STI Education Systems Holdings, Inc. (STI Holdings), one of the country’s largest private education providers, has earned a place on Forbes Asia’s prestigious “Best Under A Billion” list for 2026, recognizing the company’s strong financial performance and sustained growth among publicly listed small and mid-sized firms across the Asia-Pacific region.
The annual Forbes Asia ranking honors 200 publicly listed companies with annual revenues of less than US$1 billion that have demonstrated consistent growth in both revenue and profitability. STI Holdings was one of only seven Philippine companies included in this year’s roster. According to Forbes Asia, STI Holdings posted US$97 million in sales, US$38 million in net income, and a market value of US$193 million, securing its place among the region’s top-performing enterprises. STI Holdings operates one of the country’s largest education networks, comprising STI ESG, STI West Negros University (WNU), iACADEMY, and the Philippine School of Business Administration (PSBA).
Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco welcomed the recognition, saying it reflects the company’s continued commitment to providing accessible, industry-relevant, and globally competitive education. “We are honored to be recognized by Forbes Asia alongside distinguished Philippine and Asia-Pacific enterprises,” Tanco said. “As we celebrate this achievement, our focus continues to be on offering excellent and internationally accepted educational standards by expanding educational opportunities, enhancing our digital and physical learning infrastructure, and equipping our Filipino youth with future-ready skills.”
STI Holdings President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Monico Jacob described the recognition as a validation of the group’s long-term strategy and the trust of its stakeholders. “This milestone is a testament to the trust of our students and parents, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the solid execution of our long-term strategic vision,” Jacob said.
The company’s inclusion in the 2026 list comes amid continued operational growth. For the first nine months of School Year 2025–2026, STI Holdings reported gross revenues of PHP 4.20 billion, up 2% from the previous year, while net income after tax reached PHP 1.63 billion. Total enrollment across its schools climbed to 132,941 students.
Its subsidiaries also recorded notable academic achievements. iACADEMY was recognized as the top-performing school in the 2025 Real Estate Appraisers Licensure Examination with a 90% passing rate and was named the “Most Innovative School” by Global Brands Magazine. Meanwhile, STI West Negros University ranked third nationwide in its category in the February 2026 Criminology Licensure Examination after posting a 95.35% passing rate.
To support its academic programs, STI Holdings has continued investing in digital learning and campus infrastructure, including Adobe Creative Cloud licenses, computer-aided design and cybersecurity platforms, modernized enrollment systems, and sustainability initiatives such as solar panel installations.
The recognition from Forbes Asia underscores STI Holdings’ ability to combine sound financial performance with investments in educational innovation, reinforcing its position as one of the Philippines’ leading education providers.