The JOY of leadership
“Leadership in real estate is no longer about projects alone—it’s about shaping ecosystems where families can thrive,” Sy said. “The next generation must carry both vision and humility: vision to embrace sustainability and innovation as non-negotiables, and humility to always put people at the center.”
She grounds this philosophy in what she calls the JOY mindset—Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. “When leaders adopt this lens, they find that sustainability, technology, and community needs are not competing demands but reinforcing ones.”
Strategy anchored on service
For Sy, aspirations must always be tied to long-term business value. “For us, vision and strategy are inseparable,” she told Property Report. “Aspirations mean little unless they are embedded into masterplans, investment models, and long-term forecasts.”
Yet she believes real estate must be defined by more than profit. “We define value not just by financial returns, but by how communities are uplifted and future generations are protected. When strategy is anchored on service—creating places where people can live well, work well, and belong—the business case naturally endures.”
Sustainability at the core
Sy points to Bloom Residences in Parañaque as a concrete example of her philosophy in action. “More than 60% of the masterplan is open space, and that choice wasn’t incidental—it was the foundation,” she explained.
“That single choice—to prioritize open space—reshaped everything. It dictated how we oriented the buildings, where mobility routes went, and how families would interact with the environment. The result is a community where wellness and resilience are built in, not added on.”
She added, “Real estate should not only deliver homes, but contribute to national progress by marrying lifestyle, affordability, and sustainability.”
Service beyond corporate walls
Her leadership extends beyond SM Prime and SMDC. Sy actively serves on boards such as ARISE Philippines and the Reclamation Sustainability & Resilience initiative, platforms that address urgent national challenges.
“With ARISE Philippines, it’s about disaster preparedness; with reclamation, it’s about ensuring climate resilience,” she said. “Both reinforce a belief I carry: leadership is not about spotlight but service. Bringing those perspectives back into SM Prime and SMDC ensures that what we build is not only profitable, but also protective, inclusive, and forward-looking.”
Inspiring the next generation
Recognized as one of Asia’s Power Women and now a Rising Star, Sy believes leadership begins with listening. “Listen—listen to the people you serve, to evidence, and to your own values,” she advised. “This industry influences how people live every day, so it demands both technical excellence and moral clarity.”
She added, “Purpose and performance go hand in hand: when you build with integrity and empathy, success follows. Recognition and awards are only checkpoints; the real measure of leadership is whether communities are better because of the work we do.”
For Jessica Sy, the Rising Star Award is not an endpoint but a reminder of responsibility—that real leadership is proven when communities flourish, families thrive. The future is built on purpose as much as progress.
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