The Sy group’s SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) will put up a multibillion-peso development project linked to the sprawling Asia Mall in PasayCityinvolving a 60-hectare complex envisioned to become a premier business and tourism destination in the Philippines.

The project called ‘Mall of Asia Complex’ will consist of technologically-advanced infrastructure integrated with office, retail, institutional, residential and leisure components.

The complex is currently the site of the country’s largest shopping mall, the SM Mall of Asia and will soon boast of a state-of-the-art business and information technology hub, the country’s largest convention center, a 16,000-seat sports and entertainment arena and a wide range of facilities with recreational, tourism and residential uses.

“We envision the Mall of Asia Complex to be a prime business and tourism district in the country and in the region,�? says SM Investments Corp. executive vice president for real property Josefino Lucas.

“With its unique location by the side of the famous
ManilaBay, the Mall of Asia complex which features an excellent mix of business and leisure elements is expected to boost Philippine tourism as well as redefine Manila’s place among the new and exciting urban centers of
Asia,�? he said.

The
OneE-ComCenteris a 10-storey building designed for e-commerce, contact centers, BPO companies and specialized office uses. It will provide leading edge facilities such as multi-telco redundancy and connectivity, 100 percent backup power supply, basketball and badminton courts at deck level and central courtyard amenities, to meet the growing needs of technology-based companies with 24/7 operations. 

Recently, SMIC formalized a deal with the leading global fitness company Fitness First Philippines Inc. to house the club’s 16th branch in the country on the ground and second levels of
OneE-ComCenter.

Set to open by last quarter of this year, the fitness center will cater to the health and fitness needs of people specially those who work 24/7 in the call centers. Also set to rise within the Mall of Asia Complex is the
SMXConvention Center, which is envisioned to be the country’s premier destination for both local and international trade and cultural events.

The three-storey, 46,647-square meter building will feature open exhibition areas, multifunctional halls, and flexible meeting rooms with modern exposition amenities for major conferences and trade exhibits.