SM eyes BPO hub at Mall of Asia complex

SM Investments Corp. (SMIC), the investment holding company of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr., will open in July next year OneEcomCenter, touted as the most promising next-generation hub for business process outsourcing (BPO) firms.

The 105,857-square meter structure will sit on a 1.17- hectare lot inside the SM Central Business Park anchored by the Mall of Asia.

SMIC said OneEcomCenter will be able to accommodate not just BPO firms but various types of office tenants as well. It will provide cutting-edge facilities to meet the growing needs of technology-based companies engaged in software development and BPO companies such as contact centers, animation, and medical transcription.

OneEcomCenter will also accommodate financial services, consulting, and even tourism-related offices.

SMIC is ready to capitalize on the strong demand for office space by BPO firms.

In its latest market study, Leechiu & Associates, a property consultant that services more than 26 call centers and BPO firms in the country, said tenants have already begun to scout for possible sites foroperations scheduled to start next year.

"BPO companies are looking for office space with technologically advanced facilities to serve their needs. We will provide that type of space with a building that has open floor plans, advanced telecom facilities and 24/7 power supply, "said Henry Sy Jr., SMIC vice chairman and managing director of the property group.

The OneEcom Center will have a total of 71,934 square meters available for lease. Seven floors will be allotted for office space, and the ground floor for commercial use. The average floor plate will be 9,000 square meters. There will be two and a half levels for parking with 600 slots.

SMIC said tenants of OneEcomCenter will be able to enjoy tax incentives as it completes its registration with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

The building’s strategic location and proximity to the airport will ensure a strong market response. The building is connected by a second level pedestrian bridgeway to the 386,000-square meter Mall of Asia, the country’s largest shopping mall.

The Mall of Asia, the centerpiece of the SM Central Business Park, already houses the first Philippine call center of the world’s largest computer maker, Dell Inc. Not too far away is another call center, Teletech, which is housed in Building F of the SM Corporate Offices.

OneEcomCenter forms part of an ambitious project to turn the SM Central Business Park into the country’s foremost and only central business district by the bay, integrating business park facilities with entertainment, recreational, tourism, and residential land uses.

"OneEcom is one of four anchor projects at the SM Central Business Park, which is envisioned to be an integrated urban center along the Manila Bay. It will be comparable with notable waterfront business districts of Asia,." Sy said.

Apart from OneEcomCenter and the Mall of Asia, other anchor projects will be the 46,600-square meter MAITrade Expo and Convention Center, which also broke ground this year, and a sports arena that can seat over 15,000 people. Other elements of the business park include hotels, office and residential clusters, as well as a ferry terminal.