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Philstar.com
December 12, 2025 | 12:00pm
SM Supermalls and VFS Global leaders seal the partnership with a handshake during the MOA Signing at SM Supermalls Headquarters. (From left) SM Supermalls AVP for Government Services Express Royston Cabunag, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, VFS Global regional head for North Asia Atul Lall and country manager for Brunei and the Philippines Syed Shahen Shah
Photo Release
MANILA, Philippines — SM Supermalls and VFS Global have formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to bring the first world-class visa and travel documentation services directly to select SM malls—offering Filipinos unprecedented convenience, accessibility, and a more seamless customer experience.
The partnership enables VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure mobility for governments and citizens, operating 3,987 application centers across 165 countries, to now offer visa applications, biometrics, appointment scheduling and passport-related services inside SM malls. With SM’s nationwide network of 89 malls and over 5.2 million daily visitors, these services instantly become more accessible to millions of Filipinos..
During his welcome remarks, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan emphasized how the collaboration elevates SM’s commitment to serving communities beyond traditional retail.
“Our malls have evolved into trusted community spaces where every day needs are met with ease and dignity. This partnership with VFS Global brings essential travel and documentation services right where people already are—inside their neighborhood SM mall. By hosting VFS Global service centers, we’re not only simplifying travel requirements, but we’re further strengthening SM’s role as a hub for convenience, public service, and meaningful access. This collaboration opens new doors for Filipinos and brings world-class service even more within reach," he said.
Atul Dushyant Lall delivers his speech with excitement and optimism, sharing how the partnership will make travel documentation easier and more accessible for Filipinos.
This initiative reflects SM’s commitment to bringing essential services closer to the public by transforming malls into centralized hubs for government, travel and community-based services. With this first-of-its-kind rollout, SM and VFS Global continue to create opportunities that make everyday life easier, more efficient and more empowering for Filipino families.
Executives from SM Supermalls and VFS Global gather for a commemorative photo following the signing ceremony, celebrating a strategic partnership aimed at making travel documentation simpler and more accessible for the public.
Atul Lall, regional head for North Asia at VFS Global, said, “It’s a great honor for VFS Global to partner with select SM malls across the Philippines offering our fellow Filipino customers a seamless application submission experience. VFS Global remains committed to putting customers first, ensuring the easiest, smoothest visa application experience possible. Through continuous innovation and advanced technology, we simplify processes, enhance security and improve convenience. By partnering with world-class companies, we bring the best global expertise together to deliver reliable, efficient, and future-ready solutions for governments and travelers worldwide.”
Editor’s Note: This press release is sponsored by SM. It is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.
