SM scholar-alum continues life of service

SM scholar James Wong at the PPCRV Command Center in Sampaloc, Manila, volunteering to ensure transparent and efficient election monitoring.

Each year, the SM Group, through the SM Foundation College Scholarship Program opens doors for youth from vulnerable communities. The program follows a rigorous selection process, selecting students who show both academic promise and a strong passion for learning. It’s rooted in the Foundation’s mission to uplift lives through education and support those who aim to drive positive change.

James Matthew D. Wong, a 2015 scholar, continues to live out that mission. After earning his Electronics Engineering degree from Asia Pacific College, he built a career in the field and now works as a senior consultant. Beyond his profession, he remains committed to public service, actively volunteering to help ensure clean and honest elections.

James Wong conducts a voter education session at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Jalajala, Rizal—one of the most remote parishes in the Diocese of Antipolo—as part of his grassroots advocacy for informed and active citizenship.

His involvement with the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) started back in high school. “I learned about PPCRV during the 2007 midterm elections when volunteers were mobilized in my home parish,” he shared. 

That early experience sparked a commitment that has stayed with him through every election since. Over the years, he has taken on various roles—from poll watcher to diocesan coordinator, and most recently, as part of PPCRV’s national voter education and IT teams.

In the 2025 national elections, he was stationed at a data center of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), contributing his skills to help ensure the integrity of the process.

James Wong joins COMELEC officials for a photo at the data center where he was assigned.

“As soon as I received the transmissions, I had to ensure they were sent promptly to the PPCRV Command Center,” he explained. The role gave him a deeper understanding of the technology behind the whole electoral process. “Receiving the results in their raw form reminded me of my data science training. I could even run my own analytics,” he added, crediting the guidance of his mentor, PPCRV IT Director Dr. William Yu.

Looking back, James credits his time as an SM scholar for shaping his mindset and values, especially during college. “Being an SM Scholar taught me that roadblocks don’t mean you have to stop—they mean you need to find another way” he said. For him, the program helped him grow both professionally and personally.

He sees giving back as a natural extension to what he received. “The program was an enabler for one to have the chance to succeed. It encouraged its scholars to swim the vast ocean and go far beyond our limits. We may be soaring high, but like they say, once an SM Scholar, always an SM Scholar. No matter how far we go, we’ll always find our way back—stronger, successful, and ready to give back,” he said. 

Academic milestone, beginning of spreading social good. James Wong during the 2015 presentation of graduates, with his father (left) and SM Foundation trustee Harley Sy (right).

As the foundation prepares to welcome a new batch of scholars, he encourages applicants and future scholars to get involved early. “Do not hesitate to reach out to organizations that need volunteers. Find what you’re passionate about and connect with groups that share your values. Working with these organizations gives you a chance to do what you love beyond school and the workplace, and allows you to create real impact in society. Change doesn’t happen overnight, it starts with small ripples from the good we put out into the world.”