and a commitment to uplifting others.
At Mega Prime, that means building a company that empowers communities, embraces sustainability and creates opportunities for the next generation.
Personally, I want my legacy to reflect the values of malasakit, humility, integrity and excellence.
As we look to the next 50 years, I envision Mega Prime as a globally recognized Filipino brand—one that brings our food and culture to the world while staying true to our people.
Through our foundation, I also hope to expand our impact in education, health and environmental efforts. I see this company not just as a business, but as a platform to serve and inspire. If I can leave behind a culture of purpose, then I’ll know I’ve done my part.
