Jessica Bianca Sy: Driving innovation and sustainability in real estate

Transforming the future of real estate with a focus on resilience, community, and inclusion

Jessica Bianca “Jica” Sy, Vice President and Head of Design, Innovation, and Strategy at SM Development Corporation (SMDC), is leading the charge in reshaping real estate development in the Philippines. Since joining SMDC in April 2021, Jica has played a pivotal role in spearheading projects across the multi-residential and township sectors, focusing on creating thriving, sustainable communities.  

A holistic approach to design and sustainability 

Jica’s leadership is rooted in a strong commitment to sustainable development. Her approach prioritises not only the structural integrity of buildings, but also the social and environmental aspects of development. Under her direction, SMDC has embraced innovative design strategies that integrate sustainability and resilience. These values are at the core of her work, as she ensures that SMDC’s developments contribute to building a greener, more resilient future for the Philippines. 

Yet her work goes beyond creating quality housing; Jica is also dedicated to shaping spaces that foster vibrant communities. By integrating features such as green spaces, community hubs, and social amenities, she aims to make each project a place where people can thrive. Her approach to design extends to the incorporation of disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies, which address both environmental challenges and the need for social cohesion in communities. 

Empowering women in the industry 

As a female leader in an industry traditionally dominated by men, Jica is committed to empowering women in real estate. In our interview where she was honoured among the PropertyGuru Power Women of 2024, she shared her approach to ensuring that women are given the opportunity to lead: “Allowing women to take part and take the lead in projects is a huge factor in making sure that women feel empowered and can feel powerful in an industry that is typically male-dominated.” 

Jica believes that fostering an environment where women can thrive is essential for the future of real estate. She has seen significant strides in the industry as more women take on leadership roles, and she continues to champion female talent in her work. Her focus on inclusivity and collaboration helps create opportunities for women to succeed at every level of the industry. 

A strong academic and professional foundation 

Jica’s educational background is a testament to her commitment to excellence. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Design (Architecture) with a double major in Architecture and Marketing from Queensland University of Technology, along with a Master’s in Architecture from the same institution. She also earned a Foundation Degree in Design from RMIT University. This strong academic foundation, coupled with her extensive experience at Plus Architecture in Australia, has shaped her strategic and innovative approach to real estate development. 

Her academic qualifications complement her extensive work experience in leading multi-residential developments, forming the backbone of her vision for sustainable and community-focused real estate projects. 

More: Breaking ground: Power Women lay the foundation for the real estate industry’s future

Global recognition and commitment to resilience 

Her dedication to sustainability and resilience is reflected in her roles outside of SMDC. She is a board member of ARISE Philippines, a network that works with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) to implement the Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction. This network focuses on developing strategies that align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Climate Agreement, showcasing Jica’s commitment to global sustainability. 

Her work with Reclamation Sustainability & Resilience further underscores her expertise in evaluating environmental impacts and enhancing resilience for land reclamation projects. Jica’s role in both of these initiatives shows her dedication to fostering resilience and sustainability, both locally and globally. 

Looking to the future 

As Jica continues to shape the future of real estate in the Philippines, her focus remains on long-term sustainability, community resilience, and empowering the next generation of women leaders in the industry. Her innovative approach to design and strategy not only benefits the communities she works to build, but also ensures that future generations will have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. 

Through her leadership at SMDC, Jica is creating spaces that reflect her commitment to sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity. Her work is setting a new standard for real estate development in the Philippines, and her dedication to empowering women is helping pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive industry. 

This article was originally published on asiarealestatesummit.com. Write to our editors at [email protected].

Watch her interview, alongside other Power Women 2024, here: