SM Cares transforms mall spaces into youth empowerment, welfare advocacy hubs Youth oriented initiatives such as the ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2026 and Better Days draw thousands in engaged attendance

　　In line with its pursuit of community empowerment, SM through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, successfully mounted two milestone youth-oriented events that aim to foster the welfare and agency of young Filipinos across the country。

　　“SM’s drive for inclusivity aims to empower all sectors of society through the opportunities and experiences we host in the spaces we transform,” said Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing. “We elevate the role our malls play, our nationwide network of 90 malls to serve the communities that surround our business。”

　　The youth have been a strong focus of SM Cares through in-mall activations and annual celebrations geared to hone the next generation of changemakers and business leaders。

　　“We believe that the power our young people possess does not remain as potential as long as they receive the right support and encouragement to drive them forward,” added Agustin。

　　The light never dims, there are Better Days ahead

　　Recognizing the value in the lives and voices of young Filipinos all over the country, SM Cares mounted Better Days, an offshoot of its annual Global Youth Summit that focuses on safeguarding youth mental health while providing support and encouragement from resource speakers and advocates。

　　The multi-mall series spanned eight locations, expanding youth access to safe, welcoming spaces created by SM and its partners where young people were empowered to voice their experiences but also learn practical ways to prioritize their mental wellbeing. 

　　Key speakers such as Kuya Kim Atienza, Pepe Herrera, Janina Vela, Ymari Pascua, Maco Ravanzo, Maxene Magalona, and Dani Baretto helped participants envision brighter days for themselves. The nationwide, inaugural effort was mounted by SM Cares in partnership with Mental Health Youth Hub PH, I AM MAD (Making A Difference)， the National Youth Commission, and the Dangerous Drugs Board, and was powered by the Global Youth Summit. Its last leg concluded in SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. 

　　A staggering 4,700 participants were engaged across four SM Malls as well as four colleges and universities in this pilot initiative。

　　Regional economic policies made accessible through AYES 2026

　　More than 8,000 young Filipinos gathered at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena on October 12 for the inaugural ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2026 (AYES 2026)， a landmark youth-oriented forum connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with regional insights, industry leaders, and opportunities to help turn their ambitions into action。

　　Mounted by SM through SM Cares, hosted with Global Peace Foundation Philippines, and in partnership with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines, the summit served as a national initiative following the Philippine ASEAN chairship. It aimed to equip emerging entrepreneurs with the knowledge, connections, and support needed to pursue opportunities in an increasingly interconnected ASEAN。

　　Through AYES 2026, SM Cares brought together young changemakers and established business leaders, reinforcing the role of youth empowerment in nation-building and inclusive economic growth。

　　“At SM Supermalls, when we talk about the future and nation-building, the youth always come to mind,” shared Hanna Carinna Sy, Senior Assistant Vice President of SM Supermalls, in her closing remarks. “You are the generation that will take what we have today and turn it into new ideas, new possibilities, and new opportunities tomorrow。”

　　The summit featured expert industry speakers such as of Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jollibee Group, Mr. Elvin Laceda, President of Young Farmers Challenge and Chief Operating Officer of Sakahon Marketplace, Inc., Andrew Chan, Founder of Loomworks Studio from Singapore, and Tran Thai Binh, Co-founder of Green Beli Farm from Vietnam. They were joined by Filipino business leaders Anna Magalona-Go, Founder and CEO of But First, Coffee; Luigi C. Pimentel, COO of Binondo Food Group and Kyukyu Ramen 99; and Vincent Paolo Conti, Vice President and General Manager of Eight8Ate Restaurant Solutions, Inc. Their shared experiences offered participants valuable perspectives on the realities of starting and growing businesses, highlighting opportunities for young entrepreneurs to learn from one another across industries and borders。

　　Also among the distinguished speakers were Mr. Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III, Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines and Founder of Go Negosyo, and Secretary Maria Cristina “Cris” Aldeguer-Roque of the Department of Trade and Industry, whose participation underscored the importance of collaboration among government, business, and the youth in advancing entrepreneurship. The summit was also supported by partners and advocates, including Leonard Faustino, Executive Director of Global Peace Foundation Philippines and Usec. Joseph Francisco "Jeff" Ortega, Chairperson from National Youth Commission who joined the collective effort to empower the next generation of changemakers。

　　These two initiatives enhance SM’s efforts targeting the youth sector on top of enriching experiences they have access to in all SM malls nationwide. With the success of both programs, SM Cares hopes to further encourage young Filipinos to experience their most-loved SM Malls differently—discovering opportunities that equip them with life skills helping shape the future they aim to build for themselves。