Before the malls: The brick-and-mortar roots of the Sy empire
The article explores the humble origins of the late retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr., focusing on his ancestral home in Hongxi Village, China. It contrasts the modest 450-square-meter brick building with the massive retail empire he eventually built in the Philippines.
Why it matters
It provides historical context on the roots of one of Asia's most influential business dynasties, illustrating the journey from rural poverty to global retail dominance.
Manila Bulletin - Before the malls: The brick-and-mortar roots of the Sy empire
Before the malls: The brick-and-mortar roots of the Sy empire
Nestled in Hongxi Village, Jinjiang, China, this two-story De Cheng Building was the ancestral home of the late retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. Built in the 1950s using traditional Minnan architecture, the 450-square-meter residence stands as the humble origin of the SM commercial empire.
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