The National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) 2024, organized by the
Philippine Retail Association (PRA), kicked off its second day with a highly
engaging ‘fireside chat’ that featured SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the
Executive Committee Hans Sy and his son, SM Engineering Design and Development
President Hans “Chico” Sy Jr. The two spoke informally about succession, and
about carrying on a vision and legacy as set by SM founder Henry Sy Sr.
Anecdotal, humorous, and insightful; the two speakers captivated the audience.
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(L-R): SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee, Hans Sy, and his son, SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans “Chico” Sy Jr., during the special session “Legacy of Guidance: How my Father Shaped My Life” at the 30th National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE). |
How anecdotal, humorous, and light? Well, the first thing Mr. Hans
mentioned was how Friday was his regular golf day, but he had given that up in
order to make it to the NRCE event. And he proceeded to mention the recurring
theme of how the Sy family operates on the principle of “we are never forced,
but we have no choice!” And with that contradiction in terms, amidst much
laughter from the audience, insight into how the Sy family deals with
succession could be understood.