Insider Spotlight
The company’s latest validation came at the 2025 Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards in Bali, where SM Supermalls received three major recognitions. The honors—Industry Champion of the Year, Top Sustainability Advocates in Asia, and Asia’s Most Inspiring Executives for president Steven Tan—highlight the mall operator’s evolving capabilities in leadership, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
Why it matters
A triple win at a regional awards platform reflects how SM’s growth narrative is now aligned with Asia’s broader push for sustainable and customer-centric development.
For a company operating one of the continent’s most extensive mall networks, recognition for sustainability and leadership signals increasing expectations about its role in shaping the future of Asian retail.
Driving the momentum
Under Tan, SM Supermalls has doubled down on customer experience upgrades, operational efficiencies, and long-term environmental programs. Tan’s citation as one of "Asia’s Most Inspiring Executives" underscores his impact on SM’s organizational culture and transformation direction.
This accolade honors Tan's visionary leadership and commitment to elevating customer experiences across all SM malls, the company said in a social media post recently.
State of play
SM Supermalls’ recognition as "Industry Champion of the Year" reflects its ongoing investments in tenant partnerships, digital services, and experiential retail—areas that have become decisive differentiators in the post-pandemic consumer landscape.
Its "Top Sustainability Advocates in Asia" award highlights initiatives spanning energy efficiency, waste management, disaster resilience, and green design. With Philippine conglomerates increasingly evaluated on ESG performance, regional recognition puts SM in a stronger competitive position among Asian retail operators.
The big picture
As Southeast Asia’s retail environment—especially in the Philippines—leans toward more immersive, tech-enabled, and environmentally responsible development, SM’s current trajectory positions it well for cross-border expansion opportunities and deeper international collaborations.
What’s next
Industry observers expect SM to further integrate green innovation into mall operations while scaling customer-centric enhancements across its portfolio.
With Tan’s leadership gaining regional acknowledgment, the company is likely to intensify programs anchored on community engagement, sustainability leadership, and tailored customer experiences.
The triple ACES recognition reinforces SM Supermalls’ ambition to shape the next phase of modern retail in Asia—one built on innovation, responsibility, and experience. —Daxim L. Lucas | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
