Self-Made Billionaire and Business Leader

Ramon Ang is a self-made billionaire with an estimated net worth of $3.6 billion, according to Forbes. He is the Chairman and CEO of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), one of the Philippines' oldest and largest conglomerates.

As of 2024, Forbes ranked Ang #4 in the Philippines' 50 Richest and #920 in the Billionaires 2024 list.

Current Affiliations

        ✔ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of San Miguel Corporation

        ✔ President and Chief Executive Officer of Top Frontier Investment Holdings, Inc.

        ✔ Chairman of Eagle Cement Corporation

Life and Education

Ramon Ang was raised in Tondo, Manila, where he worked in his father’s auto repair business. He started his entrepreneurial journey by selling used Japanese truck and automobile engines. Despite working at a young age, he pursued his education and graduated from Far Eastern University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Ang initially entered the automotive industry but took it further by specializing in repairing and marketing high-end vehicles, including Japanese models. He also became known for selling and trading rare and difficult-to-find auto parts.

During this time, Ang met the late Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco, a prominent businessman. Ang sold aluminum wheels to Cojuangco, which eventually led to a strong business partnership.

The Road to Success

His connection with Eduardo Cojuangco became a turning point in his career. Seeing Ang’s potential and business acumen, Cojuangco entrusted him with managing North Cement Corporation. Impressed by Ang’s ability to lead and grow the company, Cojuangco later sold him a majority of his shares in San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and appointed him as the next Chairman.

Leadership at San Miguel Corporation

Originally founded as a brewer, San Miguel Corporation has grown into a diversified conglomerate under Ang’s leadership. While still a dominant force in the food and beverage industry, SMC now generates most of its revenue from its infrastructure and power operations.

Strategic Expansion and Economic Impact

Ramon Ang has played a crucial role in SMC’s growth by:

        ✔ Expanding the company’s business portfolio beyond food and beverage to include fuel, power, energy, and infrastructure.

        ✔ Spearheading modernization efforts across SMC’s operations.

        ✔ Leading major infrastructure projects that contribute to national development.

        ✔ Prioritizing sustainability, long-term investments, and nation-building.

His leadership has solidified San Miguel Corporation’s reputation as one of the most influential companies in the Philippines.

San Miguel Corporation's Financial Growth in 2024

In 2024, San Miguel Corporation demonstrated strong financial performance:

        ✔  ₱37.1 billion net income in the first nine months (a 19% increase from the previous year).

        ✔ ₱1.2 trillion in consolidated revenues (an 11% increase driven by strong sales in Power, Fuel & Oil, Food, and Spirits).

        ✔ Operating income grew 11%, with Food, Spirits, and Infrastructure divisions showing higher profitability.

        ✔ EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) rose by 9% to ₱168.1 billion.

Despite external challenges such as typhoons and currency fluctuations, SMC's diversified business strategy and operational efficiency have contributed to its continued success.

Conclusion

Ramon Ang’s visionary leadership and strategic investments have transformed San Miguel Corporation into a powerhouse in food, energy, infrastructure, and beyond. His entrepreneurial journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most powerful business figures in the Philippines serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs worldwide. 

References : Ramon Ang. (n.d.). Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/profile/ramon-ang/?list=philippines-billionaires

Mae, S. (2021, November 8). Ramon Ang: Biography, success story and accomplishments. Business News Philippines. https://www.businessnews.com.ph/ramon-ang-biography-success-story-and-accomplishments-20211108/