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development by hosting the 7th annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable
Cities and Landscapes (APRU-SCL) 2024 Conference and 3rd International Conference on
Human Settlements Planning and Development (ICHSPD) at SMX Convention Center Aura.
This prestigious event, organized by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB),
brought together over 300 experts to discuss innovative solutions for building greener and more
resilient cities. Focused on the theme "Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities Through
Science, Technology, and Innovation," the conference highlighted the importance of
collaboration in addressing urban challenges.
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(L-R): Moderator Efraim Roxas, Environmental, Land Use and Urban Planning and
Development Bureau (ELUPDB) Director Mylene Rivera, SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan,
and Tohoku University Professor Jeongsoo Yu
SM’s commitment to sustainability was evident through the participation of its top executives.
SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan showcased SM Supermalls’ eco-friendly practices and
community-focused programs.
“Our malls are more than just shopping centers; they are dynamic public spaces, woven into the
daily lives of millions of Filipinos. Our comprehensive environmental sustainability programs are
deeply inspired by the vision of our Chairman of the Executive Committee, Mr. Hans Sy, a
tireless advocate for environmental sustainability and disaster resilience,” Mr. Tan said.
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SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan highlights the malls’ sustainability initiatives.
He added, “At SM Supermalls, we leverage science and technology to develop innovative
solutions that are seamlessly integrated into the design and operation of our malls. We remain
committed to leveraging innovation and collaboration to build a greener, more resilient, and
more sustainable future for the Philippines.”
SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Lead Executive for Design, Innovation,
and Strategy Jessica Bianca Sy, shared the company’s vision of creating sustainable integrated
properties that foster lively communities.
(L-R): University of the Philippines Los Baños’ (UPLB) Dean Jennifer Marie Amparo, UPLB Chancellor
Jose Camacho Jr., Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Chief Executive Thomas Schneider,
Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Lead Executive for
Design, Innovation, and Strategy Jessica Bianca Sy, International Conference on Human Settlements
Planning and Development (ICHSPD) Conference Director Edgar Reyes Jr., and APRU-Sustainable
Cities and Landscapes Director Yekang Ko
National Resilience Council (NRC) Executive Director Silvestre Barrameda Jr. highlighted SM’s
role in disaster preparedness. He presented “From Risk to Resilience: The Work of the National
Resilience Council in Risk Governance” where he introduced the Resilience Local Government
Unit Program (RLGUP), NRC’s approaches and tools and how risk governance is supported by
the sciences.
National Resilience Council (NRC) Executive Director Silvestre Barrameda Jr. showcases SM
Supermalls’ resilient infrastructure.
SM Prime’s commitment to sustainability was further emphasized during a breakout session on
creating connections and partnerships, hosted by Jonas Marie Dumdum, Senior Consultant and
Sustainability Lead of Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Manila Branch. Katherine Custodio,
Executive Director of World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF)-Philippines, underscored the
significance of collaboration: “Any program that aims to build climate resilience requires strong
partnerships and working together across all sectors.”
SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative
and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM
Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.
