Henry Sy Biography: Age, Net Worth, Instagram, Spouse, Height, Wiki, Parents, Siblings, Death, Awards

Henry Sy was a Filipino-Chinese business magnate renowned for founding the SM Group, which includes the largest retail chain in the Philippines.

He was born on October 15, 1924, in Jinjiang, China, and migrated to the Philippines at a young age.

Sy’s journey from a small shoe store owner to the richest man in the Philippines is a testament to his business acumen and perseverance.

He started with a shoe store in Manila and expanded into a retail empire with shopping malls, banks, and real estate.

Profile

• Full name: Henry Tan Chi Sieng Sy Sr.
• Date of birth: October 15, 1924
• Age as of 2024: 100 years old (Deceased)
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Jinjiang, Quanzhou, China
• Nationality: Filipino-Chinese
• Profession: Business magnate, investor, philanthropist
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Henry H. Sy and Tan O. Sia
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Felicidad Tan-Sy
• Children: Teresita Sy-Coson, Elizabeth T. Sy, Henry T. Sy Jr., Hans T. Sy, Herbert T. Sy, Harley T. Sy
• Relationship status: Married
• Net worth: $19.1 billion (2019)

Early Life and Education

Henry Sy was born in Jinjiang, China, on October 15, 1924. At age 12, he moved to the Philippines with his father, who ran a small sari-sari store in Quiapo, Manila. Sy’s early years were marked by hard work and perseverance as he helped in his father’s store while attending school.

He later pursued higher education and earned an Associate of Arts in Commercial Studies from Far Eastern University in 1950. Sy‘s early exposure to retail and his education laid the foundation for his future business success.

Personal Life

Henry Sy was married to Felicidad Tan-Sy, a devout Catholic. The couple met in the Philippines and shared a strong partnership in life and business. They had six children: Teresita, Elizabeth, Henry Jr., Hans, Herbert, and Harley.

Each of their children played a significant role in the family business, helping to expand and diversify the SM Group. Sy was known for his close-knit family ties and valued the contributions of his family members in his business ventures.

Career

Henry Sy’s career began with a small shoe store, ShoeMart, in Manila, which he opened in 1958. The success of this store led him to expand into a full-fledged department store in 1972.

Over the years, Sy diversified his business interests into banking, real estate, and retail. He founded Banco de Oro, one of the Philippines’ largest banks.

His vision of creating comprehensive shopping experiences led to the establishment of SM Supermalls, which transformed the country’s retail landscape. Sy‘s business empire continued to grow, with ventures in China and various other industries.

Awards

• – Management Man of the Year by the Management Association of the Philippines (1999)
• – Honorary Doctorate in Business Management by De La Salle University (1999)
• – Forbes magazine’s Heroes of Philanthropy (2009)
• – 1st Chinese-Filipino recipient of the PCE Big Brother of Filipino Entrepreneurs award (2006)
• – 1st Chinese-Filipino recipient of the PRA President’s Award (2005)

Net Worth

Henry Sy‘s net worth was estimated at $19.1 billion. He amassed wealth through his extensive retail empire, banking ventures, and real estate investments. His strategic business decisions and ability to capitalize on market opportunities significantly contributed to his financial success.

Death

Henry Sy passed away on January 19, 2019, at the age of 94. He died peacefully and was later buried at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig, Metro Manila.

Controversy

Henry Sy’s career was subject to controversy. His business practices and rapid expansion often drew scrutiny and criticism. One notable controversy involved land disputes, particularly regarding the development of his shopping malls.

Sy‘s company was accused of acquiring land through questionable means, which led to several legal battles. Critics also pointed out the working conditions in some of his enterprises, highlighting concerns over labour practices and employee welfare.

Sy‘s dominance in the retail and banking sectors also raised concerns about market monopolies and competition. Despite these controversies, Sy maintained a strong reputation for his business acumen and philanthropy, often deflecting criticism with his continued success and contributions to society.

Social Media

• Instagram: N/A
• Twitter: N/A