[Profile] John S. B. Lim: The Visionary Electrifying Philippine Transport

The Profile Snapshot

In the bustling, often chaotic landscape of Philippine public transport, one entrepreneur is steering a quiet revolution. He is not a career automotive executive, but a visionary who saw a gap and a greener future, building the country's first commercially viable electric jeepney from the ground up.

• 👨‍💼 Name: John S. B. Lim
• 🏷️ Role: Founder & CEO, GET Philippines (Green Energy Transport)
• 🔑 Key Superpower: Sustainable Mobility Pioneer & Disruptive Innovator

The Catalyst: Why It Matters

John S. B. Lim is making headlines for a bold declaration that resonates across ASEAN: "Change is finally coming for the transportation industry." This statement comes as his company, GET Philippines, secures a landmark partnership with a major Malaysian clean energy investment fund, signaling a pivotal shift. It's not just about a new vehicle; it's about challenging a century-old, diesel-dependent ecosystem and proving that sustainable, economically viable alternatives are not just possible—they are here.

The Leadership Dialogue: Inside The Mindset

Speaking from his workshop in Manila, Lim's demeanor is a blend of an engineer's precision and a missionary's zeal. He reflects on the journey not with the arrogance of a disruptor, but with the patience of a problem-solver. "The jeepney is more than a vehicle; it's a cultural icon, a livelihood for millions," he emphasizes, his hands sketching the air. "Our task was never to replace it, but to evolve it—to honor its role while healing its environmental and economic wounds."

He candidly admits the early years were a battle against skepticism, from both traditional operators and policymakers who saw electric vehicles as a distant dream. His conviction, however, never wavered. When discussing the technology, his eyes light up, detailing the local adaptation of battery systems for tropical climates and rough roads—a solution born not in a global R&D lab, but from on-the-ground Filipino ingenuity. "Leadership here is about seeing the bridge between a sustainable future and present-day practicality," he states. "It's about building that bridge, one electric jeepney at a time."

Career Milestones & Achievements

• Spearheaded the design, development, and successful commercial launch of the Philippines' first purpose-built, fully electric public utility jeepney (e-Jeepney).
• Forged strategic alliances with key Malaysian and Singaporean green investment firms, bringing crucial foreign direct investment into the Philippine EV sector.
• Pioneered a sustainable business model that includes battery-as-a-service (BaaS) plans, making EV adoption affordable for traditional jeepney operator cooperatives.
• Successfully lobbied for and influenced local government policies in several Philippine cities to create preferential lanes and charging incentives for electric public transport.
• Built GET Philippines from a concept into a benchmark for sustainable urban mobility in Southeast Asia, attracting regional attention and partnerships.

The Editor's Take

John S. B. Lim exemplifies the 'Steadfast Innovator'—a leader who combines deep respect for tradition with an unwavering commitment to technological progress. He operates not with the flash of a tech bro, but with the determined grit of someone solving a real-world problem for his community and region. His influence is growing precisely because his model addresses the triple bottom line: planet, people, and profit.

• 👁️ Visionary Thinking: 9/10
• ⚡ Execution Capability: 8/10
• 🌟 Industry Influence: 7/10

"The most impactful innovations aren't those that erase the past, but those that carry its spirit sustainably into the future."