In a significant recognition of corporate excellence, Apex Mining Company, Inc. has secured a prestigious spot on the Forbes Asia Best Under a Billion 2025 list. This annual roster highlights the top 200 publicly listed companies in the Asia-Pacific region with revenues under $1 billion, celebrating their resilience, innovation, and financial performance.
Elite Recognition from a Vast Field
The selection process for this honor is intensely competitive. Forbes Asia evaluated a staggering pool of 20,000 publicly listed companies from across the vast Asia-Pacific region. From this multitude, only 200 firms earned a place on the final 2025 list, making the achievement a mark of exceptional distinction. Notably, the Philippines was represented by just five companies, with Apex Mining proudly counted among this select group of national champions.
A Moment of Honor for Philippine Leadership
The award was formally presented to Luis R. Sarmiento, an ASEAN Engineer who serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Apex Mining. The presentation took place on January 14, 2026. Sarmiento received the accolade from Christopher Forbes, Vice Chairman of Forbes Media, and Lee Shi Ruh, President and Chief Operating Officer of the publication's regional arm. This moment underscored the international recognition being afforded to homegrown Philippine corporate leadership and operational success.
What This Means for Apex Mining and the Philippines
Inclusion in the Forbes Asia Best Under a Billion list is more than just an award; it serves as a powerful signal to the global investment community. It validates the company's strategic direction, financial health, and growth potential. For Apex Mining, this recognition highlights its position as a leading player in the Philippine mining sector and a well-managed enterprise on the regional stage.
The presence of five Philippine companies on the list also paints an encouraging picture for the country's broader economic landscape. It demonstrates that local firms can develop robust business models capable of competing with and standing out among the best in Asia-Pacific. This achievement can boost investor confidence and attract further attention to the dynamic Philippine market.
The criteria for the Forbes list typically focus on consistent revenue and earnings growth, strong return on equity, and a solid financial foundation over a recent period. Apex Mining's ability to meet these rigorous benchmarks speaks volumes about its operational efficiency and strategic management under its current leadership.
