Jessica Bianca Sy leads with vision as 2025 Philippines Rising Star

Honoured for driving innovation, sustainability, and future-ready design in real estate

The 2025 PropertyGuru Rising Star Award, presented by our official Partner, Bridges, and supported by the Official Magazine of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, Property Report by PropertyGuru, shines a spotlight on individuals whose innovation, dedication, and forward-thinking vision are poised to redefine the future of real estate. This year, that distinction goes to Jessica Bianca T. Sy, VP and Head of Design, Innovation, and Strategy at SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC), in recognition of her outstanding contributions to shaping sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready communities.

An architect by training and a strategic leader by practice, Ms. Sy’s role extends beyond design oversight. She is also Head of Corporate Planning and Development for SM Prime and SMDC, where she guides master planning and architectural direction that aligns with long-term business goals and environmental stewardship. Her work reflects a deep commitment to integrating resilience and sustainability into every stage of development, ensuring that projects serve both the communities they inhabit and the broader environment. 

Her influence reaches beyond corporate leadership. Ms. Sy serves on the boards of ARISE Philippines, Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club, Calatagan Bay Realty, and The Country Club at Tagaytay Highlands. She is also a board member of Reclamation Sustainability & Resilience, where she contributes to sustainability studies and environmental impact evaluations for large-scale land development projects. This multi-sector engagement demonstrates her ability to merge technical expertise with advocacy, ensuring that growth is balanced with responsibility. 

Her professional journey began at Plus Architecture Australia, where she played key roles in hospitality, multi-residential, and commercial developments. That early experience, coupled with her architectural and marketing background, informs her approach to design today, combining creativity with market insight to deliver projects that resonate with users and investors alike. 

In 2024, Ms. Sy’s work earned her a place among Asia’s Power Women at the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit, underscoring her influence in progressive urban development. Her latest recognition as this year’s Rising Star acknowledges not only her achievements to date but also her potential to lead the industry into a more sustainable, equitable, and innovative future. 

The Rising Star Award is both an accolade and an encouragement, affirming that Rising Stars like Ms. Sy will continue to elevate the standards of real estate for years to come. 

The prestigious honour will be granted on 15 August 2025, at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila from 18:00 (GMT+8). Tune in to watch the celebration via the Official Awards channels: asiapropertyawards.com/tv-podcast, Facebook, and YouTube.

Gynen Kyra Toriano, Digital Content Manager at PropertyGuru, wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].