For a man navigating the high-stakes world of luxury automobiles and a major business conglomerate, Jacob Ang remains grounded by life’s simple joys.
As the youngest son of business tycoon Ramon Ang, Jacob is currently charting his own legacy as the local steward of two international luxury car brands.
Read: How San Miguel President Ramon Ang saves and spends his money
At 24 years old, he has recently been appointed as the president of SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the official distributor of BMW in the Philippines.
Jacob is also the chief planning officer at Velocita Motors Inc., the country’s official distributor of Ferrari.
It’s a natural progression for the young man, whose love for cars has been a lifelong passion.
In fact, he was already making headlines at 16 as a professional race car driver, winning several racing titles in Macau.
Despite these high-profile roles, Jacob maintains a low-key profile.
The business scion has no flashy presence on social media, unlike many of his equally rich peers whose public Instagram accounts portray ostentatious wealth.
A key part of Jacob's identity is his grounded upbringing.
Read: How billionaire Ramon Ang teaches his kids to live simply
LESSONS TAUGHT BY RAMONG ANG, dad of jacob
In a September 2023 interview, his father Ramon, chairman of the San Miguel Corporation, shared that he raised all of his children to be humble.
“Kung pinalaki mo yung mga anak mo na malalaki ang ulo, baka makipagsuntukan sa security guard sa kalye yun.
"Pero pag pinalaki mo na simpleng tao, ay pare, hahaba na buhay nun.
"Ibig sabihin, e, lumaki iyan na simpleng tao,” Ramon says in his interview with journalist Anthony Taberna.
The billionaire also mentions how he taught Jacob about pakikisama.
After Jacob graduated from college, his dad sent him to a factory in Pangasinan to work and mingle with lowly workers.
Ramon tells the story: “Sabi ko, diyan ka magtatrabaho araw-araw. Diyan ka matutulog. Kasama mo kakain ng lunch at dinner yung lahat ng empleyado.
"Wag ka makakain-kain sa labas ng Mcdo o kung ano ha?
"Dahil you are going to as if show them na hindi mo sila kapareho.”
Ramon maintains that it is important for his sons to be relatable to the factory workers.
He adds: “Kailangan habang nandyan ka, kasama mo sila, kung ano yung kinakain nila, kung ano yung ginagawa nila, pareho lang kayo.
"At yung bihis mo, kailangan, simpleng damit, T-shirt, at kung ano yung uniform dun, ganun din ang susuotin mo. Ganun yung suot ni loko ngayon dun.”
This solid upbringing has led to Jacob’s belief that business leaders should respect everyone who works under his organization.
“In the companies I have built and the subsidiaries I help with, integrity is a given.
"But one principle I really live by is simple: treat people the way you’d want to be treated.
"Leadership, for me, is not about titles. It’s about respect, fairness, and making sure people feel valued for what they bring to the table,” Jacob shares in an interview with Esquire Philippines in May this year.
He credits everyone he has worked with for his positive outlook.
“I’ve been lucky to learn not just from my dad, but also from so many people at San Miguel—people I’ve had the privilege of working with and learning from firsthand,” he tells Esquire.
He also mentions his dad.
“A lot of what I do is inspired by my father,” Jacob explains.
“I’m still young, and I have this incredible opportunity to learn from him every day.
"Of course, I have my own perspectives, but I don’t see making a name for myself as the goal.
"It’s really about contributing to the bigger vision he’s set for San Miguel—helping build a better country.
"I’m also fortunate that he’s built not just a strong company, but a good reputation for our family. That motivates me to live up to it by always giving my best.”
Despite his high-profile roles, Jacob Ang opts for a quiet life outside the spotlight.
He is not very active on social media, preferring to unwind with simple pastimes.
Weekends are for casual rounds of golf with friends or spontaneous drives.
When he’s looking for a good meal, he goes to Tsukiji, a favorite spot for its consistent food and relaxed atmosphere.
He also enjoys a poké bowl and a glass of tequila on the rocks.
His love life is also kept under wraps, but the public sometimes sees glimpses of it.
Just last month, social media went into a tizzy when photos of Jacob with rumored girlfriend Atasha Muhlach and her family were uploaded on TikTok.
Read: Fans wonder: Is Jacob Ang courting Atasha Muhlach, or are they already a couple?
Though Jacob is well on his way to making his mark in the business world, his leadership reflects more than inherited privilege—it’s rooted in humility and driven by a commitment to something greater.
He’s not merely continuing a legacy, but carefully shaping one of his own.