SM congratulates National University (NU) on its 125th year, and pledges continued support as NU leads a new era of affordable, high-quality education for every Filipino. This milestone reflects NU’s clear vision for Philippine education and its growth through a focused partnership with SM Supermalls and the Sy family, which expands access, builds opportunity, and strengthens national development. Rooted in Henry Sy Sr.’s belief that education is the greatest equalizer, this partnership embodies his conviction that affordable, high-quality learning can change lives. His passion for providing quality education at an accessible rate guided the search for the right school to uplift—a process that took nearly 10 years, culminating in the NU merger. Together, SM and NU are building an education ecosystem that is accessible, future-ready, and designed to open doors for more Filipino families in this new era of growth and purpose.

Hans T. Sy, chairman of SM Prime Holdings and National University, carries this mandate forward. “Education is a legacy. NU should serve every Filipino who wants to learn. My father, Henry Sy Sr., believed in affordable, high-quality education for Filipinos. We continue that mission with discipline and intent.” He was the one who had to persuade the existing NU family corporation to open its doors, guided by a simple philosophy from his father. “If my father tells me to jump, I ask how high,” he would say, committed to delivering the vision while respecting NU’s long-standing culture. The transition moved smoothly because SM and NU were both built as family institutions. Their values aligned naturally.

He adds, “NU carries a powerful name recognized worldwide. We keep our facilities simple and functional because real quality works. NU started at the bottom and is now moving to the top.” This reflects what he calls the SM Way, functional and efficient, nothing fancy but solid and purposeful. Even lower tuition comes from that same discipline, cutting unnecessary costs and focusing on what adds real value. Students often joke about how cold the air conditioning is, not knowing that the systems run efficiently to keep energy use low.

This direction appears in the placement of NU campuses across SM communities. Steven T. Tan, president of SM Supermalls, focuses on reach and access. “We place NU campuses where students can reach them easily and where communities can support them. Education works best when it is part of daily life and close to home.”

Before the merger, NU was a close and conservative family corporation. NU vice chairman Teodoro J. Ocampo notes the transformation. “NU today is very, very different. We have a stronger, more modern organization, and we are focused on making NU truly national by reaching more Filipinos across more regions. We are nearing 100,000 students, and our next target is 200,000.”

NU now serves more than 83,000 students across 13 campuses, with Cebu and Las Piñas strengthening the network inside SM communities. NU is expanding to 20 campuses nationwide, keeping quality education affordable and within reach of more Filipino students. More than 600 scholars across the country also benefit from SM Foundation support, receiving full tuition and assistance at every NU campus. Before the merger, NU had around 1,800 students. Today, the scale tells the story of what access can build.

Dr. Renato Carlos H. Ermita, Jr., NU president and CEO, underscores the shared commitment. “NU grows because we invest in people, not profit. We invest in strong faculty and programs that match industry demand. SM and NU move with the same purpose. Both are built for Filipinos. Both focus on access, service, and community. SM is part of everyday Filipino life, and NU stands in that same space.” His long-term view includes a stronger international standing, more campuses, and a vision of NU as a true school of choice. The recent QSAR and QS Asia rankings are early signs of that direction.

NU builds character with intent. Students take part in coastal cleanups, leadership summits, and global service work. These activities strengthen civic awareness and responsibility. The values behind them are consistent. Hans Sy highlights respect and empathy as the core of good leadership, and he reminds students that the right decision is often unpopular. Dr. Ermita pushes integrity, doing what is right even when no one is watching.

On academics, NU aligns programs with industry needs. Engineering, psychology, technology, and architecture courses focus on fundamental skills anchored in Filipino values. The goal is simple: produce graduates who are capable, confident, and ready. This matches NU’s three long-standing pillars: academics, infrastructure, and sports. SM strengthened its infrastructure, and sports became a quick way to prove excellence, especially with the visibility of the annual UAAP seasons.

Hans Sy strengthens the long-term view. “We are building national capability. Every graduate strengthens the country.” His leadership also includes a pragmatic approach to challenges. He often quotes the Dalai Lama, saying that if there is a solution, there is no need to worry, and if there is none, worrying achieves nothing. For him, problems require action first, reflection after.

Steven Tan highlights the larger impact. “Education and community grow together when learning is accessible and part of everyday life. This drives long-term progress.” And the future they see is expansive. They expect NU to reach around 30 campuses and serve more than 200,000 students in the next decade.

At 125 years, NU is scaling responsibly and with purpose. SM’s support ensures meaningful, inclusive growth. Education is not a cost. It is the foundation of progress. SM and NU are delivering that progress with clarity, purpose, and commitment to the Filipino. The message to future NU leaders is consistent across all voices. Stay focused, stay hungry, stay humble. Be people-centered and sincere. Support the university’s communities and teams. Keep learning visible and accessible. Build the next generation with discipline and empathy.

And keep the mission simple. Serve more Filipinos through education that works, lasts, and lifts lives.