HARI mourns passing of Chairman Edward Go

MANILA: Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) announced the passing of its chairman, Edward S. Go, last September 16.

With over 40 years of management experience in the top banking and finance institutions in the Philippines, Go earned the admiration of colleagues and employees for his integrity and professional knowledge.

Go graduated at top of his class at Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU). He also became a member of the board of numerous renowned corporations and actively supported the poverty alleviation programs of Ateneo. He also served as the chairman of the National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) and led various microfinance efforts.

He also spearheaded HARI Foundation, Inc. (HFI), HARI’s corporate social responsibility arm. He helped established the foundation’s long-term partnerships with Gawad Kalinga and Ateneo, where the Hyundai Hall, the university’s main performance venue, is situated. Ateneo previously offered to name it Edward S. Go Hall, but the chairman humbly declined.

In a statement, HARI President and Chief Executive Officer Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said, “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 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.”

Before his sudden passing, Ateneo was set to honor Go with the 2022 Lux in Domino Award for representing the ideals of his alma mater in an exemplary way. The award will be conferred on him posthumously.

In a public post from the university, ADMU President Roberto C. Yap, SJ stated, “His actions and decisions are all marked by a 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.”

“We will miss his sharp business insights and dry sense of humor,” Agudo added. “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.”

Image from Hyundai Asia Resources