Henry Sy

I will not settle to become No. 2. Ever since I was a child, even before coming here to the Philippines, I've always believed in doing my best.

Outwardly, I may look quiet, but deep inside, I'm full of this sense of challenge. I'm always striving to work harder, to improve by learning, to do better and keep dreaming.

Pride or ego is not important to me. What is more important is common sense, the welfare of the company, and the objective reality that we need to be cautious during difficult times. One should not make decisions based on emotions or ego.

Regional developers have a clear head start in their home communities. They have been there longer and understand their market. As a result, these markets are, in fact, more competitive than those in Manila.

Our store was so small, it had no back or second floor. We just slept on the counter late at night after the store was closed.

I am pleased that through SM Foundation, we are able to do many socio-civic projects and support college scholars in need who come from public schools.

Ever since I was a kid, I've always believed in doing my best, that one should aspire to be No. 1.

I used to roller skate a lot in my youth on Taft Avenue, Manila. That is the reason there is always a skating area in all my SM malls. I want more people to share my love for skating.

I came to the Philippines to follow my father who came here earlier, looking for a better life. I helped my father in our sari-sari store. I also asked him if I could go back to school so I could learn English and improve myself.

Doing a mall is not only construction of the physical place: what is important is the merchandising mix. We strive to serve the convenience of the public. We want shopping at our malls to be a unique and an enjoyable experience.

In five years, I completed grade school. Even when I was a young boy, I had a plan for my life.

My basic strategy is to stick to my core business and to my area of expertise.