SM Investments Corporation (SMIC), one of the Philippines’ largest and most diversified conglomerates, has once again earned a place on TIME Magazine’s prestigious World’s Best Companies list for 2025. This marks the second consecutive year that SMIC has been recognized globally for its commitment to responsible growth, financial resilience, and stakeholder value. The ranking, developed in collaboration with Statista, evaluates companies across three key dimensions: revenue growth, employee satisfaction, and sustainability transparency.
Here’s a detailed look at what this recognition means for SMIC, its stakeholders, and the broader business landscape.
1. Ranking and recognition highlights
- SM Investments placed third among the ten Philippine companies featured in the TIME 2025 list
- The company was also included in TIME’s Asia-Pacific Best Companies list earlier this year, reinforcing its regional leadership
- Chinabank, a banking affiliate of SMIC, was also recognized, underscoring the group’s strength across financial services
- The repeat recognition reflects SMIC’s consistent performance across multiple metrics, including profitability, employee engagement, and ESG initiatives
2. Evaluation methodology and global context
- To qualify, companies had to generate at least USD 100 million in revenue in the last fiscal year
- The selection process involved a three-stage screening: revenue growth over three years, employee satisfaction surveys, and sustainability performance audits
- TIME’s 2025 list includes global giants like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Novo Nordisk, placing SMIC in elite company
- The inclusion of SMIC signals growing international recognition of Southeast Asian firms in shaping the future of business
3. Leadership response and strategic direction
- SMIC President and CEO Frederic DyBuncio emphasized the company’s balanced approach to growth, combining shareholder returns with long-term value creation
- The group’s ecosystem spans retail, banking, property, and logistics, with a strong focus on inclusive development and community impact
- DyBuncio noted that the recognition inspires continued efforts to strengthen stakeholder engagement and build resilient, future-ready businesses
- SMIC’s vision centers on sustainable business practices that serve as catalysts for responsible development across the Philippines
4. Sustainability and social impact
- SMIC has made significant strides in integrating sustainability into its core operations, from energy-efficient malls to inclusive financial services
- The company’s ESG strategy includes climate resilience, waste reduction, and community partnerships
- Its retail arm, SM Supermalls, has implemented green building standards and disaster preparedness programs across its properties
- Chinabank has expanded financial inclusion through digital banking and SME support initiatives
5. Implications for investors and the Philippine business sector
- SMIC’s repeat inclusion in TIME’s list enhances its global reputation and investor confidence
- It positions the company as a benchmark for governance, innovation, and stakeholder value in emerging markets
- The recognition may attract more institutional interest and partnerships, especially in ESG-focused portfolios
- For the Philippine corporate sector, SMIC’s success highlights the potential for local firms to compete and thrive on the global stage
Final takeaway
SM Investments’ second appearance on TIME’s World’s Best Companies list is more than a badge of honor—it’s a validation of its enduring commitment to excellence, sustainability, and inclusive growth. As global business dynamics evolve, SMIC continues to prove that a Filipino conglomerate can lead with purpose, scale with integrity, and inspire with impact.
Sources: SM Investments, TIME Magazine,Inquirer Business
