Chinabank Chairman Hans Sy is Management Person of the Year

Chinabank Chairman Hans Sy was named Management Person of the Year 2025 by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) for his exemplary leadership in business, sustainability, and nation-building. The awarding was held on November 24 at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila.

The MAP selected Chairman Sy as the 49th recipient of its prestigious award, citing among others, his lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship, social inclusion, good governance, and resilience; significant contributions to economic progress, including spearheading innovative, sustainable retail development that continuously provides growth opportunities for businesses and communities; and extensive social advocacy like shaping global and local guidance on disaster risk reduction through ARISE Philippines, broadening access to quality education via the National University, and personally supporting vulnerable children through Child Haus, a healthcare facility for indigent pediatric cancer patients.

“Despite the risks, the noise, and the many uncertainties, I have never doubted our country’s promise or the strength of the Filipino spirit,” he said. “Life in the Philippines, no matter how difficult, is worth the struggle. And that in time, things do get better.”

Chairman Sy also serves as adviser to SM Investments Corporation and chairman of SM Prime Holdings’ Executive Committee and of National University. He was the first Filipino appointed to the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction ARISE International Board and co-founded ARISE Philippines, which he continues to lead.

The MAP is the largest organization of top management practitioners, government officials, and management educators from local and multinational companies with over 1,000 members. Its Management Person of the Year award is conferred on exceptional leaders in business or government, whether an MAP member or not, who exemplify integrity, management excellence, and a track record of achievements that have driven national progress and influenced values in Philippine society.