An applicant takes the first step in joining the country’s workforce at an SM job fair.
SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group, is leveraging the strength of its diverse business ecosystem to bridge the country’s widening skills gap and prepare Filipinos for a rapidly transforming, tech-driven economy.
With strategic interests in retail, property, banking, and investments, SM is fully aligned with the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework—a newly enacted law that promotes stronger collaboration between the private sector and educational institutions. At its core, the EBET Framework supports industry-led apprenticeships and practical training programs to ensure Filipino workers gain job-ready skills that match real market demand.
“Our businesses thrive because of the people behind them,” said SM Investments president and CEO Frederic C. DyBuncio. “As we continue to grow, so does our need for skilled, resilient professionals. It’s our responsibility not just to hire talent, but to help develop it—for the entire economy.”
This commitment to workforce development extends far beyond SM’s walls. Through its investments in education and its non-profit institutions like National University, Asia Pacific College, and the SM Foundation, SM continues to invest in Filipinos, wherever their careers may lead.
Matching people to the right opportunities
With over 142,000 employees across the country as of 2024, SM is one of the Philippines’ top job creators. Most roles fall under sales, engineering, IT, and other STEM disciplines—fields essential to a modern economy.
Teresita Sy-Coson, SM Investments vice chairperson, is part of the Private Sector Advisory Council’s Education and Jobs group, a public-private initiative formed in 2022 to tackle employment challenges head-on. One key result of this partnership: the rollout of SM’s J.O.B.S. (Job Opportunities Building Skills) program, featuring nationwide job fairs hosted in SM malls.
From 2024 through May 2025, SM malls have hosted 244 job fairs, with 149,626 job seekers participating. Over 20,600 applicants were hired on the spot, supported by 8,095 employers across sectors.
BDO Unibank, a major company under the SM umbrella, has also launched a fast-track hiring initiative for IT and cybersecurity professionals—offering roles in project management, cloud operations, digital security, and more.
Education as a launchpad
SM’s commitment to education continues to grow. In 2024, the SM Foundation welcomed its largest batch yet—over 1,100 new college scholars, adding to a legacy of 4,600 graduates since the program began.
At a recent alumni gathering, 925 scholars shared their success stories—many already thriving in careers across multiple industries. Remarkably, 71% have pursued further studies, including graduate degrees and professional certifications.
The SM Foundation Scholarship Program offers full tuition, enrichment programs, internships, and pathways to careers within the SM Group, making it a powerful enabler of social mobility.
At National University, acquired by SM in 2008, a bold expansion plan aims to reach 100,000 students by 2027. NU continues to evolve its curriculum, offering future-focused programs such as:
- BS Computer Science with specializations in Digital Forensics and Machine Learning
- BS Information Technology with tracks in Mobile & Web Applications and Multimedia Arts & Animation
Meanwhile, Asia Pacific College (APC)—a partnership between SM Foundation and IBM Philippines—is setting the standard for industry-based education. Its unique curriculum blends academic instruction with hands-on experience, producing top-tier tech professionals. APC’s Multimedia Arts program stands out for combining digital creativity with technological fluency—skills in high demand across the creative and tech sectors.
The results speak for themselves: as of 2024, 97.28% of APC graduates have successfully landed jobs after graduation.
