“Et operamur bonum exemplum vivendi.”
The words spoken by Louisian alumnus Engr. Gerhard P. Tan during the 46th Commencement Exercises of the University of Saint Louis remain profoundly relevant in today’s times. “Et operamur bonum exemplum vivendi,” which translates to “Work and live by good example,” serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of setting positive examples as we navigate the complexities of modern society.
Engr. Tan’s commitment to living by these words has contributed significantly to his emergence as a leading figure in the advancement of sustainability-driven innovations and new technologies. His words continue to resonate, reminding us of the enduring value of leading by example, garnering recognition from fellow professionals, and influencing future technology professionals. This influence is further reinforced by the multitude of prestigious accolades and honors he has received in recognition of his outstanding contributions.
Armed with a track record of successful technology innovations, seasoned telecom executive Engr. Tan recently accepted two distinguished awards for his key contributions to the electronics engineering community. He was conferred the 2023 Honorary Fellow Award during the 41st Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations (AFEO) in Bali, Indonesia, on November 23, 2023. He also received the Outstanding Professionals of the Year Awards-Electronics Engineering in the 2023 PRC Awards held on December 10, 2023, at the Manila Hotel.
Previously, Engr. Tan was also awarded the 1st ASEAN Outstanding Young Engineers Award, the 3rd Asia Pacific GURO Excellence Award 2022 for Outstanding Educator Category, and the 9th PFPA Distinction Award for Professional Association Development last year. These honors reflect his outstanding and meritorious contributions to the engineering profession, solidifying his standing as a significant and renowned figure in the field.
Behind these reputable accolades was a lengthy, arduous journey and transition from being a student to a professional. Engr. Tan graduated from the University of Saint Louis in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering degree. Previously, he also finished his secondary studies at USL, formerly Saint Louis College of Tuguegarao.
He went on to work under Globe Group in 2006 as the Director and Head of Radio Network Engineering for 10 years before being appointed as the Director and Head of Technology Strategy. While working, he pursued his graduate studies and graduated in 2016 with a Master of Science in Engineering major in Electronics Engineering degree at Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
Engr. Tan’s relentless pursuit to achieve success serves as a testament to the importance of education. May his compelling story ignite inspiration among forthcoming generations.