Henry Sy Quotes

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Henry Sy

Profession : Businessman

Birth : December 25, 1924

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

Henry Sy

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

Henry Sy

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.

Henry Sy

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

Henry Sy

Outwardly, I may look quiet, but deep inside, I'm full of this sense of challenge. I'm always striving to work harder, to improve by learning, to do better and keep dreaming.

Henry Sy

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.

Henry Sy

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

Henry Sy

Ever since I was a kid, I've always believed in doing my best, that one should aspire to be No. 1.

Henry Sy

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.

Henry Sy

I instilled in my children the importance of good values in business: hard work, determination, integrity, and optimism.

Henry Sy

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

Henry Sy

If you fail, do not be discouraged.

Henry Sy

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

Henry Sy

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.

Henry Sy

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.

Henry Sy

Our businesses also help promote socio-economic progress.

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.

Henry Sy

Every time the country is in a crisis, I think and decide where is the best way to go. We have to always think of ways to overcome these limitations.

Henry Sy

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.

Henry Sy

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.

Henry Sy