SM and NU Forge a New Era of Accessible, High-Quality Education for Every Filipino

Affordable, Functional, and Future-Ready: NU's Education Powered by SM, Built on Mr. Henry Sy's Legacy of Quality and Accessible Learning

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National University campus in SM Mall of Asia Complex National University campus in Cebu City NU Nazareth School in Sampaloc, Manila National University campus in Bacolod City

SM congratulates National University on its 125th year, and pledges continued support as NU leads a new era of affordable, high-quality education for every Filipino.

This milestone reflects NU's clear vision for Philippine education and its growth through a focused partnership with SM Supermalls and the Sy family, which expands access, builds opportunity, and strengthens national development. Rooted in Henry Sy Sr.'s belief that education is the greatest equalizer, this partnership embodies his conviction that affordable, high-quality learning can change lives. His passion for providing quality education at an accessible rate guided the search for the right school to uplift-a process that took nearly 10 years, culminating in the NU merger. Together, SM and NU are building an education ecosystem that is accessible, future-ready, and designed to open doors for more Filipino families in this new era of growth and purpose.

Mr. Hans T. Sy, Chairman of SM Prime Holdings and National University, carries this mandate forward. “Education is a legacy. NU should serve every Filipino who wants to learn. My father, Mr. Henry Sy Sr., believed in affordable, high-quality education for Filipinos. We continue that mission with discipline and intent.” He was the one who had to persuade the existing NU family corporation to open its doors, guided by a simple philosophy from his father. “If my father tells me to jump, I ask how high,” he would say, committed to delivering the vision while respecting NU's longstanding culture. The transition moved smoothly because SM and NU were both built as family institutions. Their values aligned naturally.