Jason Sudario Lee was born into a middle-class family of Chinese-Filipino descent—modest means, big dreams, and parents who believed that education was the best inheritance they could give. That boy would later grow up to become an engineer in Dubai, a community leader, and one of The Filipino Times Watchlist Awardees—proof that sometimes, life’s greatest achievements come not from privilege, but from perseverance.
“Through the years, failures made me realize that life is difficult if you choose not to do anything about it. That’s what helped me finish my studies.”
Now, as a respected engineer and community leader, Lee’s greatest joy is giving back—mentoring young engineers, volunteering for organizations, and serving as an example of resilience and faith.
“I once thought I’d never make the cut among the professionals who were already masters of their craft. A simple inspiration can already revive someone’s confidence.”
He dedicates his TFT Watchlist Award to PICE-UAE, his colleagues, and his family—those who believed in him even when he doubted himself. And to his fellow Filipinos, he leaves this message:
“Life will always have its twists and turns, but it’s how you swerve that defines your direction.”
Like many Overseas Filipino Workers, Jason’s life took a turning point when he decided to work abroad. “That opportunity opened so many doors for me—and most importantly, it helped me gain back my confidence.”
Through PICE-UAE, Jason didn’t just find a network—he found purpose. The officers of PICE-UAE welcomed them warmly, offered mentorship, and helped them rebuild their confidence as young professionals in a foreign land.
“They gave us tips on how to survive in the UAE. It meant starting from zero, with no relatives to guide me.”
Early days in the UAE tested his limits—tight budgets, language barriers, loneliness—but his determination never wavered. Today, he serves as 2nd Vice President and Board Director of PICE-UAE, balancing professional excellence with service to the community.
From Humility to Honors
Lee’s career is now decorated with achievements that reflect both technical skill and heart: The Filipino Times Watchlist 2024 Top Engineer and Architect Awardee, ASEAN Engineer, Dubai Municipality G+4 Licensed Engineer, PICE-UAE Most Outstanding Member Award, and Bayanihan Council Emerging Leader Award 2024.
Despite these accolades, Jason remains grounded. The real change came when he discovered the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – UAE Chapter (PICE-UAE). He and his college classmates stumbled upon a poster inviting civil engineers to join.
“Leaving the Philippines wasn’t easy,” he admits. He recalls how he once handled a 7-storey project in Binondo as a fresh graduate and was publicly scolded by a consultant for lack of experience.
“I felt humiliated,” he admits, “but I told myself that failure was just a lesson in disguise. That day taught me humility—and the next day, I got back up.”
“My failures didn’t break me—they built me.”
Behind Lee’s confidence lies a story of family sacrifice and silent battles. His father managed a small business, while his mother worked tirelessly as a reseller of beauty products, determined to give her children a private school education. Two of his siblings struggled with mental health issues during his college years, making home life emotionally heavy.
Lee describes his childhood as relatively happy; he was the youngest in a brood of siblings who were already finishing college when he was still in grade school. He was a consistent honor student during elementary, but like many teens discovering freedom, high school brought distractions. He laughs when he recalls how computer games nearly derailed his studies.
“Whenever we had an assignment to cut out pictures of our future careers, I always looked for an astronaut. I didn’t become one, but that dream taught me how to dream big.”
When his father brought him to the city, Lee found himself in awe of skyscrapers. Still, he managed to graduate and set his sights on engineering—a dream born out of childhood wonder.
“I knew then that I wanted to be part of something that lasts, maybe one day, I’d build something that people would look up to,” he shares.
Like many Overseas Filipino Workers, Jason’s life took a turning point when he decided to work abroad. That opportunity opened so many doors for him—and most importantly, it helped him gain back his confidence.
Through PICE-UAE, Jason didn’t just find a network—he found purpose. The officers of PICE-UAE welcomed them warmly, offered mentorship, and helped them rebuild their confidence as young professionals in a foreign land.
“They gave us tips on how to survive in the UAE. It meant starting from zero, with no relatives to guide me.”
Early days in the UAE tested his limits—tight budgets, language barriers, loneliness—but his determination never wavered. Today, he serves as 2nd Vice President and Board Director of PICE-UAE, balancing professional excellence with service to the community.
From Humility to Honors
Lee’s career is now decorated with achievements that reflect both technical skill and heart: The Filipino Times Watchlist 2024 Top Engineer and Architect Awardee, ASEAN Engineer, Dubai Municipality G+4 Licensed Engineer, PICE-UAE Most Outstanding Member Award, and Bayanihan Council Emerging Leader Award 2024.
Despite these accolades, Jason remains grounded. The real change came when he discovered the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – UAE Chapter (PICE-UAE). He and his college classmates stumbled upon a poster inviting civil engineers to join.
“Leaving the Philippines wasn’t easy,” he admits. He recalls how he once handled a 7-storey project in Binondo as a fresh graduate and was publicly scolded by a consultant for lack of experience.
“I felt humiliated,” he admits, “but I told myself that failure was just a lesson in disguise. That day taught me humility—and the next day, I got back up.”
“My failures didn’t break me—they built me.”
