The National University and SM group of companies formalized its partnership through the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) held last November 26, 2018 at the Conrad Manila.

The objective of the partnership is to strengthen NU and SM’s partnership through collaboration, cooperation and interaction between the two innovation-driven entities.

The MOA signing was graced by National U president Dr. Renato Carlos Ermita Jr. and other university officials. Meanwhile, SM was represented by SMIC chairman of the board Jose Sio and signatories Frederic C. DyBuncio, president of SM Investments Corporation, SM Prime Holdings, Inc president, Jeffrey C. Lim, SM Retail, Inc. president Ponciano Manalo, president of SM Engineering and Design Hans Sy, Jr., SM Food Retail represented by Herson Sy and SM Hotels and Convention Centers president Elizabeth T. Sy.

The partnership will give NU students a venue for on-the-job trainings and possible employment in the future. SM can also help in possible immersion for NU’s faculty members, so they can include the practical corporate setting in the courses they teach. SM executives can also be invited as speakers in seminars and symposiums and as industry advisers.

NU president RJ Ermita expressed his heartfelt gratitude and excitement on this collaboration.

“At the end of the day, what matters most is that this collaboration effort will benefit the young Filipino men and women who will be blessed with the right skills, mindset & values for a better future for their families and country.”

Mr. Sio likewise reiterated that it is high time institutions such as SM and NU come together to help in nation-building.

“It is also my hope that SM can contribute to developing our country through the right education of our youth. It is the dream of our owner, Henry Sy Sr., to help the youth and help our country.”