SM and DOST Lead the Future of Sustainability Through SUSTEX 2025
SM Prime Holdings, Inc., through SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and ARISE Philippines, officially launched the first-ever SM Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX 2025) at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig.
The two-day event, held from August 29 to 30, carried the theme “Innovation for Environmental Stewardship.” It brought together over 50 exhibitors, government leaders, the private sector, international organizations, and sustainability advocates to highlight groundbreaking solutions for a greener and more resilient Philippines.
A Symbolic Start: The Beat of Sustainability
The expo opened with a powerful ceremonial performance called the “Beat of Sustainability.” DOST Secretary Renato Solidum and SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Hans T. Sy struck the Solidrum—a bamboo drum developed by the DOST–Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI).
They were joined by SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, SM Prime Vice President Jessica Sy-Bell, SM Supermalls Vice President Engr. Liza Silerio, and other dignitaries who played the angklung, a UNESCO-recognized bamboo instrument. The performance symbolized harmony, collaboration, and collective action toward sustainable development.
Leadership Perspectives: Science Meets Business
In his keynote, Hans Sy emphasized that sustainability is central to SM’s business model. He underscored the role of partnerships in driving real solutions:
“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.”
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum echoed this, stressing that SUSTEX demonstrates how innovation and science fuel national resilience and enable a circular economy. He also introduced OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All, which ensures that technologies created by Filipino scientists are accessible to businesses and communities.
“Science must not stay in journals or laboratories. It should be felt, lived, and experienced in the everyday lives of Filipinos. That is what we mean by Agham na Ramdam,” Solidum explained.
Both leaders called for tangible action—measurable results that move beyond talk, slogans, and brochures.
Innovation Marketplace: Over 50 Exhibitors
The heart of SUSTEX 2025 was its Innovation Marketplace, featuring more than 50 exhibitors showcasing sustainable technologies, projects, and business solutions.
Highlights included:
SM Prime and GUUN Environmental (Japan): Waste-Free Future campaign on advanced waste management.
ARISE Philippines: Disaster resilience strategies through private sector collaboration.
DENR Loop Forward Program: Circularity and large-scale waste reduction.
DOST-FPRDI: Sustainable Lalang Pandan furniture, essential oils from local plants, and bamboo instruments.
DOST-CHRG: Innovations in electric vehicle technology.
Visitors also engaged with FatHopes Energy, which converts used cooking oil into biofuels, and explored the DOST-PNRI booth to learn about nuclear science applications for sustainable development.
Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration
Beyond the exhibits, SUSTEX hosted panel discussions, fireside chats, and expert talks at the Ignite Stage. These sessions connected leaders, innovators, and businesses to exchange ideas and present actionable insights on sustainability, climate resilience, and science-led growth.
A Catalyst for Action
SUSTEX 2025 reinforced SM’s sustainability roadmap, which includes its Waste-Free Future campaign and its bold commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2040.
“May this Expo be more than an event. May it be a catalyst for collaboration, a hub for practical solutions, and a reminder that business can be a force for good—when guided by purpose, discipline, and partnership,” Hans Sy concluded.
SM at 40: A Legacy of Sustainable Development
Celebrating 40 Super Years, SM Supermalls continues to champion sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation across its 88 malls nationwide. From green architecture and energy efficiency to disaster resilience and climate action, SM is committed to shaping a future where communities thrive while protecting the planet.
Through initiatives like SUSTEX 2025, SM and DOST are not only showcasing Filipino ingenuity but also leading the way toward a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for all Filipinos.
The two-day event, held from August 29 to 30, carried the theme “Innovation for Environmental Stewardship.” It brought together over 50 exhibitors, government leaders, the private sector, international organizations, and sustainability advocates to highlight groundbreaking solutions for a greener and more resilient Philippines.
A Symbolic Start: The Beat of Sustainability
The expo opened with a powerful ceremonial performance called the “Beat of Sustainability.” DOST Secretary Renato Solidum and SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Hans T. Sy struck the Solidrum—a bamboo drum developed by the DOST–Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI).
They were joined by SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, SM Prime Vice President Jessica Sy-Bell, SM Supermalls Vice President Engr. Liza Silerio, and other dignitaries who played the angklung, a UNESCO-recognized bamboo instrument. The performance symbolized harmony, collaboration, and collective action toward sustainable development.
Leadership Perspectives: Science Meets Business
In his keynote, Hans Sy emphasized that sustainability is central to SM’s business model. He underscored the role of partnerships in driving real solutions:
“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.”
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum echoed this, stressing that SUSTEX demonstrates how innovation and science fuel national resilience and enable a circular economy. He also introduced OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All, which ensures that technologies created by Filipino scientists are accessible to businesses and communities.
“Science must not stay in journals or laboratories. It should be felt, lived, and experienced in the everyday lives of Filipinos. That is what we mean by Agham na Ramdam,” Solidum explained.
Both leaders called for tangible action—measurable results that move beyond talk, slogans, and brochures.
Innovation Marketplace: Over 50 Exhibitors
The heart of SUSTEX 2025 was its Innovation Marketplace, featuring more than 50 exhibitors showcasing sustainable technologies, projects, and business solutions.
Highlights included:
SM Prime and GUUN Environmental (Japan): Waste-Free Future campaign on advanced waste management.
ARISE Philippines: Disaster resilience strategies through private sector collaboration.
DENR Loop Forward Program: Circularity and large-scale waste reduction.
DOST-FPRDI: Sustainable Lalang Pandan furniture, essential oils from local plants, and bamboo instruments.
DOST-CHRG: Innovations in electric vehicle technology.
Visitors also engaged with FatHopes Energy, which converts used cooking oil into biofuels, and explored the DOST-PNRI booth to learn about nuclear science applications for sustainable development.
Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration
Beyond the exhibits, SUSTEX hosted panel discussions, fireside chats, and expert talks at the Ignite Stage. These sessions connected leaders, innovators, and businesses to exchange ideas and present actionable insights on sustainability, climate resilience, and science-led growth.
A Catalyst for Action
SUSTEX 2025 reinforced SM’s sustainability roadmap, which includes its Waste-Free Future campaign and its bold commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2040.
“May this Expo be more than an event. May it be a catalyst for collaboration, a hub for practical solutions, and a reminder that business can be a force for good—when guided by purpose, discipline, and partnership,” Hans Sy concluded.
SM at 40: A Legacy of Sustainable Development
Celebrating 40 Super Years, SM Supermalls continues to champion sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation across its 88 malls nationwide. From green architecture and energy efficiency to disaster resilience and climate action, SM is committed to shaping a future where communities thrive while protecting the planet.
Through initiatives like SUSTEX 2025, SM and DOST are not only showcasing Filipino ingenuity but also leading the way toward a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for all Filipinos.
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