Business group Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has selected Hans Sy, chair of the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings Inc., as recipient of the MAP Management Person of the Year 2025.
The announcement was made during the MAP’s general membership meeting yesterday.
‘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,’ Sy said.
‘At SM, it has long been our responsibility to create spaces that protect people, support communities and help Filipinos stand stronger for the future,’ he said further.
MAP said the conferment of the award would be held on Nov. 24.
The MAP Management Person of the Year is awarded to those in business or government, who have demonstrated unquestioned distinction in the practice of management and made valuable contributions to nation-building.
Recipients of the award are leaders and managers who are considered exemplary models that should be emulated by their peers and younger generations of leaders.
MAP said Sy was chosen as this year’s recipient for his commitment to environmental stewardship, social inclusion, good governance and resilience, by establishing SM Prime as a benchmark for sustainable and resilient urban development.
The business group also cited Sy’s people-centered style of leadership that promotes employee welfare, professional development and work-life balance and builds an organization that exemplifies the United Nations (UN) Global Compact Women’s Empowerment Principles.
Sy was also recognized for helping provide growth opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises, local government units and the communities where SM malls operate.
The award also recognizes Sy’s role in helping shape global and local guidance on integrating disaster risk reduction into core business strategies by representing the Philippines in the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction and by founding ARISE Philippines.
MAP said Sy’s leadership has also shown how Filipino companies can compete successfully with global big brands.