ANSCOR SHIP MANAGEMENT CORPORATION (ASSM) was organized in the Philippines as a corporation in the 1930 by the late Colonel Andres Soriano, a leading industrialist and respected business figure in the Philippines who promoted the growth of San Miguel Corporation. At the start of its operations, the corporation was engaged principally in general merchandising and investments in real estate and securities.

In 1937, ASSM diversified its operations and entered into management and technical direction of firms engaged in the development and exploration of the natural resources of the country. New corporations were formed and engaged in mining, oil exploration, agri-business, air transportation and other diverse industrial and commercial activities.