SM Prime Holdings Inc., through SM Supermalls, partnered with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies to launch the first Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX 2025) at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City.

The two-day expo, held on August 29 and 30 with the theme “Innovation for Environmental Stewardship,” gathered more than 50 exhibitors along with leaders from government, business, international organizations, and sustainability advocates to showcase solutions for a greener, more resilient future.

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 SUSTEX 2025.

The event opened with the “Beat of Sustainability,” led by DOST Secretary Renato Solidum and SM Prime executive committee chairman Hans T. Sy, who together struck the Solidrum, a bamboo drum shell developed by the DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute. They were joined by SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, SM Prime vice president Jessica Sy-Bell, SM Supermalls vice president Liza Silerio and other dignitaries, who played the angklung, a UNESCO-recognized bamboo instrument. The performance symbolized harmony and collective action for sustainability.

In his remarks, Sy underscored SM’s commitment to embedding sustainability in business and the value of collaboration. “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,” he said.

A panel discussion at the Ignite Stage during SUSTEX 2025 gathers experts to share actionable insights on sustainability and innovation.

Solidum said SUSTEX demonstrates how innovation and science can strengthen resilience and advance a circular economy. “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. This is also what we mean by Agham na Ramdam—science that is not distant; science that is felt, lived, and experienced by people in their everyday lives,” he said.

The DOST chief 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.”

Engaged discussions take place at the PARMS booth during SUSTEX 2025, as visitors learn about collaborative solutions for recycling and materials management.
 

Exhibitors presented technologies and initiatives that reflected both Filipino ingenuity and international collaboration.

Among the highlights was SM Prime and SM GUUN’s “Waste-Free Future” campaign with Japan’s GUUN Environmental Company, which promotes advanced waste management.

ARISE Philippines showcased private sector efforts on disaster resilience, while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources highlighted its Loop Forward Program on circularity and waste reduction.

The DOST-FPRDI displayed sustainable lalang pandan furniture, essential oils from Philippine plants, and bamboo instruments, while the DOST-CHRG introduced innovations in electric vehicle technology.

Hans Sy and Jessica Sy-Bell visit the DOST-AKO Packaging booth at SUSTEX 2025, underscoring their support for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions.

The expo also offered interactive sessions, product demonstrations and knowledge exchanges, reinforcing SM’s broader sustainability roadmap. That plan includes its Waste-Free Future campaign and a pledge 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,” Sy said.

SUSTEX 2025 coincided with SM Supermalls’ 40th year. One of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers, SM has integrated green design, energy efficiency, disaster resilience, and environmental stewardship into its 88 malls across the Philippines. The company continues to promote inclusive spaces that support climate action and sustainability for Filipino communities.