Paying it Forward: The Tiu Legacy Story
A New Era for Filipino Sports: Akari Helps Build the Home of the UAAP
Since its humble beginnings in Binondo, Manila in the 1960s, Dr. Carlos Tiu has always stood by his core value of education while dreaming to change the lives of Filipinos — one bulb at a time. Raised by a single mother and school teacher, Lim Liok Lim, Dr. Tiu instilled the values of hard work and discipline in his seven children through world-class educational institutions such as De La Salle University (DLSU).
The NXLED organization is deeply honored to have Dr. Carlos Tiu’s name forever enshrined through the naming of the Carlos Tiu School of Economics, situated in St. La Salle Hall on DLSU’s Taft campus — a lasting tribute to a man whose vision helped shape both a business empire and the broader Filipino community.
On May 3, 2024, members of the NXLED organization and DLSU gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion — commemorating the naming of the college after Dr. Tiu and marking multiple groundbreaking corporate-academic partnerships in the Philippines. Held in DLSU’s Jose T. Pardo AFSC Hall, the event kicked off with the official announcement of the naming of DLSU’s Carlos Tiu School of Economics.
Building a Legacy of Excellence
NXLED will also support students in need of financial assistance through the Lim Liok Lim Scholarship Fund under the Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education, and the Carter Tiu Scholarship for Mechanical Engineering — continuing the family’s long-standing commitment to tertiary education scholarships in the Philippines.
Distinguished guests graced the event including DLSU President Br. Bernard Oca F.S.C., School of Economics Department Chair Dr. Mariel Monica Sauler, Provost and Vice President for Academics Dr. Robert Roleda, Dean of the School of Economics Dr. Arlene Inocencio, as well as Mr. Jorge Consunji and Ms. Gina Borromeo, members of DLSU’s Board of Trustees.
Dr. Tiu’s children — who hold key leadership positions in the NXLED organization — and his wife Rosario Tiu, were also honored with the establishment of professorial chairs in DLSU’s College of Economics named after them, permanently cementing the Tiu family legacy in DLSU’s history books.
“We’ve successfully increased the seating capacity in the upper-ground or general admission area, raising it from nearly 7,000 to more than 8,000 seats,” Tan revealed.
He added that the project team is also carefully studying proposals to introduce standing room areas, prioritizing both safety and accessibility for fans.
“Safety remains a top priority. Should standing zones be added, there will be protective barriers in place, along with clear emergency discharge routes to ensure everyone’s well-being,” Tan explained.
In his speech, Tan expressed gratitude to the UAAP for entrusting Athletica Asia Land Corporation with such a meaningful endeavor.
“Today, as we break ground, we’re not just laying the foundation of a structure — we’re building a legacy. This will be a space that inspires future generations and unites people through the power of sports,” he said.
NXLED for the Next Generation of Lasallians
In his address, Akari and NXLED Chief Executive Officer Christopher Tiu credited DLSU — his and his siblings' alma mater — as instrumental in developing the discipline and skills outside of home that were later essential to building and growing the NXLED brand. Mr. Tiu emphasized that the historic NXLED-DLSU partnership is not only a recognition of NXLED's success, but also a heartfelt commitment to pay it forward to the nation's future — its youth. To Mr. Tiu and his family, DLSU is truly a home away from home.
NXLED firmly believes in the vision of De La Salle University and will contribute its expertise in smart lighting and technology solutions to enhance the university's campus facilities. The first in a series of contributions is the donation of a 3D mapping equipment installed at the front of St. La Salle Hall. This cutting-edge 3D mapping technology will enable DLSU to use the facade of one of its most historic buildings as a dynamic canvas for videos and digital content. With this milestone donation, DLSU became the first local university in the Philippines to incorporate 3D mapping technology on its campus — a proud achievement for both institutions.
DLSU will also utilize the latest NXLED LED lighting products across its campuses to ensure a well-lit, energy-efficient, and conducive learning environment for all students.
NXLED will further invest in student development through the DLSU Athletics Department. Beginning Academic Year 2024-2025, NXLED will manage DLSU's Women's Football Team — expanding the organization's growing footprint in Philippine grassroots sports development.
The NXLED organization is truly humbled by the opportunity to partner with De La Salle University. Internally, the brand's vision has always been to transform the lives of every Filipino one bulb at a time — and this landmark partnership with DLSU powerfully paves the way to turning that vision into reality.
To greener pastures! Animo La Salle!
For more information on our products, visit the official webstore of Akari Lighting and NXLED, or visit the Facebook Pages of Akari Lighting and NXLED. To catch the latest updates on DLSU's Women's Football Team, follow Akari Sports on Facebook and Instagram.
