Hyundai PH Chairman Edward Go passes away at 83
1938 – 2021: Edward S. Go
An important pillar of Hyundai Asia Resources Inc (HARI) recently passed away. On September 16, 2021, HARI Chairman Edward S. Go joined his Creator – leaving behind 40 years of management experience in the country's top banking and financing institutions.
Chairman Go graduated at the top of his class at the Ateneo de Manila (ADMU) and generously offered his talent and expertise in service of the community. He sat on the board of numerous top corporations and actively supported the poverty alleviation programs of the Ateneo, chaired the NAMFREL, and spearheaded microfinance efforts.
He was also instrumental behind the HARI Foundation Inc (HFI), the corporate social responsibility of HARI. He helped forge the Foundation’s lasting alliances with Gawad Kalinga and the Ateneo, where the Hyundai Hall, the university's main performance venue, now stands. It was originally set to be named after him, though he politely declined.
Despite his countless accolades and achievements, Go kept to himself and worked quietly at HARI. Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, president and CEO of HARI, said that they will miss his unassuming presence.
“He left us as quietly as he had lived. We will never forget his unassuming presence in our many events. Be it a major one with the government and Hyundai Korea or a company Christmas party, he would be there, on time, humbly shunning the spotlight. Yet we all know that behind that modest facade was a Renaissance man, a great mind for business, and a big heart for the poor,” said Agudo.
Before his sudden passing, ADMU was going to honor him with the 2022 Lux in Domino Award for embodying the exemplary ideals of his alma mater. The award will instead be given posthumously.
“His actions and decisions are all marked by quiet integrity and excellence which made him a sought-out member of the board of top corporations. A true patriot and son of Ignatius, he also placed his exceptional abilities in the service of civic and social development organizations, as well as the Ateneo de Manila, where he was a member of the Board of Trustees for 16 years and its Chair from 2010 to 2014,” said ADMU president Roberto C. Yap.
“We will miss his sharp business insights and dry sense of humor. He was always neat and dapper, and physically active. He never wanted to have a driver but preferred to drive himself and his wife around. We are indeed fortunate to have spent 20 fruitful years working and learning from him. Chairman Go left HARI a legacy of professional excellence, integrity, and humble service,” added Agudo.
May you rest in peace Edward S. Go.
