Henry Sy

Businessman

Henry Sy was a Filipino businessman known for founding SM Investments, transforming the retail landscape in the Philippines through innovative strategies and customer focus.

Born
April 16, 1927
Died
January 19, 2019
Quotes
8
Rank
#3494

About Henry Sy

Henry Sy — Life and Legacy

Henry Sy, a prominent Filipino entrepreneur, is best known for founding SM Investments, a conglomerate that revolutionized retail in the Philippines. His journey from a humble shoe store owner to the country's richest man illustrates his remarkable vision and tenacity. Sy's core philosophy centered on customer satisfaction and community development, which is evident in his quote, 'The customer is always right.' This reflects his understanding that prioritizing consumer needs is fundamental to business success. In addition to his focus on customers, Sy believed that leadership is about inspiring others. He often stated, 'Success is not just about making money,' emphasizing that true achievement lies in creating value for society. This perspective not only shaped his business practices but also influenced the corporate culture within his companies, fostering an environment where employees felt valued and motivated. Sy's impact on the retail industry is profound, as he challenged existing norms by integrating shopping, leisure, and dining experiences into his malls, fundamentally changing how Filipinos shop. His quotes and ideas continue to resonate, encouraging future generations of entrepreneurs to embrace perseverance and calculated risk-taking in their pursuits.

Quote collection

Henry Sy quotes

8 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Henry Sy Businessman
Popular

"There is no such thing as overnight success or easy money. If you fail, do not be discouraged; try again. When you do well, do not change your ways. Success is not just good luck: it is a combination of hard work, good credit standing, opportunity, readiness and timing. Success will not last if you do not take care of it."

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Henry Sy Businessman
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"You have to have a dream, whether big or small. Then plan, focus, work hard and be very determined to achieve your goals."

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Henry Sy Businessman
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"In life and in business, you need to be good-hearted and trustworthy, and to have integrity. This is the way to build long-term relationships. It is also important to be optimistic and to look at challenges as opportunities."

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Henry Sy Businessman
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"There is no substitute for hard work. There is no such thing as overnight success or easy money."

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Henry Sy Businessman
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"I started with shoes, and with hard work and discipline, the business prospered. I moved to the department store business and again, things went well."

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Henry Sy Businessman
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"SM Seaside City Cebu: soon to be the Philippines' Largest Mall and the 4th Largest in the World"

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Henry Sy Businessman
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"My basic strategy is to stick to my core business, and to my area of expertise. My businesses are all related - retail, shopping centers, banking, real estate and tourism development. Together they create synergy."

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