SM Supermalls Job Fair Paves the Way for 2024 Career Opportunities

SM Supermalls, in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Local Government Units (LGUs), the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Jobs Group, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), and SM Retail are set to host job fairs on January 25 at SM City San Lazaro, February 16 at SM City Grand Central, and March 1 at SM City North EDSA. 

CAPTION: Embark on a journey to career success with SM Supermalls Job Fair! Save the dates: January 25 at SM City San Lazaro, February 16 at SM City Grand Central, and March 1 at SM City North EDSA. Your next career move awaits at SM!

This initiative aims to provide valuable employment opportunities for job seekers, aligning with the government's efforts to address unemployment. This also aims to contribute to economic activity by increasing the workforce in companies.

Aspiring candidates have the opportunity to also find their place at SM, the proud partner for the February 16 Job Fair at SM City Grand Central and the March 1 Job Fair at SM City North EDSA. This collaboration includes well-known companies such as SM Retail, SM Store, SM Supermalls, and various other SM Retail Affiliates, featuring Ace Hardware, Baby Company, Crocs, Dyson, Forever 21, Kultura, Miniso, Our Home, SM Appliance Center, SM Fashion, SM Home, Sports Central, Stationery, Surplus, The Body Shop, Toy Kingdom, Pet Express, Snack Exchange, and Uniqlo. SM Markets adds to the lineup, introducing SM Hypermarket, SM Supermarket, Savemore Markets, Alfamart, and Waltermart to the mix.

CAPTION: Embark on a journey to career success with SM Supermalls Job Fair! Save the dates: January 25 at SM City San Lazaro, February 16 at SM City Grand Central, and March 1 at SM City North EDSA. Your next career move awaits at SM!

These job fairs extend an invitation to all job seekers, including recent graduates, returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and individuals seeking new career paths. 

During these events, attendees have the chance to submit their resumes and engage in preliminary interviews with participating companies. Some organizations may even present on-the-spot job offers, granting qualified applicants with immediate access to employment opportunities.

Since 2008, SM Supermalls has collaborated with DOLE, co-hosting job fairs that aim to bridge the gap between job seekers and prospective employers.

“In 2024, our commitment to fostering employment opportunities across the nation is stronger than ever. It's not merely about jobs; it's about empowerment, growth, and the unwavering belief that, together, we can build a workforce that transforms challenges into opportunities,” said SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan.

To know more about the SM Supermalls’ Job Fairs, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

PLDT, Smart Enable Young Innovators to Serve more Filipino Communities through Technology

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) equip more young innovators with skills, serving more Filipino communities through inclusive and sustainable technology.

“PLDT and Smart, through their network and technology, have long extended technical support to help the youth turn their plans into actions, and eventually change the world they live in for the better,” said Stephanie Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management Team at PLDT and Smart.

The PLDT Group’s Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP), the first and longest-running Philippine industry-academe linkage, and Innovation Generation (InnoGen), an innovation grant program, have served as platforms for the youth to become digital changemakers in their respective communities.

Team SEER from Bataan Peninsula State University, one of the finalists from InnoGen season 2, recently received a financial grant from the US ASEAN Smart Cities Partnership (USASCP) in the Philippines for Kloudtech, an IoT-based weather and coastal flood monitoring system.

“Kloudtech’s goal is to enhance disaster resilience among Filipino communities and support government initiatives, assist business owners, and protect coastal communities and residents in low-lying areas. Kloudtech is here to make cities smarter and more livable,” shared Kloudtech CEO Patrick Gozun.

“We discovered the USASCP grant through our university mentors and their extensive research on available funding opportunities. The application process was driven by our team's proactive efforts, along with guidance from mentors and online resources needed to submit a proposal,” added Patrick.

Kloudtech also showcased its technology in a symposium in Jakarta, Indonesia called "A symposium on Accelerating Science, Technology and Circular Innovation" and the 2023 edition of Prototypes for Humanity in Dubai, exhibiting its innovation alongside prestigious universities from 47 countries around the world like the University of Oxford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California, Berkeley, Harvard University, and Standford University.

“Securing the grant has opened avenues for Kloudtech to scale up and make a more substantial impact. We anticipate using the funds strategically to enhance our technology, expand our reach, and ultimately contribute to positive change in the areas addressed by our app,” said Dan Martinez, co-founder of Kloudtech.

“The learnings from our InnoGen experience served as a foundational knowledge base. While we did not secure the grand prize, the experience ultimately inspired us to further enhance and refine our product. We are enthusiastic about the journey ahead and remain committed to bringing our innovative idea to fruition,” said Gil Cruz, another Kloudtech co-founder.

Through the years, the PLDT Group has underscored the value of inclusive learning and industry-academe linkages to promote STEM education in the country. This commitment also supports UNSDG #4: Quality Education and is aligned with the vision of the Philippine Government-mandated Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC).

PLDT, Smart Vow to Continue Transforming Lives with SWEEP

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart celebrated its 20th year promoting technology and innovation with the Philippines’ colleges and universities with the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP).

“We recognize how conscious today’s youth are of the world they live in. They want to have a hand in shaping their own future and that of the world’s. We hope to help them reach these goals through SWEEP,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management Team at PLDT and Smart.

By promoting a culture of innovation among schools and universities and encouraging more Filipino students to get into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math or STEM and ICT-related courses, SWEEP also aims to bring long-lasting impact to communities through technology.

SWEEP also paved the way for Innovation Generation (InnoGen), an innovation grant program for tech-savvy college and senior high school students who strive to become digital changemakers.

Team SenOptica from Talavera Senior High School in Talavera, Nueva Ecija, one of the winners from InnoGen’s latest season, shared how present and emerging technologies led them to develop their product, a wearable sensor-based assistive device for people with visual impairment.

"Their stories became the driving force behind our human-centric approach to innovation, emphasizing the importance of empathy in our work. It was in these moments that we realized that innovation is not just about technology; it's about understanding the needs of the people we aim to serve,” said 18-year-old Angel Hannah Rayo, SenOptica Developer.

“PLDT and Smart helped us transform our idea into a real-world solution that could truly make a difference in people's lives, especially for people with visual impairment,” she added.

22-year-old Prince Ramirez of Wesleyan University Philippines also shared how PLDT, and Smart enabled them to develop TARALIBOT to bring long-lasting impact.

“TARALIBOT aims to empower local and indigenous merchants, who often lack marketing resources, by giving them an online platform and helping them reach a larger audience to bridge this gap. We hope to bring change where local business are given equal opportunities to thrive in the digital economy,” said Prince.

Through the years, the PLDT Group has underscored the value of inclusive learning and industry-academe linkages like SWEEP, particularly to promote STEM education in the country. This commitment also supports UNSDG #4: Quality Education and is aligned with the vision of the Philippine Government-mandated Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC). As one of the founding members under the Digital Infrastructure pillar of PSAC, PLDT aims to help narrow the digital divide by creating more STEM experts and upskilling more Filipinos toward jobs of the future.

Philippines Champions Global and Local PPP to Strengthen Fintech Ecosystem at SFF 2023

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored strategic collaboration with diverse domestic and international stakeholders to position the Philippines as a hub for digital innovation and entrepreneurship. This was highlighted during his keynote address at the Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF) 2023, the world’s largest fintech event, where he made history as the first statesman to deliver a holographic speech at the said festival.

He emphasized that both local and global public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a vital role in enabling the Philippines to adopt new technologies that would strengthen the country's fintech ecosystem. The implementation of innovative solutions, coupled with enhanced financial education and inclusion initiatives, will effectively meet the needs of underserved communities in the country. This, in turn, serves as a tangible demonstration of the Philippines’ potential to contribute solutions to regional and global challenges.

Earlier this year, the Marcos Jr. Administration's Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) created the GoDigital Pilipinas (GDP) movement to provide practical recommendations, envisions empowering Filipino citizens through technology for a connected and inclusive society. PSAC comprises industry leaders and experts spanning six primary sectoral groups: agriculture, digital infrastructure, jobs, healthcare, build-build-build, and tourism.

UnionDigital Bank, the digital bank of UnionBank of the Philippines and a key partner in pushing the GDP movement, demonstrates a commitment to addressing diverse needs, including those of underserved and unbanked Filipinos. Through AI-powered solutions, the digital bank works towards financial inclusion by providing access to bank products that are traditionally beyond reach due to stringent requirements.

Advocating for embedded finance, UnionDigital collaborates across industries to enhance access to digital bank products, fostering financial inclusion by engaging customers where they are most present. Ecosystem partners include the prominent local motorcycle taxi company Angkas, the country's first fully integrated health app mWell, and airasia’s e-wallet app BigPay.

The digital bank showcased its commitment to innovation and inclusivity at the SFF, championing its proprietary framework, Customer Lifetime Prosperity Index (CLPI)—a metric illustrating customer financial health. This approach reflects UnionDigital’s dedication to banking and fostering long-term prosperity for its customers.

Henry Aguda, President and CEO at UnionDigital Bank, shared, “As part of our mission to empower Filipinos everywhere, we prioritize addressing customer needs to improve their financial health. With CLPI, we are able to do that by addressing the financial sustainability of the mass market. Our strategic partnerships amplify this impact by enabling us to understand our customer’s behavior more and enhance our products based on that. These advantages align with our support for the government's pursuit of more partnerships to foster growth in the Philippine fintech ecosystem.”

Since 2018, UnionDigital’s parent bank, UnionBank, has consistently taken part in SFF, recognized as one of the most impactful fintech events worldwide. The 2023 theme of SFF centers on "The Application of AI in Financial Services," aligning with UnionBank's commitment to "Inclusive Financial Growth Powered by AI." This mirror’s UnionBank's ongoing initiative to 'Tech Up, Pilipinas' by harnessing innovative technologies such as AI to contribute to nation-building. The focus is on showcasing the practical implementation of AI within UnionBank and its key subsidiaries, emphasizing the utilization of AI for fostering inclusive financial solutions and improving customer experiences.

PLDT, Smart Expand Teaching Strategies of Las Piñas SPED Teachers

PLDT and Smart have bolstered the teaching strategies of Special Education (SPED) teachers in Las Piñas City to help them respond and interact more effectively with students who have disabilities.

“PLDT and Smart advocate using technology for good. We believe that digital technology can be a great equalizer. Together with our partners, we support digital inclusion initiatives that aim to open opportunities for those who are in unique circumstances,” said Stephanie Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.

Facilitated by ATRIEV, the prime Information and Communications Technology (ICT) specialist non-profit organization that empowers persons with visual impairment through technology-enabled assistive programs, PLDT and Smart launched the first Disability Sensitivity and Mobile Accessibility Usage Workshop for teachers. Tucked under the Infoteach program, the activity also supports the celebration of the National Teacher’s Month and the World Teachers’ Day.

Working with the DepEd – Division of Las Piñas City, more than 20 SPED teachers from elementary and high schools across the city participated in the training. The first part covered disability sensitivity where participants learned appropriate terms to refer to persons with disability. The interactive course also shared practical tips on assisting students with visual, speech, and mobility impairments.

The afternoon session centered on mobile accessibility with the help of TalkBack, an Android-native screen reader application. The trainers who have visual impairment themselves demonstrated angle gestures and two-part swipes that help persons with disability navigate their devices. Teachers also tried operating the onscreen keyboard to write messages and fill out forms and search boxes.

The Infoteach program underscores PLDT and Smart’s efforts to help the nation meet UN Sustainability Development Goal 10 on reducing inequality by empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all, including persons with disabilities. It also helps underscore the PLDT Group's commitment to innovation and digital inclusion, and to assist in the government's key digitalization efforts. The PLDT Group is a founding member of the Digital Infrastructure pillar of the presidential Private Sector Advisory Council or PSAC.

PLDT, Smart Mark 20th Year with SWEEP, Inspiring Youth on Tech and Innovation

PLDT and Smart forge ahead in guiding youth towards the future of technology and innovation. 

Demonstrating its commitment towards academic and professional excellence, the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program or SWEEP, the first and longest-running industry-academe linkage in the Philippines, is now on its 20th year. 

 

“When we launched SWEEP or the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program in 2003, our dream was to make bold changes in the industry, by promoting a culture of innovation in schools and by encouraging more Filipino students to get into STEM and ICT-related courses,” said Cathy Yap-Yang, FVP and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart. 

 

SWEEP has become an avenue for long-term learning and discovery about technology as a catalyst for growth and development among the youth. 

 

“We continue to work closely with the country’s leading colleges and universities. We have likewise succeeded in producing industry-ready graduates to meet the increasingly digital demands of our customers, our communities, and our country,” said Roderick S. Santiago, Head of Network at PLDT and Smart. 

  

SWEEP has become an avenue for long-term learning and discovery about technology as a catalyst for growth and development among the youth. 

   

“We believe that continuous learning and exposure to emerging technologies, through SWEEP, can equip the youth towards finding innovative solutions that can help create positive impact for present and future generations,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management Team at PLDT and Smart.   

  

To officially celebrate SWEEP’s two decades and the program’s milestones, the PLDT Group has just concluded a learning and networking summit called SWEEP@20 and beyond, for its partner schools this month.    

  

Providing a peek into the future, the PLDT Group has discussed more about how 5G, AI or artificial intelligence, XR or extended reality, cloud computing, and advanced networks can help create a sustainable and more inclusive world for all Filipinos and leave no one behind. 

   

Through the years, the PLDT Group has underscored the value of inclusive learning and industry-academe linkages like SWEEP, particularly to promote STEM education in the country. This commitment also supports UNSDG #4: Quality Education and is aligned with the vision of the Philippine Government-mandated Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC). As one of the founding members under the Digital Infrastructure pillar of PSAC, PLDT aims to help narrow the digital divide by creating more STEM experts and upskilling more Filipinos toward jobs of the future. 

PLDT, Smart, University of Baguio Join Hands to Promote Innovation and Engineering Excellence

PLDT and its wireless unit, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) recently joined the University of Baguio (UB) during its Annual Tripartite Collaboration to further enhance the existing curriculum of programs in the College of Engineering.

“Under our Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program or SWEEP, the country's first and longest-running industry-academe linkage program, we continue to promote and culture of innovation and excelling by extending learning opportunities to students and faculty,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management Team at PLDT and Smart.

This initiative brought together partners from the academe and the private sector, specifically those in the technology industry, and aimed to align the current engineering program with the latest technological trends, and to strengthen the linkage between the academe and the industry.

“We acknowledge the contribution of the industry reaching out to and partnering with the academe. Under this collaboration, we have extended our expertise in the field of wireless telecommunications and technologies, which aim to add value to what UB currently has,” said Hope Mamucud, Senior Core Network Supervisor at PLDT and Smart.

“We currently offer a Technopreneurship subject in the School of Engineering and Architecture that requires our students to create prototypes and explore innovations. We also have Robotics incorporating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in our curriculum. With PLDT and Smart extending their technical expertise, we can further improve these subjects under this partnership,” said Engr. Annalyn D. Soria, MACT, UB Faculty.

“I chose to take Electronics Engineering so I could learn more about the current and upcoming trends in technology. I also believe through technology and innovation, I can contribute to addressing the waste management challenges in our community,” said 24-year-old John Reynald Garcia, a UB Electronics Engineering student.

“Trainings extended under SWEEP can help us gain knowledge in technology and enables us to become familiar with advanced innovation and equipment available. This can eventually add value to our academic and professional development,” John added.

Since 2003, PLDT and Smart have being supporting colleges and universities all over the Philippines through SWEEP. The program underscores the PLDT Group's commitment to innovation and digital inclusion, and supports the government's key digitalization efforts, by fostering industry-academe linkage. The PLDT Group is a founding member of the Digital Infrastructure pillar of the presidential Private Sector Advisory Council or PSAC.