Date of Birth: December 25, 1924
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: January 19, 2019
Biography
Henry Sy was a Filipino business magnate, investor, and philanthropist renowned for his pivotal role in transforming the retail landscape of the Philippines. Born into a poor family in Xiamen, China, Sy moved to the Philippines and built a business empire from humble beginnings. Initially, he started with a small shoe store, which he expanded into SM (Shoe Mart) Department Stores and eventually into a conglomerate encompassing retail, real estate, banking, and more. Sy’s business acumen and foresight led him to establish the SM Investments Corporation, one of the largest and most diversified conglomerates in the Philippines. He was instrumental in developing numerous shopping malls, including the iconic SM Mall of Asia, which became essential hubs for commerce and community activities. His contributions to the Philippine economy were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his life.
5 Interesting Facts about Henry Sy
1. Henry Sy was the wealthiest person in the Philippines for eleven consecutive years according to Forbes.
2. He started his first shoe store, Shoe Mart, in Manila in 1958.
3. SM Prime Holdings, the mall development arm of his business, is one of the largest mall operators in Southeast Asia.
4. He was a major shareholder in BDO Unibank, one of the largest banks in the Philippines.
5. Sy was known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education, and funded scholarships and school buildings through the SM Foundation.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Sy
1. “There is no such thing as overnight success or easy money. If you fail, do not be discouraged; try again.”
2. “The SM Group is not just about profit. We are here to serve the people and the community.”
3. “I always dreamt big. I always believed that I could achieve something great.”
4. “My story is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Filipino people.”
5. “Success is not just about making money. It’s about making a difference.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Henry Sy’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $19 billion USD.
Children
Henry Sy had six children: 1. Teresita Sy-Coson 2. Elizabeth Sy 3. Henry Sy Jr. 4. Hans Sy 5. Herbert Sy 6. Harley Sy
Relevant Links
1. [Forbes Profile of Henry Sy](https://www.forbes.com/profile/henry-sy/
2. [SM Investments Corporation Official Website](https://www.sminvestments.com/
3. [BDO Unibank Official Website](https://www.bdo.com.ph/
4. [SM Foundation](https://www.sm-foundation.org/
5. [Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Henry-Sy
