On September 4, SM Supermalls kicked off its 65th anniversary by hosting renowned author and speaker, Malcolm Gladwell and Emma Chiu, Global Director of Wunderman Thompson Intelligence, at its Tenant-Partners Summit held at the SMX Convention Center.
Iconic author Malcolm Gladwell (middle, seated) with (L-R, standing): SM Supermalls’ Senior Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin, Manulife China Bank Life President Neil Bowyer, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI) President Jeffrey Lim, PLDT President Al Panlilio, SMPHI Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans “Chico” Sy Jr., SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, China Bank Capital President Ryan Tapia, SM Development Corporation (SMDC) President Jose Mari Banzon, Visa Country Manager Jeff Navarro, and SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno. They are joined by (L-R, seated): China Bank First Vice President Luellia Espine, SMDC Vice President for Marketing Aye Luna, Airspeed President Rosemarie Rafael, SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) Vice Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson, SMPHI Assistant Vice President Jessica “Jica” Sy-Bell, SMIC Chief Risk Officer Lizanne Uychaco, Visa Marketing Director Gladys Chan, and China Bank First Vice President Rhodin Escolar
After an intimate breakfast with SM executives and the event sponsors, Mr. Gladwell and SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan met with the media to discuss topics that are dominating conversations today.
Malcolm Gladwell (3rd from left) with (L-R): SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, SM Investments Vice Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson, Wunderman Thompson Intelligence Global Director Emma Chiu, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI) Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, and SMPHI President Jeffrey Lim
“We invited Mr. Gladwell because he connects with a lot of business people. Our Tenant-Partners Summit will gather our tenant owners and business partners. Many of the books Mr. Gladwell has written have to do with how you conduct your business and grow. Having him here today will help our partners get more insights to connect with the changing consumer,” said Mr. Tan.
The Future of Retail
In the afternoon, over 1,000 invited guests gathered at SMX. First, Wunderman Thompson Intelligence’s Global Director Emma Chiu delved deeply into trends that brands must watch out for.
She provided an overview of the “Future 100” Trend report that covered marketing and business trends to follow this year and shared insights around ‘Joyconomy’ and ‘Creative Catalysts’.
Keynote speaker Mr. Gladwell enthralled the crowd of business titans and noted entrepreneurs and media heads with topics of interest such as how generations differ from each other, and how retail brands would have to understand and accept this if they wanted to create impact.
The convergence of Ms. Chiu and Mr. Gladwell's thought-provoking perspectives made for an event that was focused on global best practices and how authenticity, inclusivity, and spontaneity were key in engaging youthful consumers.
SM Supermalls President Steven Tan welcomed the guests and gave a bird’s eye view of the exciting journey SM malls are about to take in the coming years. “Together, let us shape the retail landscape, reimagine, and revolutionize malling experiences. We are your home. We are here for you,” stated Mr. Tan in his welcome address.
In closing, SM Prime Holdings President Jeffrey Lim reiterated his thanks to the partners of SM. "On behalf of the SM Group, allow me to express our appreciation and gratitude for your unwavering support and contribution to the company for the last 65 years. As we continue to move forward carrying the same spirit of innovativeness, resilience, and camaraderie that brought us all here together, let me affirm the SM Group’s commitment to continue to be your strong ally in serving the needs of our communities.”
The talks of Mr. Gladwell and Ms. Chiu were a cause to gather and gain new ideas but the real celebration of the day was the tenants and partners of SM Supermalls. They galvanized during the health crisis, witnessed how SM listened to them and found ways to help them survive that troubling period and that sense of partnership is now stronger than ever.
McDonald’s President Kenneth Yang
National Book Store President Adrian Ramos and Max’s Group President Robert Trota
SM Prime Holdings President Jeffrey Lim and Aristocrat Group Chairman Raymund A. Reyes
Ramen Nagi CEO Erickson Farillas and son, Ricco Farillas
WGF Pacifica, Inc.’s Marvin Agustin and Raymund Magdaluyo
(L-R): Poliworks President Lio Lee, Toby's Sports President Toby Claudio, SM Malls Online Vice President Daniel Lim, Gearhead Inc. Managing Director Jenny Sy-Ang, Beyond Innovations Chairman Hans Kenneth Tan, and Hi-Precision Diagnostics Vice President for Sales Melissa Lee
Vogue Magazine Publisher Rhoda Aldanese and Editor in Chief Bea Valdes with The French Baker’s Alou Koa
(L-R): Conti’s Bakeshop’s Michael Martinez, Paolo Conti, Tricia Tan, and Walter Mariner with Vision Express’ Neelam Gopwani, Lal Gopwani, and Karan Gopwani
(L-R): Ian Darcy’s Allan Lainez and Ian Lumibao, IQOS’ Bryan Jason Tan and Gillian Gonzalez, Taters’ Annie Tanchanco and Menchie Mizuno, and Auntie Anne’s Mikkel Paris and Rod Torres
Suyen Corporation’s Kai Lim
(L-R): SM Investments’ Independent Director Mon Lopez, Tokyo Tempura’s Jorge Wieneke III, Jenny Wieneke, and Mickey Wieneke
(L-R): Puffy’s Souffle Pancake’s Lester Tan and Kyrah Tan, Tiger Sugar’s Denise Young and Dan Co, and Aquaflask’s Stephanie Chua and Erick Chua
(L-R): KO Pâtissier’s Nica Ong, Blue Apron’s Kitchie Berba, and The Manila Baker’s Alisxandre Sy-Ayson and Charles Ayson