Teresita Sy-Coson: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Teresita Sy-Coson’s Profile Summary

Company	SM Investments
Position	Vice Chairperson of SM Investments Corporation (SMIC), a leading conglomerate in the Philippines with diversified interests in retail, banking, and property
Source of wealth	Retail (SM Supermalls), banking (BDO Unibank), property investments, portfolio investments
Also known as	Teresita Sy-Coson is also known for her philanthropic activities and business
Age	74
Education	Immaculate Conception Academy, Greenhills, Assumption College, San Lorenzo
Citizenship	Filipino
Residence	Manila, Philippines
Family	Teresita Sy-Coson is the eldest child of the late Henry Sy, founder of SM Investments. She has three children and was married to Louis Coson until his passing in 2003. She also has five siblings: Elizabeth, Henry Jr., Hans, Herbert, and Harley
Website, Social Media	https://www.smprime.com/

Teresita Sy-Coson’s biography

Teresita Sy-Coson, born in October 1950, is the eldest daughter of Henry Sy, the founder of the SM Group. She plays a vital role in overseeing one of the Philippines' largest conglomerates, SM Investments Corporation (SMIC), as its Vice Chairperson. Sy-Coson is also the Chairwoman of BDO Unibank, the country’s largest bank. She has been instrumental in shaping SMIC’s success, particularly in retail and banking. Her career spans decades, during which she has driven the growth of SM Supermalls and expanded the family's banking venture, BDO, into a dominant player in the sector. Apart from her business endeavors, Sy-Coson is recognized for her philanthropic efforts through the SM Foundation, focusing on healthcare, education, and social welfare. She has received numerous awards for her leadership in the business world, including being named among Asia's most powerful women by several prestigious publications. Her leadership has been especially notable during challenging periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where she led the group's efforts in providing vaccines and medical equipment across the country

How did Teresita Sy-Coson make money?

Teresita Sy-Coson makes money in the following areas:

Retail (SM Supermalls), banking (BDO Unibank), property investments, portfolio investments
What is Teresita Sy-Coson net worth?

As of 2025, Teresita Sy-Coson’s net worth is estimated to be $2.0 B.

What is Teresita Sy-Coson also known as?

Teresita Sy-Coson has gained recognition for her extensive philanthropic efforts. As Vice Chairperson of the SM Foundation, she spearheads various social initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, and disaster relief in underserved communities across the Philippines. Her contributions were particularly notable during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she led efforts to provide vaccines, medical supplies, and financial assistance to hospitals and medical personnel. Additionally, Sy-Coson is an influential voice in international business forums, representing the Philippines in ASEAN Business Advisory Council meetings from 2011 to 2019, where she offered guidance on economic integration

Prominent achievements of Teresita Sy-Coson

Teresita Sy-Coson has been recognized as one of Asia's most powerful women by Forbes, listed in the 50 Power Business Women by Forbes Asia, and awarded Retail Banker of the Year by The Asian Banker. Under her leadership, BDO Unibank became the largest bank in the Philippines, and she has played a key role in expanding SM's retail and property businesses. Additionally, she was included in Forbes Asia’s 2021 Heroes of Philanthropy for her efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic

What are Teresita Sy-Coson’s key insights?

Teresita Sy-Coson's business philosophy centers on resilience, leadership, and humility. She emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking, maintaining a strong corporate culture, and giving back to the community. Her leadership at BDO Unibank and SM Investments reflects her focus on sustainable growth, employee welfare, and corporate social responsibility. She believes in leading by example and values simplicity and modesty in personal life, as shown by her commitment to community outreach through the SM Foundation

Teresita Sy-Coson’s personal life

Teresita Sy-Coson comes from the prominent Sy family, known for their business empire. Her father, Henry Sy, founded SM Investments, while her mother, Felicidad Tan, managed retail businesses. Teresita has three children and was married to Louis Coson. Her siblings are also deeply involved in various aspects of the family's conglomerate, including real estate, retail, and banking

Useful insights

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