SM harnesses business ecosystem to support an evolving job market

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An applicant takes the first step in joining the country’s workforce at an SM job fair.

SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the parent company of the SM group, is harnessing the strength of its diverse business ecosystem to help bridge the country’s skills gap and prepare the workforce for the demands of a rapidly evolving, tech-driven economy.

With interests across retail, property, banking, and investments, SM is aligned with the implementation of the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework—a newly enacted law aimed at strengthening public-private collaboration, especially in the industry and education sectors. The EBET Framework promotes industry-driven apprenticeships and training programs that equip Filipino workers with job-ready skills aligned to actual market needs.

“SM is able to function at its optimum because of the skills of our people. As our businesses continue to grow, so too is our need for more skilled and resilient professionals to add to our workforce. We shall continue to do our share to upskill and professionalize the Filipino workforce to make them competitive in the ever-evolving job market,” said Mr. Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments.

He added that SM’s responsibility to contribute to a skilled, resilient workforce goes beyond employing them within the SM ecosystem.

“Whether they work for us or even in other companies, we are committed to equipping them with the right tools, as we have been doing so with our investments in education through institutions like the National University and Asia-Pacific College, both non-profits and of course the SM Foundation, which has been graduating scholars for more than 40 years,” Mr. DyBuncio said.

Right people, right jobs

As of 2024, SM has over 142,000 employees across its ecosystem of businesses operating in key areas nationwide, making it one of the country’s top job creators. A majority of job functions in SM are in sales, engineering, IT and other STEM-related positions.

SM Investments’ vice chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson is a member of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Education and Jobs group, a public-private partnership formed in 2022 to help address employment gaps.

A key initiative resulting from this partnership are job fairs mounted in SM malls across the country as part of the group’s J.O.B.S. (Job Opportunities Building Skills) program.

Since 2024 until May 2025, SM has hosted 244 job fairs in its malls, with 8,095 employers and 149,626 job seekers participating and 20,616 hired on the spot.

Just recently, BDO Unibank launched an accelerated hiring process for IT and cybersecurity professionals. Among the positions offered were for project management, cloud technologies and operations, security analyst and security engineer, customer relationship management delivery, among other IT-related jobs.

Better education, better opportunities

In 2024, The SM Foundation welcomed more than 1,100 new college scholars, its largest batch to date. The program has nurtured over 4,600 graduates since its founding. In a recent alumni homecoming, 925 graduates across 27 batches shared their career journeys, with a majority now gainfully employed across various fields.

Additionally, 71% of the alumni have pursued further studies, including master’s degrees, PhDs, secondary degrees and other professional programs.

The SM Foundation Scholarship Program provides full tuition coverage, comprehensive enrichment activities, part-time jobs, internship placements and potential career opportunities within the SM Group.

National University, one of the oldest educational institutions in the country founded in 1900, was acquired by SM in 2008 and has since embarked on a long-term campus expansion strategy to make education within reach. With the expansion, NU is aiming to reach 100,000 students in 2027.

While some programs in NU, particularly in Allied Health and Engineering, are long-established, of note are the courses offered in their College of Computing and Information Technologies that lean towards the future of digitalization, among them: BS Computer Science with specialization in Digital Forensics and Machine Learning; BS Information Technology with specialization in Mobile and Web Applications and Multimedia Arts and Animation.

Asia Pacific College, founded in 1991 as a partnership between SM Foundation and IBM Philippines, has been championing an industry-based curriculum that combines traditional classroom learning and hands-on experience calibrated to produce competitive IT professionals.

APC’s Multimedia Arts program is notable for combining technology and creativity, merging current disciplines in the creative field and the relevant knowledge of the digital creative tools currently used in the industry.

APC recently announced that 97.28% of its graduates as of 2024 have successfully secured employment after graduation.

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About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com

SM marks 20 years of growth and value creation

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SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments) marked two decades of transformative growth as a publicly-listed company on the Philippine Stock Exchange.

SM listed on March 22, 2005 with an adjusted price of PHP 123.27 per share. Compared to the March 21, 2025 closing price of PHP800 per share, shares of SM have grown by 549% in the last two decades. Over the course of 20 years, SM’s assets grew by 900 percent, delivering a compounded annual growth of 12 percent.

In his remarks during the anniversary ceremony, SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio said the group’s remarkable growth is a testament to SM’s unwavering commitment to the Filipino people and the vision of its founder, Henry Sy, Sr.

“Over the past two decades, we’ve consistently created value, delivering steady returns to our investors while expanding opportunities for our people and communities. This legacy of growth and value creation continues to drive us forward,” Mr. DyBuncio said.

SM believes its growth is rooted in strong governance and responsible practices with its board composition predominantly composed of independent directors, providing strategic guidance to the direction of the company.

“We continue to invest in green infrastructure, embrace innovation, and support communities across the Philippines. At SM, we are focused on building a responsible, sustainable future for the generations to come,” Mr. DyBuncio said.

Creating Value for Philippine Investors for the Next 20 Years

Looking ahead, Mr. DyBuncio said SM is focused on creating long-term value for investors.

“The next 20 years will see SM continue to lead in retail, property, and banking, while expanding into new regions where growth is accelerating, especially in provincial areas,” he said.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. is earmarking PHP100 billion this year for its malls, residences and hotels, driven by expectations of a sustained growth in consumer demand and corporate activity.

SM Investments announced a USD 1 billion buyback program, the largest and first in its corporate history.

“Our buyback program is a clear signal of our confidence in the future of both SM and the Philippine market. We believe in our country’s potential and in the enduring value SM will continue to create for its shareholders,” Mr. DyBuncio said.

Looking Ahead: SM for All

In 2024, SM expanded by an additional 619 retail stores, two malls and 73 bank branches, with over 85% of its footprint in the provinces. This brings SM’s total footprint to 87 malls, 4,470 retail stores and 2,441 bank branches by end 2024. As SM expands, it continues to broaden access to different markets and enhance synergies across its businesses.

“We will continue to expand opportunities for Filipinos, providing greater access to modern retail, banking and integrated property developments that will help foster community, innovation, and sustainability for the next generation,” Mr. DyBuncio said.

SM founder, Henry Sy believed that business growth and social progress go hand in hand. Guided by this principle, and through the SM Foundation, the group granted 6,619 college scholarships, built 110 school buildings, trained 32,359 farmers, served 1,314,118 patients through medical missions, and Improved 216 health and wellness centers to date.

“As we look to the future, we remain focused on inclusivity and empowerment. Our brand promise, “We’ve got it all for you,” has served us well for years. But as we move forward, we aim to build an SM for All, one that reaches and benefits every Filipino, ensuring that our growth is shared by all,” he said.

SM expands MICE destination in Clark

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The SM group, through SMX Convention Center Clark, aims to bolster its capacity to host large-scale events by expanding its usable space by 2026 to 2028. The planned expansion of SMX Clark is already in the pipeline to address the growing demand in the region.

SMX Convention Center Clark is located beside Park Inn by Radisson Clark within SM’s integrated property development in the province. It has over 4,000 square meters of leasable space, 3 halls, 3 function rooms, and 14 meeting rooms.

This is made possible by the SM group’s integrated property development approach reinforcing its commitment to support Clark's growth as a prime destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). Once completed, it is set to become one of the largest SMX venues.

“Through the combined efforts of SM’s business units such as Park Inn by Radisson Clark, SMX Convention Center, and SM City Clark, we help support the vision to transform Clark into a thriving hub for MICE activities,” said Mr. Eduardo Miguel Morato, Cluster Senior Branch Manager for SMX Clark.

“In addition to driving growth for MICE in the region, it also generates livelihood opportunities within the community and spurs local tourism activities,” he added.

The MICE industry in Central Luzon’s Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone continues to flourish, as the SM group’s presence in Clark creates a seamless experience for MICE participants. With SMX’s proximity to the Clark International Airport—a 20-minute drive via Manual Roxas Highway, travelers, whether leisure or business, professionals could easily access SM’s one-stop hub for world events, accommodations, and modern retail services.

The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) noted that SM’s influence on Clark’s tourism industry is reflected in the total number of tourist arrivals in the Clark Freeport Zone, particularly in measuring same-day guests.

From January to June 2024, there were a total of 16.3 million tourists who visited Clark categorized as overnight arrivals, same-day guests, and airport arrivals. Same-day guests were recorded at 14,586,705 from 740,783 same-day guests in the same period last year, marking a 1,869% increase.

Synergy plays a significant role in supporting this growth, with Park Inn by Radisson Clark offering over 200 rooms and plans for expansion already in progress. In anticipation of this potential growth, the hotel taps into local talent, seeking individuals who truly understand the community. This is reflective of Park Inn’s staff members, 80% of whom are locally hired from Pampanga.

The promotion of Clark as a go-to MICE destination is evident with 115 events held in the area over the past year. These include 36 running events, 13 biking, duathlon, and triathlon events, 9 spectator shows, 7 festivals, and 50 other activities.

This year, SMX Clark was the venue for the prestigious MICECON 2024 last July that brought together leaders, stakeholders, and experts to discuss the future of the MICE industry in the Philippines.

“This journey isn’t just about infrastructure,” said Mr. Morato. “It is also about building a thriving community where business, tourism, and local talent come together in providing world-class facilities and services that meet the evolving needs of our clients and partners.”

SMX Convention Center currently operates eight branches nationwide, namely SMX Manila, Megatrade Hall, SMX Aura, SMX Clark, SMX Olongapo, SMX Bacolod, Sky Hall Seaside Cebu, and SMX Davao. In the coming years, SMX is also set to open the SMX Convention Center Cebu in South Road Properties, Cebu City, by the fourth quarter of 2026. This new facility will boast a gross floor area of 40,879.40 square meters and a gross leasable area of 24,212.74 square meters.

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About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com

Buy, sell, or hold? Trading Tactics Will Guide Your Stock Picks

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Opportunities are present whether the stock market is bullish or bearish, but how to strategize to accumulate the best return on investments requires some expert advice. 

This is what online trading platform BDO Nomura Securities, the joint venture company between BDO Unibank and Nomura Holdings of Japan, recently did via the launch of “Trading Tactics,” a session featuring market intel straight from industry movers. Said event was shown live on Facebook as well. 

Straight from the experts. BDO Nomura Securities launches “Trading Tactics,” a series of sessions featuring market intel straight from the industry movers. In the photo (from left to right) are Bernhard Tsai, chief operating officer of BDO Securities; John Nai Peng Ong, chief finance officer of SM Prime Holdings; Koichi Katakawa, president of BDO Nomura; Timothy Daniels, head of investor relations of SM Investments Corp.; Alexander Escucha, senior vice president and head of investor and corporate relations group of Chinabank; Richard Tan, first vice president of investor relations and corporate planning of BDO; and Walter Yap, assistant vice president and head of retail sales of BDO Nomura.

“While stocks are perceived by many as risky investments, they are still considered as a better performer vis-à-vis any other type of security over time. With Trading Tactics, we will be able to create options for our clients to position their portfolio of investments,” said Koichi Katakawa, president of BDO Nomura. 

Trading Tactics. Koichi Katakawa, president of BDO Nomura, opens the first session of “Trading Tactics,” which features the SM Group, one of the country’s diversified conglomerates. Shown live on BDO Unibank’s Facebook page, the video has been played nearly 300,000 times since its October 19 airing.

The first Trading Tactics featured the SM Group, one of the country’s diversified conglomerates. 

SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) head of investor relations Timothy Daniels said growth prospects are still abundant for the group, whose core businesses are retail, integrated property development and banking. 

For first-timers or investors looking for stocks to put in their investment basket, he said the following attributes of the SM group can serve as a guidance: 

• It is a leading proxy for the Philippine growth story;

• SM is among the best regarded companies in the world;

• It looks after its stakeholders—as an incubator of business, catalyst for developing communities and an enabler for vendors, tenants, and other MSMEs;

• It is a top employer with international recognition; and

• It is recognized as being responsible and sustainable, as measured against global standards.

“Despite having achieved the scale we have today, you might be surprised to hear that we think we are still quite small. Because in all of our business, in each of the sectors we participate in, the potential for growth is still huge,” said Daniels. 

In retail for instance, less than a third of food today is sold in a modern format. In the propertysector, on the other hand, the country still needs over 5 million new homes and even more in the future. Meanwhile in banking, only about five percent of Filipinos have a mortgage or a credit card today, and about 60% of Filipino adults don’t even have bank accounts. 

“The biggest opportunities are in the many provinces where incomes are rising fastest and the growing population is not yet served very well—especially in Visayas and Mindanao and also in Northern Luzon,” noted Daniels. 

Called by market experts as a growth stock, the SM Group has rewarded investors over the last 10 years with an average share price increase of 25% a year. 

“Though we can never guarantee to always deliver that kind of financial return, especially as we grow larger over time, we do guarantee to keep growing responsibly and sustainably; to stay close to our customers and doing what we do well; and to bring our stakeholders, including our investors, with us on that journey,” Daniels promised. 

Apart from Daniels, other speakers include John Nai Peng Ong, chief finance officer of SM Prime Holdings; Richard Tan, first vice president of investor relations and corporate planning of BDO; Alexander Escucha, senior vice president and head of investor and corporate relations group of Chinabank; and, Bernhard Tsai, chief operating officer of BDO Securities.

About BDO Unibank, Inc.

BDO is a full-service universal bank which provides a wide range of corporate and retail banking services. These services include traditional loan and deposit products, as well as treasury, trust and investments, investment banking, private banking, rural banking, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, insurance, retail cash cards, credit card services, and stock brokerage services.

BDO has one of the largest distribution networks, with more than 1,300 operating branches and over 4,400 ATMs nationwide. It also has full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore as well as 21 overseas remittance and representative offices in Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

BDO ranked as the largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits, and trust funds under management based on published statements of condition as of June 30, 2019. 

For more information, please visit www.bdo.com.ph.

SM Consortium confident to win light rail single ticketing project

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SM Consortium, led by SM Investments Corp. with members BDO Capital and Investment Corp., Advanced Card Systems Ltd. and Penta Capital Investment Corp., is confident of a favorable result in the ongoing financial evaluation of the MRT/LRT Automated Fare Collection System Project.

“With no cost to the government to build and modernize the ticketing system and a one-time concession fee of P1,088,000,000 to be paid to the government unconditionally, we believe that our proposal is most advantageous to the government and the riding public,” said Norman T. Pe, senior vice president of Penta Capital.

The Department of Transportation and Communication is now evaluating the proposals of the three bidders – AF Consortium led by BPI, SM Consortium and Comworks Berjaya Consortium – which passed the technical proposal stage. 

“SM, the country’s largest retail chain, will be able to maximize the potential of this innovation through the wide retail acceptance and other applications,” added Denny Wong, chairman of Advanced Card Systems Ltd of Hongkong.

The winning bidder will be announced before Dec. 24 and notice to proceed is expected to be issued in the third week of January 2014.