Robinsons Retail CEO speaks on curiosity, mentorship at UST Student Awards Day 2026

Robinsons Retail President and CEO Stanley Co returned to the University of Santo Tomas as guest speaker for Student Awards Day 2026, held on May 22, 2026 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

The event recognized outstanding students for academic excellence, leadership, and service, with UST College of Commerce and Business Administration (CCBA) senior Allyah Amboy named this year’s Valedictorian after earning a general weighted average of 1.058.

A 1998 graduate of UST CCBA, Co spoke about the role of curiosity in leadership and business, emphasizing the importance of asking questions, listening to others, and staying open to learning.

“In business, you will not always have a complete plan. You will not always have perfect information. You will need to ask questions, listen to people, admit what you do not know, and learn as you go. Curiosity keeps you humble. It reminds you that there is something to learn from the person beside you,” Co said.

He also recalled the value of mentorship, noting that leadership is also about creating opportunities for others to grow.

“This is also the role: not just to lead a company, but to be the door that someone else walks through. Someone opened the door for me once. When your turn comes—and it will come—open the door.”

Co was presented a certificate and token of appreciation by UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., PhD, and Secretary General Rev. Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P., E.H.L.