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SM kicks off 65th year with Tenant-Partners Summit

Published Sep 11, 2023 4:00 pm

On Sept. 4, SM Supermalls kicked off its 65th anniversary by hosting renowned author and speaker, Malcolm Gladwell and Emma Chiu, global director of Wunderman Thompson Intelligence, at its Tenant-Partners Summit held at the SMX Convention Center.

After an intimate breakfast with SM executives and the event sponsors, Gladwell and SM Supermalls president Steven Tan met with the media to discuss topics dominating conversations today.

Iconic author Malcolm Gladwell (middle, seated) with (L-R, standing): SM Supermalls’ Senior Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin, Manulife China Bank Life President Neil Bowyer, SMPHI President Jeffrey Lim, PLDT President Al Panlilio, SMPHI Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans “Chico” Sy Jr., SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, China Bank Capital President Ryan Tapia, SM Development Corporation (SMDC) President Jose Mari Banzon, Visa Country Manager Jeff Navarro, and SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno. They are joined by (L-R, seated): China Bank First Vice President Luellia Espine, SMDC Vice President for Marketing Aye Luna, Airspeed President Rosemarie Rafael, SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) Vice Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson, SMPHI Assistant Vice President Jessica “Jica” Sy-Bell, SMIC Chief Risk Officer Lizanne Uychaco, Visa Marketing Director Gladys Chan, and China Bank First Vice President Rhodin Escolar

“We invited Mr. Gladwell because he connects with a lot of business people. Our Tenant-Partners Summit will gather our tenant owners and business partners. Many of the books Mr. Gladwell has written have to do with how you conduct your business and grow. Having him here today will help our partners get more insights to connect with the changing consumer,” said Tan.

The Future of Retail

In the afternoon, over 1,000 invited guests gathered at SMX. First, Wunderman Thompson Intelligence’s Chiu delved deeply into trends that brands must watch out for.

Malcolm Gladwell (right) and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy

She provided an overview of the “Future 100” Trend report that covered marketing and business trends to follow this year and shared insights around “Joyconomy” and “Creative Catalysts.”

As the keynote speaker, Gladwell enthralled the crowd of business titans, noted entrepreneurs, and media heads with topics of interest such as how generations differ from each other, and how retail brands would have to understand and accept this if they want to create impact.

(L-R, seated): Journalist Karen Davila, Max’s Group’s Jim Fuentebella and Carolyn Trota-Salud, Lucerne Group President Ivan Yao, SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, Carol Sy, Trimark Group CEO Victor Siasat, and Airspeed President Rosemarie Rafael. (L-R, standing): Lucerne Group Managing Director Emerson Yao and The Philippine Star President Miguel Belmonte

The convergence of Chiu’s and Gladwell’s thought-provoking perspectives made for an event that was focused on global best practices and how authenticity, inclusivity, and spontaneity were key in engaging youthful consumers.

(L-R, standing): Foodee Global Concepts’ Eric Dee Jr., Sunnies Studio co-founder Bea Soriano-Dee, Penshoppe Group Brand Director Brandon Liu, SM EDD Corp. President Hans “Chico” Sy Jr., SM Supermalls’ Marketing Manager Hanna Carinna Sy, and Golden ABC’s Merchandising Manager Mandy Liu. (L-R, seated): Trimark Group’s Vendela Siasat, Ferris Siasat, and Fergus Siasat, and Penshoppe Group Vice President for Strategy Bryan Liu

Tan welcomed the guests and gave a bird’s eye view of the exciting journey SM malls are about to take in the coming years. “Together, let us shape the retail landscape, reimagine, and revolutionize malling experiences. We are your home. We are here for you,” stated Tan in his welcome address.

(L-R): The French Baker Chief Digital Officer Jonard Koa, Max’s Group Director Jim Fuentebella, Trimark Group CEO Victor Siasat, journalist Karen Davila, and The Philippine Star President Miguel Belmonte

SM Prime Holdings president Jeffrey Lim reiterated his thanks to the partners of SM. “On behalf of the SM Group, allow me to express our appreciation and gratitude for your unwavering support and contribution to the company for the last 65 years. As we continue to move forward carrying the same spirit of innovativeness, resilience, and camaraderie that brought us all here together, let me affirm the SM Group’s commitment to continue to be your strong ally in serving the needs of our communities.”

(L-R): Crocs’ Mark Chan, Mendokoro Ramenba’s Ryan Cruz, H&M’s Michaela Herbosa, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Global Brands Michelle So, and H&M’s Graham Gallow

Dr. Hayden Kho with Dra. Vicki Belo and ABS-CBN Publishing President Ernie Lopez

(L-R): The Diarist’s Thelma San Juan, Elvira Luym, Laguna Group CEO Jill Viado, Café Laguna founder Lita Urbina, and SM Prime-VISMIN Vice President Marissa Fernan

(L-R): The French Baker CEO Johnlu Koa and wife Alou Koa with SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan

(L-R): Fashion designer Dona Lim, Kerch & Sons’ CEO Kerby Chua, and Opulence Design Concept’s Jinky Tobiano-Sy and husband, Gerry Sy

The Moment Group founders Abba Napa, Eliza Antonino, and Jon Syjuco

Turks founders (right) Gem Zenarosa and wife Angel Zenarosa with SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan (left)

(L-R): Journalist Karen Davila, SM Investments’ Independent Director Ramon Lopez, The Philippine Star Associate Editor Millet Mananquil, and The French Baker CEO Johnlu Koa

The Philippine Star President Miguel Belmonte and The French Baker Chief Digital Officer Jonard Koa

Fredley Group of Companies’ Jon Richmond Ang and Avin Ong

National Bookstore Vice Presidents Presentacion Ramos and Xandra Padilla Ramos

Philippine Airlines President Capt. President Stanley Ng

Wildflour founder Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo

(L-R): Crocs’ Mark Chan, Mendokoro Ramenba’s Ryan Cruz, H&M’s Michaela Herbosa, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Global Brands Michelle So, and H&M’s Graham Gallow

Dr. Hayden Kho with Dra. Vicki Belo and ABS-CBN Publishing President Ernie Lopez

(L-R): The Diarist’s Thelma San Juan, Elvira Luym, Laguna Group CEO Jill Viado, Café Laguna founder Lita Urbina, and SM Prime-VISMIN Vice President Marissa Fernan

(L-R): The French Baker CEO Johnlu Koa and wife Alou Koa with SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan

(L-R): Fashion designer Dona Lim, Kerch & Sons’ CEO Kerby Chua, and Opulence Design Concept’s Jinky Tobiano-Sy and husband, Gerry Sy

The Moment Group founders Abba Napa, Eliza Antonino, and Jon Syjuco

Turks founders (right) Gem Zenarosa and wife Angel Zenarosa with SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan (left)

(L-R): Journalist Karen Davila, SM Investments’ Independent Director Ramon Lopez, The Philippine Star Associate Editor Millet Mananquil, and The French Baker CEO Johnlu Koa

The Philippine Star President Miguel Belmonte and The French Baker Chief Digital Officer Jonard Koa

Fredley Group of Companies’ Jon Richmond Ang and Avin Ong

National Bookstore Vice Presidents Presentacion Ramos and Xandra Padilla Ramos

Philippine Airlines President Capt. President Stanley Ng

Wildflour founder Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo

CLOSE

The talks of Gladwell and Chiu were a cause to gather and gain new ideas but the real celebration was for the tenants and partners of SM Supermalls. They became stronger during the health crisis, witnessed how SM listened to them, and found ways to get through that troubling period, and that sense of partnership is now stronger than ever. 

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by SM Supermalls.