Modernizing the Steel Industry: CEO Awards Honoree Benjamin Yao

The Business Manual recognizes Benjamin Yao, President and CEO of SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation, as a recipient of the CEO Awards 2025.

Benjamin O. Yao is a businessman whose leadership has redefined the Philippine steel industry. As the President and CEO of SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation, Yao has transformed the company into the Philippines’ flagship steel firm and one of the largest rebar manufacturers in Asia. His strategic vision and commitment to innovation have been instrumental in modernizing the country’s steel production and driving national infrastructure development. For his foundational work in transforming the steel industry and driving the nation forward, The Business Manual honors Benjamin Yao as a recipient of the CEO Awards 2025.

Revolutionizing the Steel Industry

SteelAsia’s roots trace back to 1965, when it was founded as Island Metal Manufacturing Corporation by Yao’s father, Benito Yao, and Go Kim Pah. Benjamin Yao joined the family business at just 17 years old, balancing factory work during the day with night classes at the University of Santo Tomas. In the 1980s, Yao took on a leading role in the company, focusing on modernization and expansion to position SteelAsia as a competitive force in the industry.

A major milestone under Yao’s leadership came in 1996 with the establishment of a state-of-the-art steel bar mill in Bulacan, which introduced modern rolling mill technologies to the Philippine steel industry. Recognizing the inefficiencies of outdated processes, Yao prioritized innovation and quality, helping SteelAsia earn a reputation for reliability and excellence. 

Today, the company operates six advanced steel mills across the Philippines, with an annual production capacity of over 3 million metric tons, supplying rebar to major infrastructure projects nationwide.

Dedication to Sustainability, Community Development

Yao’s leadership extends beyond business success. He is deeply committed to corporate social responsibility, advocating for initiatives in education, community development, and environmental sustainability. By aligning SteelAsia’s growth with societal progress, Yao has ensured that the company’s success benefits not only its stakeholders but also the broader community.

Awards and Accolades

In recognition of his achievements, Yao was honored as the Philippines’ Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019, a testament to his visionary leadership and significant contributions to the steel industry. His dedication to innovation, modernization, and corporate responsibility has solidified SteelAsia’s position as an industry leader and a key partner in the Philippines’ infrastructure development.

Benjamin O. Yao’s journey is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the transformative power of leadership. Under his guidance, SteelAsia continues to shape the future of the Philippine steel industry while contributing to the nation’s progress and development.

The Business Manual CEO Awards 2025: Honoring Industry Disruptors

The Business Manual is proud to hold its second CEO Awards with the theme “Honoring Industry Disruptors.” This year’s The CEO Awards honors visionary leaders like Benjamin Yao who are reshaping business landscapes, pushing boundaries, challenging the norm, and setting new standards of success. 

Criteria for Excellence

This year’s awardees have been selected from a pool of nominations that include business leaders from both startups and industry giants. Each nomination has been carefully assessed in order to determine if the nominee exhibits the following qualifications in order to be considered for the award:

Innovation, Adaptability, and Disruptive Leadership 

• Measures the CEO’s ability to drive innovation, adapt to market changes, and lead the company like industry disruptors who challenge norms and leave a lasting impact.

Effective Management and Strategic Governance 

• Assesses the candidate’s business achievements. This includes how the CEO steers the company toward revenue growth and how he or she scales the business (both locally and internationally).

Brand Influence and Recognition in their Industry

• Considers how the CEO has built the credibility and reputation of the company. It gauges how known and recognizable the company is and whether it has attained brand awareness within a wide range of audiences.

Personal Image and Credibility 

• Evaluates the CEO’s reputation and how well he or she is perceived by business partners, employees, stakeholders, and consumers. This also includes how he or she applies ethics as a leader, as well as how his or her image contributes to both brand and company representation. 

Contribution to Society

• Determines how a CEO has effectively led his or her company and its overall contribution—not just to its respective industry, but to society as a whole. This includes how he or she has implemented corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs or social causes, attained local and/or international recognition, partnered with government initiatives, or exerted efforts for the country.

For this year, The Business Manual’s esteemed panel of judges include: 

• Eric Pike Caeg (International Council for Small Business)
• Jay Fajardo (Ideaspace Ventures)
• Mina Akram (Go Negosyo)
• Rhoda Castro-Caliwara (Women Business Council)
• Ronn Astillas (Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce)
• Consul Sergio Ortiz Luis (Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry)

Stay updated with the full coverage of The Business Manual CEO Awards 2025 via The Business Manual’s official website, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.