SM Prime Holdings, Inc., through SM Supermalls, partnered with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies to stage the inaugural SM Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX 2025) at SMX Convention Center Aura, Taguig on August 29-30.
The two-day event, themed “Innovation for Environmental Stewardship,” brought together over 50 exhibitors, government leaders, private sector representatives, and sustainability advocates to showcase cutting-edge solutions advancing a greener, more resilient future.
Symbolic Opening: “Beat of Sustainability”
SM and DOST Leaders strike the Beat of Sustainability and lead the ceremonial Solidrum and angklung performance, symbolizing harmony and collective action at the inaugural Sustainability Expo 2025
The Expo opened with the ceremonial “Beat of Sustainability,” led by DOST Secretary Renato Solidum and SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Hans T. Sy, who struck the Solidrum—a bamboo drum developed by DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute. They were joined by SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, SM Prime Vice President Jessica Sy-Bell, and other dignitaries playing the angklung, symbolizing harmony and collective action.
Leadership Perspectives
Hans T. Sy emphasized sustainability’s central role in SM’s business: “Public-private partnerships such as this show how science and business can unite to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. We encourage more of this as the private sector can provide support to projects by local scientists.”
Secretary Solidum highlighted innovation’s role in national resilience: “Through OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All, we ensure that the science, technologies and innovations we develop are not just theories in journals or prototypes in laboratories—they are real solutions, accessible to businesses, communities, and every Filipino.”
He added: “My call is simple: enough talk. We’ve had summits, forums, declarations that fill up shelves and inboxes. What we need now is proof. Businesses must set their sights on real, tangible goals—not pretty brochures, not slogans, but numbers you can measure, promises you can check.”
Innovation Showcase
SUSTEX 2025 featured over 50 exhibitors showcasing Filipino ingenuity and global collaboration, including SM Prime’s “Waste-Free Future” campaign, ARISE Philippines’ disaster resilience initiatives, DENR’s Loop Forward Program, and DOST innovations in sustainable materials and electric vehicle technology.
The event reinforced SM’s sustainability roadmap and Net Zero by 2040 commitment while serving as a catalyst for meaningful environmental action across sectors.
