Ayala, San Miguel among best firms in Asia-Pacific

TWENTY-NINE companies in the Philippines have been included in Time Magazine’s World’s Best Companies of 2025 – Asia/Pacific, with Ayala Corp., San Miguel Corp. and Security Bank Corp. in the top 100 of the 500-member list.

Ayala, the country’s oldest conglomerate, is the highest-ranked Philippine firm at 46th, with San Miguel in 85th place and Security Bank three rungs down at 88th.

Singapore’s DBS Bank was number one, followed by Malaysia’s Maybank, South Korea’s Kia and Shinhan Financial Group, and India’s Wipro.

The other Philippine-based firms in the 2025 rankings are: SM Investments (109th), BDO Unibank (112th), Jollibee (116th), SM Prime (121st), Asian Development Bank (172nd), Cebu Pacific (178th), Aboitiz Group (188th), Robinsons Retail (211th), Petron (216th), Chinabank (238th), Alliance Global (245th), JG Summit (265th), PLDT (280th), Metrobank (311th), AboitizPower (318th), Del Monte Philippines (320th), Universal Robina (329th), RCBC (332nd), Filinvest (340th), Wilcon Depot (341st), Ginebra San Miguel (345th), Integrated Microelectronics (364th), Megaworld (374th), Puregold (381st), EEI (416th) and Max’s (465th).

Megaworld, in a Facebook post, quoted President and CEO Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso as saying that the “distinction is more than an accolade — it is a reaffirmation of our enduring mission to contribute to nation-building, strengthening our resolve to continue uplifting lives, impacting society and helping shape the nation.”

“As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to innovation and caring for the people and the planet,” she added.

SM Investments President and CEO Frederic DyBuncio, meanwhile, also said in a text message that the firm was “honored to be recognized,” and that its inclusion reflected its “commitment to strong business performance, employee well-being and sustainable practices.”

“At SM, we continuously strive to create value by serving our customers, supporting our people, fostering responsible growth and making a positive impact in the communities we serve,” he added.

Alliance Global AGI President and CEO Kevin Tan said that their inclusion on the list “is a testament to our group’s unwavering commitment to nation-building as a proudly Filipino conglomerate.”

Filinvest President and CEO Rhoda Huang, meanwhile, said, “This recognition affirms our commitment to building a future-forward and resilient business while driving economic progress through our diverse portfolio.”

The regional ranking, which was compiled by Time and Statista, was based on company revenue growth, employee satisfaction and environmental, social and corporate governance data.

Banking and financial services firms led the list, and also in the top 10 were companies said to be spearheading a shift to electric vehicles. In addition to 6th-placed Kia were Japan’s Nissan Motor Corp. (9th) and South Korea’s Hyundai (10th).

Time said that businesses across Asia-Pacific had an upbeat 2024 despite geopolitical uncertainties, but added that “whether 2025 proves a similarly positive year with returning US President Donald Trump threatening a raft of trade tariffs is a question that will preoccupy C-suites across the region.”