Hans Sy: Wealth, Business Empire, and Life Outside Work

Hans Sy has carved out quite a place for himself in the Sy family. If there's something he's known for within their business empire, it's how he's championed environmentally conscious practices, community support, and education.

Sy has dipped his toes into the family's various interests, including retail, property development, banking, energy, and education. Even after stepping down as president of SM Prime, he has managed to stay active in the family decision-making process.

The Adviser to SM Investments, Chairman of China Banking Corporation, and Non-Executive Director of SM Prime, Sy has devoted most of his life to sustainability and disaster reduction within the Sy Empire. Here's everything we know about Hans Sy.

Net worth: $2.4 billion (P136.2 billion)

Age: 68

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In His Youth

Born in September 1955, Hans Sy is the fourth of six children to Henry Sy, Sr. and Felicidad Tan Sy. Like his siblings, he spent his early life helping out their father in the family business. Sy would even work as a cash clerk at one point, helping man the shop with his older sister, Tessie. He had always thought of his father as a very hands-on and practical man. These were some of the qualities the younger Sy tried to emulate himself.

When it came time to choose a university course, he said that he was never pressed by his father to take up business. Sy was said to have had his reservations about getting into commerce. Sy would end up graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering from De La Salle University instead. After that, he would officially join SM, starting with the SM Cubao's Menswear Section in 1978.

Hans Sy's Business Empire

As SM was expanding during the tumultuous economic period that was the '80s, it got rough at times for Sy and the family. He's said in the past that he'd spend most of his nights working at SM Malls. Fortunately, however, SM Cubao, SM Makati, and SM Harrison would help supplement its growth when SM North Edsa was introduced.

Even before being "sustainable" was fashionable, Sy made sure to incorporate eco-friendly features in the family's mall designs. For instance, he hoped to convert air conditioning systems in SM malls in the '90s. Sy suggested that these would shift from ozone-depleting refrigerants to more eco-conscious mechanisms. Nowadays, all SM Supermalls make use of recycled water and some even have rainwater catchment systems in flood-prone areas.

He also has interests in banking and real estate. In 1989, he became the vice chairman of China Banking Corporation, eventually becoming its chairman. Starting out in 1994, Sy became president of SM Prime Holdings, the family's property arm, as well. He'd step down in 2016, but would still serve as a director for the group.

He has also been a chairman of Nagtahan Property Holdings, Inc. and Sysmart Corp., as well as executive vice president of SM Investments Corp. As an adviser for SM Investments, he and Tessie Sy-Coson spearheaded the purchase of Philippine Geothermal Production Co. in April 2022. The move was part of SM's vision to lower its carbon footprint.

Sy's Impact on Philippine Economy and Society

One of Sy's biggest green initiatives with SM was overseeing the largest solar installation in the Philippines back in 2014. This was when roughly 5,000 solar panels were installed on the roof of the parking structure at SM North. SM Malls are said to be saving more than P2 million a month in terms of electricity costs from programs led by Sy.

Sy's efforts have been recognized elsewhere, too. He remains the only Filipino member of the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction's Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies. The group aims to uphold disaster risk reduction among businesses worldwide. He also sits as co-chairman of the National Resilience Council.

Meanwhile, the billionaire followed in his father's footsteps in terms of philanthropy in education. As the chairman of the National University, he hoped to encourage more students to enroll in the university through various scholarship programs and infrastructure development.

Outside the Boardroom

Sy and his siblings, Tessie Sy-Coson, Elizabeth Sy, Henry Sy Jr., Herbert Sy, and Harley Sy all have their fair share of responsibilities in the conglomerate's various companies. These days, Sy is enjoying life in retirement, though he admittedly still has to juggle responsibilities as an adviser and chairman for the family's businesses. At least, he's taking things easier.

Of course, the next generation of Sys is out there continuing the Sy patriarch's legacy. Sy has four children with his wife, Carol, a philanthropist in her own right. Hans Sy, Jr., for example, has taken over as president of SM Engineering Design and Development. The older Sy still meets with his son on Thursdays to talk business.

When he's not in the boardroom or out working on his other green projects, Sy can mostly be found golfing and spending time with family. Sy is also an art collector. Among his favorite artists whose pieces he just can't get enough of is Juvenal Sanso. He is said to own more than 160 artworks by the acclaimed Spanish-Filipino painter.