900 college freshmen receive scholarships from SM Foundation

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Future changemakers. The SM Foundation welcomed 900 new SM Scholars in a ceremony held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on July 20, 2025. (seated SM Foundation Vice President for Education Programs Scholarship Ling Lansang, Shereen Sy, SM Engineering Design & Development Corp. (SMEDD) President Hans "Chico" Sy Jr., SM Investments Executive Director Harley Sy, SM Foundation Executive Director Debbie Sy, Matthew Sy, Mara Coson, SM Foundation Executive Director for Education Programs Carmen Linda Atayde, and SM Foundation Trustee Engr. Ramon Gil Macapagal)

SM Foundation, the social good arm of the SM Group, awarded 900 new college scholarships during a ceremony held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on July 20, 2025. 

The scholarship provides full tuition coverage, monthly allowances, and access to various activities and opportunities designed to support academic and professional development. These include assemblies, part-time work during school breaks, on-the-job training, and employment opportunities within the SM Group after graduation. 

During the ceremony, SM Foundation Executive Director for Education Programs Carmen Linda Atayde told the scholars that the scholarship is a recognition and a response to the efforts they have already poured in. 

“Apart from support, the scholarship is also a vote of confidence in your ability, your direction, and your grit. Because you’ve already shown us that you believe in your future. Now, so do we,” Atayde said. 

The Scholarship Program, established in 1993 by SM Group Founder Henry Sy Sr., aims to make education accessible and to support the development of future professionals through structured support and long-term opportunities, enabling scholars to uplift their families and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Since its inception, the program has supported over 6,000 scholars across the country.

900 college freshmen receive scholarships from SM Foundation_8

Passing wisdom to the next generation of SM Scholars. SM Retail SVP for HR Leny Hernandez, SM Scholar Alumna and SM Investments (SMIC) AVP-IT Jennilyn Mendoza, SMIC Executive Director Harley Sy, SMEDD President Hans "Chico" Sy Jr. leads a panel discussion, answering questions from the SM Scholars.

900 college freshmen receive scholarships from SM Foundation_1

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