Hans Sy, chairman of the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings Inc., used his acceptance of the Management Person of the Year 2025 award from the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) to call on the private sector to uphold lasting integrity and commitment to the nation.
Sy’s speech served as both a reflection on the core values established by his father, Henry Sy Sr.and a declaration of the SM Group’s strategic plan to invest heavily in national resilience and education despite recent domestic challenges.
“I have never seen myself as someone deserving of awards or recognition. I simply try to do my part. What matters most to me is using what we build to make a difference in our country,” he said. “At SM, it has long been our responsibility to create spaces that protect people, support communities, and help Filipinos stand stronger for the future.”
Sy established the cornerstone of the family’s decision-making process—a simple, non-negotiable definition of integrity, saying “whatever decision we make, we should be able to eat and sleep well.”
This commitment to ethics was put to the test during the 2020 pandemic lockdown, when the SM Group preemptively waived over P23 billion in rent for its tenants. Sy stressed that the move was a conscious decision to protect the broader community ecosystem, not just the bottom line.
Dedicated to Philippines
Addressing the recent negative events affecting the country, Sy drew a sharp contrast between short-sighted failures and long-term corporate duty.
“The events of the past few weeks remind us why values and ESG+R matter. They also show how losing integrity, at a time when we are building climate resilience, can have serious consequences. But when the road gets rough, you do not stop and turn back. You keep your hands on the wheel and stay the course,” he said, noting that the private sector has a responsibility to create value, opportunity, and stability.
This commitment is consistent with the legacy of his father, who chose to invest in the Philippines during the challenging 1970s.
Drawing a parallel to that challenging era, Sy said that “despite the weak sentiment and perceived risks, the SM Group continues to invest and believe in the Philippines.”
The disciplined continuity demonstrated during the crisis led to Sy’s invitation to serve as the first Filipino private sector representative to the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UN DRR). Through this platform with ARISE Global, he shares SM’s domestic resilience strategies, transforming internal corporate values into a global advocacy blueprint.
People-centric
Sy detailed how his leadership is directly shaped by the family’s core values: hard work and humility.
He described his hands-on approach, noting that he and his siblings are often on-site six days a week, viewing their involvement as an intrinsic passion grounded in the belief that “there is dignity in every kind of work.”
“We enjoy meeting people, listening to customers, and learning from our employees,” he said, citing how continuous engagement delivers results.
The value of humility is taught across three generations, extending even to lessons on the value of money. Sy shared a personal anecdote about raising his children.
“When they were young, my children brought packed lunches to school. They had no allowance until they were old enough to understand the value of money. I remember my eldest son, Chico, once telling me that his five-peso weekly allowance in Grade 5 was not enough to buy soft drinks at the canteen. And I told him, ‘you can, if you save your allowance for two weeks,” he recalled.
This ethos of self-sufficiency and accountability extends to governance, ensuring professional, non-family managers are chosen for their expertise and integrity.
Forward-thinking
The resilience imperative (R) was shaped by the devastating 1988 fire at SM Makati; Sy led the early adoption of advanced safety protocols, like sprinkler systems, and continues to strengthen properties against flood and typhoon risks. Finally, social inclusion is reinforced through mandatory sensitivity training and facility adjustments, ensuring all customers are served regardless of age or ability.
The company formalizes its commitment to its values through the ESG+R (Environmental Stewardship, Social Inclusion, Good Governance, plus Resilience) framework. Environmental stewardship, operational since the 1990s with water recycling at SM Megamall, now incorporates stormwater management and utilizes rooftop solar fields, recently achieving 100 megawatt peak capacity.
Three pillars
Sy affirmed that receiving the award reinforces a responsibility to “do more for our country,” outlining three specific areas for increased investment and focus.
First, the SM Group will accelerate expansion at the National University, to reach 100,000 students by 2027 by opening new campuses and increasing course offerings.
Second, the company will intensify efforts with local government units (LGUs) to strengthen disaster preparedness and climate adaptation, following the lead of ARISE Philippines. Sy noted they will keep working to prevent natural calamities from causing greater harm.
Finally, the company will keep investing in projects that enhance the well-being of Filipinos, from smart cities and sustainable communities to modern infrastructure and green spaces, extending to community rebuilding.
