Sy siblings
Sy siblings | |
|---|---|
| Born | Teresita, Elizabeth, Henry Jr., Hans, Herbert, and Harley October 1950–1959 (ages 67–76) |
| Education | Assumption College (Teresita) Maryknoll College (Elizabeth) De La Salle University (Sy brothers) |
| Occupation | Businesspeople |
| Years active | 1970s–present |
| Known for | Philippines' wealthiest individuals (2019–2024) according to Forbes by net worth; executives of the SM Group |
| Parents |
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The Sy siblings consist of six prominent Chinese Filipino entrepreneurs, offspring of Henry Sy Sr. and Felicidad Tan. They constitute the most affluent family in the Philippines, consistently recognized by Forbes as the wealthiest based on net worth from the passing of Henry Sy Sr. in 2019 through 2024. Each sibling holds billionaire status as of 2025.
Early lives
Born within a span of nine years following their parents' union, the Sy siblings include Teresita (1950), Elizabeth (1952), Henry Jr. (1953), Hans (1955), Herbert (1956), and Harley (1959). Their father, Henry Sy Sr., originally from Fujian, China, established the SM Supermalls empire starting with a single shoe store launched in Manila in 1958.
From an early age, Henry Sr. involved his children in the family enterprise by assigning weekend visits and basic roles such as cleaning and sales assistance to cultivate a strong work ethic. Hans Sy has recounted beginning his journey with humble responsibilities within SM.
Regarding their education, Teresita attended Assumption College San Lorenzo, Elizabeth completed her studies at Miriam College, while all four brothers pursued higher education at De La Salle University.
Members
Each of the six siblings occupies leadership positions within the family's SM Group.
Teresita Sy
Teresita Sy-Coson (born October 1950), the eldest among them, contributed to launching the inaugural SM Department Store branch at age 22 during the Martial Law period. She currently chairs Banco de Oro (BDO) and directed its significant 2004 merger with Equitable PCI Bank. She was married to Louis Coson, a lumber industry businessman who died in 2003.
Elizabeth Sy
Elizabeth Sy (born 1952) acts as president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), the SM Group’s division responsible for hotel and convention operations since its inception in 2008.
Henry Sy Jr.
Henry "Bigboy" Sy Jr. (born 1953) began his tenure at SM Prime as a director in 1994 and assumed the role of board chairman in 2014. He served as president and CEO of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines until 2018. In 2017, he established Big Boss Cement, which manufactures cement utilizing pozzolanic sand instead of traditional limestone clinker. Additionally, Sy Jr. is affiliated with Christ's Commission Fellowship.
Hans Sy
Hans Sy (born 1955), the fourth oldest sibling, serves as chairman of SM Prime. He has been a director since 1994 and held the presidency until 2016. Entrusted by Henry Sy Sr., Hans managed the development of SM North EDSA, inaugurated in 1985. He also presides over both China Bank and the National University.
Herbert Sy
Born in 1956, Herbert Sy is the second youngest among the siblings and serves as a director at SM Prime.
Harley Sy
Harley Sy, the youngest son born in 1959, holds the position of executive director at SM Investments and also acts as a director for China Bank.
Wealth
According to Forbes, the Sy siblings collectively rank as the wealthiest individuals in the Philippines, securing the top spot on Forbes Asia's 'Philippines' 50 Richest' list for 2024 with a combined fortune of $11.1 billion. Their prominence began in 2019 after their father's passing, when their total net worth was estimated at $17.2 billion.
In the Forbes 2025 Billionaires list, each sibling is recognized separately: Henry Sy Jr. with $2.3 billion, Hans Sy with $2.2 billion, Herbert Sy with $2.1 billion, Harley Sy and Teresita Sy-Coson each at $1.9 billion, and Elizabeth Sy with $1.7 billion. They occupy the sixth through eleventh positions among the richest Filipinos. Meanwhile, Manny Villar remains the leading Filipino billionaire with a net worth of $17.2 billion.