Marife Zamora Takes on New Role in Women's Leadership Advocacy of SM Investments Corp

• Marife Zamora was chosen as the second female independent director of SM Investments Corp. (SMIC)
• SMIC is the Philippines' biggest company by market capitalization
• Marife is a co-founder of the Filipina CEO Circle, supporting women's leadership in business

Marife Zamora, a veteran corporate leader recognized for advocating women-led organizations, has assumed a new position as the second woman independent director of SM Investments Corp. (SMIC)—the country's largest firm by market capitalization.  Marife, co-founder of the Filipina CEO Circle and trustee of the For The Women Foundation board, succeeds Tomasa Lipana, who served out her term as an independent director.

In her enthusiasm, Marife stated, "I'm truly privileged to be appointed to SM's board.  SM reflects the dynamism and development path of the Philippine economy. I am eager to contribute to a company that is growing and is deeply devoted to independence and good corporate governance." SMIC recognized her huge experience across telecommunications, insurance, and business process outsourcing, indicating possible future endeavors under her stewardship.

In the meantime, iAcademy, run by business tycoon Eusebio Tanco of Makati, is moving into the digital age with the introduction of a new digital media management degree. This degree program seeks to empower content producers with strategic competencies to develop into entrepreneurs and CEOs. As iAcademy President Raquel Perez Wong puts it, the action is a response to the rise of creators building brands from mobile phone screens, in keeping with the countries very entrenched social media culture.

With over 90 million social media followers in the Philippines and over $499 million spent on influencer marketing in 2023, the course is designed to prepare students to move into and benefit from a growing digital economy that will reach $642.6 million in spend by 2028. Beyond mere looks, the course actually gives serious business education to ready students for the fast-paced world of online entrepreneurship.