Avin Ong: From Selling Hangers In Caloocan Market To Becoming The Young CEO Of Macao Imperial Tea

Avin Ong, a 30-year-old entrepreneur from the Philippines, is the founder and chief executive officer of the Fredley Group of Companies, managing more than 250 restaurants and cafes across the country. Avin is known for bringing the popular milk tea brand Macao Imperial Tea to the Philippines and spearheading it to become the biggest and most powerful milk tea chain in the nation with over 230 stores.

Born and raised in Caloocan City, Avin had to start working hard from an early age due to his family’s lack of financial means. In high school, he tutored students, peddled fruit shakes, and helped his mother in the market by selling hangers.

Despite his economic hardships, Avin persevered in his education and graduated from De La Salle University with a bachelor’s in Mathematics, a double MBA, and an honors degree.

Avin made up his mind to launch a venture after soon understanding that the corporate world was not suited to him after entering it. In 2014, he opened a Japanese restaurant but realized handling it was difficult. This did not hinder him to seek greener pastures.

Afterward, he found a little milk tea store in Macau called Macao Imperial Tea and resolved to bring the company to the Philippines. His plan was a success and in just five years, Macao Imperial Tea had become the most popular milk tea chain in the country.

Avin’s accomplishments with Macao Imperial Tea can be credited to his grit, foresight, and enterprising character. To give patrons a superior service and experience, he remodeled Macao Imperial Tea to meet Filipinos’ craving for a time of relaxation and socialization with buddies over milk tea, he also changed the shop’s menu and outside designs.

Avin’s success has earned him several awards, including Asia CEO Awards’ Entrepreneur of the Year, Young Leader of the Year, and Asia Leaders Awards’ CEO of the Year, among others.

Young entrepreneurs who desire to prevail through determination, steadfastness, and a definite aim can take much motivation from his story. (GFB)