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How Henry T. Sy Jr. is building a nation of homeowners
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How Henry T. Sy Jr. is building a nation of homeowners

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On a night dedicated to celebrating the best in real estate across Asia, one man stood out—not for the scale of his accomplishments but for the heart and vision that underpin them.

At the 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final in Bangkok, Henry T. Sy Jr., or “Big Boy” as he is fondly called, received the 2024 PropertyGuru Icon Award. It was a moment of recognition not just for a stellar career but for a legacy deeply rooted in service, sustainability, and nation-building.

This accolade comes during a year of milestones. It marks what would have been the 100th birthday of Sy’s father, the late Henry Sy Sr., a business icon who transformed Philippine retail and countless other industries. It also coincides with the 20th anniversary of SM Development Corp. (SMDC), a company that the younger Sy has led with a singular dream: to build a nation of homeowners.

A vision beyond housing

In his acceptance speech, Sy shared the philosophy that guides his work.

“To serve the Filipino people is my greatest joy,” he quoted his father, adding that “at SMDC, owning a home is more than just having a roof over one’s head—it’s about security, dignity, and opportunity.”

This belief has driven SMDC to create accessible, affordable, yet world-class residential developments, proving that housing can be a right, not a privilege.

But SMDC’s impact goes beyond constructing homes. Its developments integrate sustainability, disaster resilience, and digital inclusion to address the challenges of a changing world. These communities are ecosystems where families can thrive and businesses can grow.

Building on a legacy

While his family’s contributions to Philippine society are legendary, Sy has carved a unique path forward. Honoring his father’s legacy, he has introduced a progressive vision of real estate that blends compassion with innovation.

“My father taught us that true success is measured by how much we contribute to society,” he said. Every SMDC project reflects this belief, transforming the lives of countless Filipinos while setting a benchmark for the real estate industry.

The PropertyGuru Icon Award celebrates this commitment, while recognizing Sy’s leadership in reshaping real estate.

A message of gratitude and faith

In his speech, Sy acknowledged the collective effort behind SMDC’s success, thanking his teams, partners, and the homeowners who have entrusted the company with their dreams.

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“This award is not just about personal efforts but a recognition of the dedication of everyone who shares this dream,” he said. He also honored his father’s enduring influence: “Your legacy lives on in every project we build and every family we serve.”

Faith, too, played a central role in his message. Sy credited Christ as the guiding force in his journey.

“Through Him, we find purpose and strength to serve others with integrity and compassion,” he shared, underscoring the values that define his leadership.

A call to action

Henry Sy Jr.’s recognition is a reminder that real estate is not just about properties, but also about people. His vision challenges the industry to innovate, collaborate, and build communities that address pressing social and environmental needs.

As SMDC celebrates two decades of empowering Filipinos, it exemplifies how private enterprise can serve as a catalyst for positive change. Sy’s 2024 PropertyGuru Icon Award is a testament to that and to a legacy of service, a vision of progress, and a future where every Filipino can live with dignity, security, and hope.


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