Visionary Leadership: Henry SyJr. and SMDC’s 20-year journey of building the good life

BY The Manila Times

5 min. read

SM Development Corp. (SMDC) marks its 20th anniversary and Chairman Henry Sy Jr.'s legacy of making homeownership accessible shines brightly.

What began as a mission to help Filipinos own homes has evolved into a broader vision of creating vibrant, sustainable communities. Inspired by his father, Henry Sy Sr., who democratized access to quality footwear, Sy Jr. has brought the same dedication to housing.

When we started SMDC, there was a need. Many Filipinos dreamed of owning a home but couldn’t find affordable options,” he shared. “For my father, it was shoes; for me, it was housing. I wanted a future where a Filipino family could own a beautiful home without financial strain.”

This vision led SMDC to innovate, integrating resort-style amenities, green spaces, and thoughtful services to elevate residents’ quality of life.

True homeownership is about vibrant communities where people feel secure and connected,” Sy reflected.

In today’s rapidly evolving market, SMDC balances affordability and quality through constant innovation. Sy envisions a future of eco-friendly communities nationwide, investing in green technologies to build lasting developments for future generations.

As SMDC looks ahead, Sy’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive communities remains steadfast. “We want our legacy to live in the lives of those who say, ‘This is where I found stability and belonging,‘” he said.

SMDC continues as a beacon of the Filipino dream of homeownership, building communities that last.