Sun Life Grepa Shines Among HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2026

Sun Life Grepa Financial Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), one of the country’s leading life insurance providers, was named as one of HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2026. This recognition underscores the company’s commitment to talent development, employee engagement, and creating an environment that acknowledges the contributions of its people.

“This award is a shared achievement of the company and its employees, whose dedication and commitment demonstrate Sun Life Grepa’s values and culture in their everyday work” said Richard S. Lim, President of Sun Life Grepa.

A current four-time awardee of Great Place to Work, the company continues to empower its employees through robust employee programs focusing on growth and development, well-being, and culture-building.

By fostering an environment where employees are encouraged to unleash their brightest selves, Sun Life Grepa strengthens its ability to advance its core mission of helping Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.

This recognition is also the third HR award received by the company this year, contributing to the company’s continuing journey to become an employer of choice in the Philippine insurance industry and affirms its continued efforts in building a workplace environment where everyone is valued, supported, and inspired to succeed.

PRESS RELEASE

The HR Asia Awards is one of the prestigious award-giving bodies in the region. Nominees need to go through evaluation process that requires employee engagement surveys and presentations. It recognizes companies with best-in-class HR practices and demonstrates high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace culture.

To learn more about Sun Life Grepa, you may visit: https://www.sunlifegrepa.com/

Security Bank Wins Three Human Capital Awards for HR Innovation and Work-Life Harmony

Makati, Philippines – Security Bank has been recognized for its customer-centric strategy, receiving top honors by three prestigious award bodies. At the Economic Times Human Capital Awards (ETHCA), the Bank was lauded for Excellence in HR Transformation, while at the HR Excellence Awards 2025, it was named among the Best Companies to Work for in Asia–Philippines and for its commitment to work-life harmony. Moreover, the Bank was listed as one of HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia–Philippines.

Security Bank received the bronze award for Excellence in HR Digital Transformation at ETHCA for its HCM System Transformation Project. Introduced in 2023, this initiative reshaped how the Bank manages and supports employees through HeRO (HCM Employee Resources Online)—a centralized platform that streamlines HR processes, improves productivity, and delivers a seamless employee experience.

Bank’s Employee Value Proposition, “You matter,” reflects its belief that taking care of employees enables them to take even better care of customers. This alignment of people and purpose reinforces Security Bank’s vision of becoming the most customer-centric bank in the Philippines.

The impact of the transformation has been significant: 99% satisfaction among new hires, 25% time savings for managers through HR automation, and a 67% boost in operational efficiency with cost savings from retiring legacy systems. Digital adoption has also surged, with 99% on web and 80% on mobile—clear proof of strong employee engagement.

Building on these successes, Security Bank was also recognized at the HR Excellence Awards 2025, earning the bronze award for Excellence in Work-Life Harmony. The recognition highlights the Bank’s programs that address employees’ diverse needs, including hybrid work, flexible benefits, enhanced leave options, day-one health coverage, and comprehensive wellness initiatives. Together, these efforts have strengthened inclusion and belonging—reflected in an employee engagement score of 78, well above the market average of 72.

Security Bank was also named among HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia–Philippines, an award that recognizes organizations with strong employee engagement, inclusivity, and long-term development. Selected through surveys of 2.5 million employees and culture audits, the recognition affirms the Bank’s commitment to elevating the employee experience.

“Our promise of ‘You matter’ is not just to employees, but ultimately to our customers. When our people feel valued, supported, and empowered, they’re able to bring their best selves to work and serve our customers with greater care and empathy. These recognitions affirm that by investing in our employees’ growth and well-being, we’re also strengthening our ability to be the most customer-centric bank in the Philippines,” said Nerissa Berba, EVP and Chief People Officer of Security Bank.

These awards validate the Bank’s broader employer branding efforts, including its ongoing #YouMatter storytelling campaign, which showcases authentic employee experiences and strengthens the Bank’s position as a trusted workplace for growth and belonging.

By continuing to invest in its people, Security Bank is setting new benchmarks in the Philippines for HR transformation, workplace well-being, and people-first innovation.

SM Supermalls Wins Big at HR Asia Awards 2025, Marking 40 Years of Transformative Leadership

Pasay City, Philippines – August 29, 2025 — As SM Supermalls celebrates its 40th anniversary, it clinches four major honors at the prestigious HR Asia Awards 2025, reaffirming its legacy of people-first leadership and transformative workplace culture.

For the third consecutive year, SM Supermalls was named one of HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work For, alongside three standout category wins: the Sustainable Workplace Award, the Most Caring Company Award, and the Tech Empowerment Award.

“These awards are more than milestones—they reflect our enduring culture at SM, where people are at the heart of everything we do,” said SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan. “We are proud of our teams whose passion and dedication make SM not only one of the best companies to work for, but a place where we create meaningful impact for our employees, communities, and the country.”

Award Highlights

Best Companies to Work For in Asia (3rd consecutive year)

SM’s workplace culture is anchored on the key messaging pillars of the SM LIFE framework—Purpose, Passion, and Performance. Initiatives such as Leadership Town Halls, Candid Coffee with Leaders, Feedback Fridays, and the Culture Caravan foster authenticity, inclusion, and growth across all levels.

Most Caring Company Award (2nd consecutive year)

SM’s 360 Wellness Programs include unlimited online mental health counseling, wellness learning series, and Celebrate YOU events such as PRIDE Month and Women Empowerment. Championing safe and brave spaces for all, programs such as Ethics Beat and Safe Spaces promote transparency, accountability, and DEIB across the organization. Employee engagement programs have a 100% employee reach. 

Sustainable Workplace Award

Sustainability is embedded in SM’s DNA. From the Trash to Cash recycling program and Coastal Clean-Up drives to its bold commitment to Net Zero by 2040, SM empowers employees to lead environmental and community efforts through its partnership with SM Cares. Employee volunteerism rises strongly with a 100% increase compared to the previous year.

Tech Empowerment Award

Innovation drives SM’s HR transformation. Tools like the SMILE HCM platform, SAM AI chatbot, DigiU eLearning, and the SM Life app deliver seamless employee experiences. With 90% utilization for the SM Life app and 80% for DigiU learning, digital adoption is high and impactful.

A Legacy of Leadership

Cheryll Ruth L. Agsaoay, Senior Vice President for Human Resources, shared:

“These recognitions affirm our belief that when we design positive employee experiences—caring for people’s wellbeing, embracing innovation, and championing sustainability—we create a workplace that inspires purpose and growth. We see our culture efforts as continuous work-in-progress because at SM, we never stop learning and aiming to be better every day.”

As SM Supermalls enters a new era beyond its 40th year, these accolades underscore a powerful truth: its greatest asset has always been its people—and its future will be shaped by the culture it continuously nurtures