World Franchise Day: Building Success Together Through Franchising

By Sam Christopher Lim

Chairman, Philippine Franchise Association

CEO, Francorp Philippines

Last Jun 11, I had the privilege of being the keynote speaker in Korea as part of the global launch on World Franchise Day. It is the first time that over 40 countries are celebrating this special occasion in their respective countries and it was with great pride that I reflect on the monumental impact franchising has had worldwide.

PFA Chairman and Francorp CEO Chris Lim giving a keynote address during World Franchise Day in Seoul, Korea

Franchising stands as one of the most dynamic and inclusive business frameworks in existence. Its far-reaching influence is evident through the millions of jobs created and the empowerment it has bestowed upon countless first-time entrepreneurs. It has built formidable local and global brands such as Jollibee, Potato Corner, Max's and contributed billions to national economies.

The essence of franchising lies in its ability to serve as a bridge between established systems and entrepreneurial spirit, creating a foundation where new ideas can thrive in a structured environment.

Our observations in the field highlight that the continued success of franchising is rooted in collaboration among respected leaders, franchisors, franchisees, government officials, and industry partners. And equally important is the collaboration among franchise association around the world - through the World Franchise Council.

As part of the global franchise community, I advocate for sustained collaboration through the 3 Es — Expos, Education, and Engagement. Franchise expos provide a pivotal platform for sharing knowledge, conferences and speakers drive educational endeavors, and world franchise council meetings foster engagement on a global scale. We take pride that the Philippines sits as a task force member in the World Franchise Council (WFC) and the Secretariat of the Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation (APFC). This collaborative spirit ensures that franchising connects people across borders, industries, and generations, making our global franchise community robust and resilient.

Looking ahead, key trends such as hyper-personalization through AI and data, and the shift towards asset-light franchise formats are set to redefine franchising. AI-driven personalization empowers franchise brands to tailor their offerings to individual consumer preferences, enhancing loyalty and competitive advantage. The emergence of new asset light franchise models like kiosk franchises, mobile franchises, and modular stores promise faster returns on investment, catering to the evolving needs of modern franchisees.

World Franchise Day is celebrated every 2nd Wednesday of Jun

Franchising is indeed about building success together. It is about harnessing collective expertise, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities that transcend geographic and demographic boundaries. So as the world celebrates World Franchise Day, let us remember that franchising is not just a path to profit, but it is a path to positive impact. The future of franchising is not written yet — it will be written by us, here, today, and in the days to come. Together, through franchising, we can build a brighter, more connected, and more prosperous world.