By Mayan Sangil, PRA
The Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) proudly presented Mr. Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings, with the 2024 PRA President’s Award, honoring him as the “Retail Development Visionary.” This prestigious award was a highlight of the Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) Awards Night, held on September 25, 2024, at Solaire Resort North. The award celebrates individuals who have significantly contributed to the advancement of the Philippine retail industry.
Mr. Sy’s visionary leadership at SM Prime Holdings has played a pivotal role in transforming the retail landscape of the Philippines. Under his guidance, SM Prime has developed 86 malls across the Philippines and 8 in China, encompassing an impressive 8,180,379 square meters of Gross Floor Area (GFA) and 5,525,870 square meters of Gross Leasable Area (GLA). These retail developments have become vibrant commercial hubs, hosting 17,138 tenants with long-term lease agreements and 7,239 units with short-term leases, significantly contributing to economic growth and job creation.
“We are delighted to recognize Mr. Hans Sy for his exceptional achievements and his invaluable contributions to the retail industry,” said Bobby Claudio, President of the Philippine Retailers Association. “His visionary leadership, coupled with his dedication to innovation and sustainability, has set a new standard for retail development in the Philippines.”
Mr. Sy’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and modernization has not only enhanced the retail experience for millions of Filipinos but has also set new industry standards. His efforts have created a remarkable multiplier effect, driving progress across the nation and influencing the broader economy.
Looking ahead, Mr. Sy’s vision of reaching 100 SM malls by 2027 continues to set the bar for retail development in the country. His legacy is one of inspiration and aspiration, marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence that has positively impacted the lives of countless Filipinos.
Over the years, the PRA has recognized 15 retail luminaries with the PRA President’s Award, honoring their extraordinary achievements and invaluable contributions to the industry. Mr. Hans Sy’s recognition in 2024 adds to this legacy of excellence, underscoring his monumental contributions to both the retail sector and the national economy.
As the PRA celebrates this achievement, it reaffirms its commitment to supporting and acknowledging those who, like Mr. Sy, embody the spirit of innovation and leadership that propels the retail industry forward.
The PRA also expresses its gratitude to the generous sponsors of the 2024 OFR Awards Night. This event was made possible through the support of Platinum Sponsor SM Retail, Gold Sponsor Robinsons Malls, and Silver Sponsors Bench and CLN. Additional thanks go to Airspeed, SM Supermalls, and Outbound Asia Inc. for their sponsorship, as well as to Avolution, the Official LED Partner. The PRA extends its appreciation to its Media Partners—Businessworld, The Manila Times, Mediablitz Group, The Philippine Star, and Philippine Daily Inquirer—for their continued support in celebrating the excellence of Filipino retailers.
