Quotes from 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.

I took a risk and invested in SM Mall of Asia because I wanted to create something that could contribute to Philippine tourism growth.

We strongly believe that the Philippines has huge potential in the tourism industry, given our beautiful islands, moderate weather conditions, good cuisine, and the flair of Filipinos for hospitality and entertainment.

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.

If you fail, do not be discouraged.

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.

I encourage you to have your own dream and work to make it a reality.

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

There is no substitute for hard work. There is no such thing as an overnight success or easy money.

I started with shoes, and with hard work and discipline, the business prospered.

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

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.

My businesses are all related - retail, shopping centers, banking, real estate, and tourism development. Together they create synergy.

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.

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.

Our businesses also help promote socio-economic progress.

I've always wanted to be a businessman. No other ambitions - I just wanted to be in business, even when I was a child in Fujian province, south China.

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.

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

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.

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.

The constant expansion of our malls and stores are proof of the fact that our holistic approach to development benefits not just us but also all the communities in which we operate.

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