Village Connect
For Hans T. Sy, leadership has never been about accolades—it has always been about action. Yet, this year, the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has chosen to honor his lifelong commitment to nation-building by naming him the 2025 Management Person of the Year, a recognition reserved for individuals who exemplify outstanding management excellence and a deep sense of social responsibility.
“I have never seen myself as someone deserving of awards or recognition. I simply try to do my part,” said Sy. “What matters most to me is using what we build to make a difference in our country.” These words capture the essence of his philosophy: that business success must go hand in hand with public good.
As the Executive Committee Chairman of SM Prime Holdings, Sy has transformed the company into one of Southeast Asia’s most influential and forward-thinking property developers. During his tenure as President from 2004 to 2016, SM Prime expanded beyond malls—venturing into residential, office, hotel, and leisure developments that shaped communities and strengthened the country’s economic backbone.
But Sy’s leadership extends beyond growth. He is widely recognized for embedding **ESG+R principles—environmental stewardship, social inclusion, good governance, and resilience—**into SM Prime’s DNA. Long before sustainability became a buzzword, he championed flood-resilient architecture, solar energy integration, and water recycling systems across SM’s properties, setting new standards for responsible urban development.
His influence also reaches beyond the SM group. As Adviser to the Board of SM Investments Corporation, Chairman of China Banking Corporation, and Chairman of National University, Sy continues to shape institutions that foster education, economic strength, and social stability.
Globally, Sy stands as a respected voice for disaster resilience. As the first Filipino appointed to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) ARISE International Board, and co-founder of ARISE Philippines, he has championed private sector collaboration in building safer, more sustainable communities.
Through every venture, Hans T. Sy proves that visionary leadership is not about building empires—it’s about building resilience, progress, and hope for generations to come.
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