Organization secures Gold for Visionary HR Leadership and Silver for ESG & CSR Excellence, reinforcing its commitment to high-potential talent growth and nationwide community impact. 

MANILA, Philippines — September 24, 2026 — Some of the most meaningful work within an organization happens quietly, away from the day-to-day routine. It unfolds when employees step forward to volunteer in coastal cleanups, assemble relief packs for disaster-affected communities, or establish structural pathways that help colleagues envision long-term careers within the company. Recognizing a workplace culture where corporate purpose and personal growth converge, SM Supermalls received two major honors at the Economic Times Human Capital Awards Southeast Asia 2026 during a formal gala ceremony held on July 24 at One Farrer in Singapore.

The prestigious regional platform awarded Cheryll Ruth L. Agsaoay, Group Head and Senior Vice President for Human Resources, the Gold Award for Visionary HR Leadership. Simultaneously, SM Supermalls earned the Silver Award for Excellence in Employee Involvement for ESG & CSR, acknowledging its organization-wide mobilization of human capital toward environmental, social, and governance causes.

Cheryll Ruth L. Agsaoay, Group Head and Senior Vice President for Human Resources, SM Supermalls, receives the Gold award for Visionary HR Leadership. SM Supermalls celebrates two recognitions at the Economic Times Human Capital Awards Southeast Asia 2026, honoring its people-centered approach to leadership and employee involvement in ESG and CSR. 

Building a Culture Where People Thrive

Trusted, tech-savvy, and transformative. The 7-year employee experience transformation journey of HR is anchored on leadership synergy, people empowerment, digital innovation, sustainability, and shared purpose, helping build a future-ready organization.

At the center of the Gold recognition for Visionary HR Leadership is a strategic commitment to investing in the holistic employee experience. Over recent years, SM Supermalls has instituted unified frameworks encompassing talent and career development, learning and technology systems, leadership pipelines,  culture-building efforts, and well-being initiatives. By combining human-centered leadership with digital capabilities, the company has transformed its human resources operations, generating a reported 230 percent return on investment from HR technology deployments over a three-year timeline.

These strategic investments have delivered measurable operational milestones across the organization achieving 99 percent retention rate among high-potential talent, alongside a 75 percent informal succession realization rate for critical roles. Furthermore, overall employee retention at SM Supermalls is at par with global high-performing company norms. Yet, leadership emphasizes that metrics represent only a portion of the broader ongoing trajectory.

“We are proud of our progress, humbled by how much more there is to do, and committed to getting better every day. This recognition inspires us to keep improving how we listen, learn, and build a better workplace for our people.” said Cheryll Ruth L. Agsaoay, Group Head & Senior Vice President for Human Resources, SM Supermalls

Extending Purpose Beyond the Workplace

Employee volunteers join the Happy Walk with Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc., Brigada Eskwela, and coastal clean-up to give back to the community.

The company’s people-first philosophy extends past internal talent management into direct community involvement. Through SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, employees actively participate in nationwide coastal cleanup drives, disaster response efforts, and accessibility workshops designed to foster inclusivity for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. In the first half of 2026 alone, 40 percent of the total workforce volunteered time and talent to support localized initiatives across the Philippines.

“Our business exists to serve people, and that responsibility extends beyond our malls. We are proud of how our employees continue to step forward and contribute their time, talent, and heart to causes that uplift communities. When purpose and people come together, meaningful impact follows” said Steven T. Tan, President, SM Supermalls

Together, the two awards highlight an integrated organizational strategy: one aspect focuses on cultivating an environment where professionals can build fulfilling careers, while the other empowers those same individuals to contribute meaningfully to society. Viewing these accolades as a standard for continuous improvement rather than a final destination, SM Supermalls remains dedicated to advancing its HR practices and community programs throughout the country.

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About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China. For generations, SM has grown alongside Filipino communities by creating destinations where people, businesses, and opportunities come together.

Through “My SM”, SM continues to evolve with the changing lifestyles of Filipino communities—creating places where people can discover, connect, move, play, and recharge through thoughtfully designed experiences, better connectivity, and spaces that bring everyday life closer together.

My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.