A Storied Legacy of Excellence
In the realm of retail and property development in the Philippines, one name stands out: SM Investments Corporation. Established in 1958 by Henry Sy Sr., this conglomerate has since carved an indelible mark on both the local and international business landscape. Starting as a small shoe store in downtown Manila, SM’s success skyrocketed over the years through strategic expansions and acquisitions.
Pioneers in Retail Transformation
One pivotal moment for SM was when it ventured into building shopping malls—a move that proved revolutionary for retail in the country. By pioneering large-scale shopping centers, SM transformed consumer experiences and introduced a new level of convenience and leisure to Filipinos.
Today, with more than 75 malls across the nation and even expanding abroad, including China and Southeast Asia, SM has become synonymous with world-class retail destinations.
Beyond Retail: Diverse Business Ventures
SM Investments also made impressive strides in other industries, such as banking, through its subsidiary BDO Unibank Inc., becoming one of the largest financial institutions in terms of assets. Likewise, their property arm—SM Prime Holdings—has continually redefined urban landscapes by creating iconic towers that house offices, residences, hotels, and entertainment hubs.
Their remarkable growth trajectory over decades, marked by strategic diversifications into different sectors, including tourism and hospitality management services (with Conrad Manila being a notable example), showcases that SM shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Championing Sustainability
In the recent 15th Global Corporate Social Responsibility & Environmental Social Governance Summit and Awards held at Da Nang, Vietnam, SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), a prominent conglomerate in the Philippines, secured the prestigious Best Environmental Excellence Award (Bronze). SM Investments received this accolade in recognition of its unwavering commitment to sustainability initiatives across the group.
Frederic C. DyBuncio, President, and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments, expressed gratitude, stating,
“We appreciate this award that recognizes SM’s efforts to operate as a steward of responsible economic and social development.”
Nurturing Sustainable Ecosystems
SM’s sustainability endeavors are streamlined under the umbrella of the SM Green Movement—a multi-year campaign designed to make sustainability easily accessible to everyone. This initiative nurtures an ecosystem of stakeholders, encouraging green living in the simplest possible way.
A Prestigious Recognition
Termed Asia’s most prestigious awards for Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Social Governance, the Global CSR & ESG Summit and Awards 2023 serve as a platform to acknowledge and honor companies for their outstanding, innovative, and world-class initiatives. These programs reflect a commitment to making a positive impact on society and the environment.
SM Investments’ Bronze award underscores its dedication to championing sustainability, setting a high standard for corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship. With a focus on accessible sustainability through the SM Green Movement, the conglomerate continues to lead the way in fostering a greener future for all.
Sources: THX News & SM Investments.
