SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) Executive Committee Chairman Hans T. Sy has been named the Management Association of the Philippines’ (MAP) 2025 Management Person of the Year. The prestigious award recognizes individuals from the business or public sector who have demonstrated exemplary management excellence and contributed significantly to national development.
“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,” said Sy. “At SM, it has long been our responsibility to create spaces that protect people, support communities, and help Filipinos stand stronger for the future.”
A driving force behind SM Prime’s rise as one of Southeast Asia’s leading integrated property developers, Sy served as President from 2004 to 2016, overseeing the company’s expansion across the Philippines and China while strengthening its portfolio of malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties.
Under his leadership, SM Prime integrated ESG+R [environmental stewardship, social inclusion, good governance and resilience] principles into the company’s master planning and operations.
He championed elevated structures, flood-resilient design, solar power generation, and water recycling systems across the expanding network of SM malls—well ahead of industry standards. Through this approach, ESG+R became both a growth driver and an efficiency enabler, establishing SM Prime as a pioneer and benchmark in resilient urban development.
Beyond SM Prime, Sy also serves as Adviser to the Board of SM Investments Corporation, Chairman of China Banking Corporation and Chairman of National University.
Appointed as the first Filipino to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) ARISE International Board, he co-founded the ARISE Philippines Network in 2015, which he continues to lead as chairman.
