He’s soft-spoken and unassuming. He isn’t the type to bask in the glory of a championship on center stage, preferring to applaud in the background. He’s humble and won’t take credit for success from a team effort. That’s just the way he is.

But Hans Sy is decisive. He knows what he wants and does what it takes to get the job done. He’s the man behind the scenes, the architect and driving force of the incredible rise of National University (NU) as a UAAP sports power.

At the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night in 1 Esplanade, Pasay City, last Monday, Sy was repeatedly cited as the inspiration of NU’s emergence. The NU Lady Bulldogs were recognized for claiming their first-ever UAAP women’s seniors basketball championship via a 16-game sweep last season. Coach Pat Aquino received the trophy in the team’s behalf.

The NU Bulldogs received the PSA President’s Award for ending a 60-year title drought to capture the UAAP men’s seniors basketball crown, defying the odds as the lowest seed in the Final Four, last season. The Bulldogs came in full force from UAAP Board representative Nilo Ocampo to coach Eric Altamirano and to all the players. It was a well-deserved recognition from the men and women who cover the sports beat in media.

Michael Martinez was recognized by the PSA and Sy also had a hand in supporting his dream to become the first Southeast Asian figure skater to compete at the Winter Olympics. The Mall of Asia Arena is another symbol of Sy’s impact in sports as the venue has gained a reputation as a world-class host of events like the 2013 FIBA-Asia Championships and the first-ever NBA preseason game held in the country.

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So it was no surprise that Sy was given the PSA Executive of the Year Award. Here’s what the PSA said of Sy: “The award is usually given out to an individual who combines his superlative managerial skills with an unstinting love for sports. Few can match what this man accomplished in his multi-tasking roles as one of the top executives of the SM Group of Companies as well as the lead man in overseeing NU’s academic and athletic programs. His family acquired a majority stake in NU in 2008 and it took some time for the roots to take hold. When it did, the harvests were bountiful indeed.

“Testament to the huge strides made by the university’s teams are the 18 championships that basketball, badminton, beach volleyball, chess, tennis, volleyball and cheerdance garnered, including six in UAAP Season 77. Before we forget, there is also the matter of helping the country produce the first Southeast Asian figure skater to compete at the Winter Olympics.”

Sy, 58, has served as director of SM Prime Holdings since 2004 and as president since 2004. He is also the director and chairman of China Banking Corp., director of Highlands Prime and adviser to the Board of SM Investments Corp. Sy is a mechanical engineering graduate of De La Salle University. 

In his remarks at the PSA Awards Night, Sy called it a surprise “icing on the cake” to be honored by the group that he considers as the true team of experts in sports. “Honestly, aside from being determined with our vision to reshape NU particularly to be an institution that offers high-quality education that is affordable and in a pleasant, efficient environment, I had fun being involved in turning around NU sports,” he said.

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“I had fun taking on the challenge of resurrecting, or should I say, dusting off, what was the doormat of the UAAP. I had fun encouraging everyone to get into the act and transform ourselves into a team with a big heart to do our best. I guess this proves that when you’re having fun, the good and the positive will follow.”

More from Sy: “It did take serious effort, determination, perseverance, too. Just to have turned around NU sports teams into a contender and to earn the respect as a contender is already much to be proud of. Definitely, we look forward to staying focused in setting our sights toward more achievement and being part of the excitement in UAAP sports.

“Last year was a banner year for NU, both in terms of growing its enrolment and its turnaround with sports. Of course, the highlight was the UAAP championship of the NU Bulldogs in men’s basketball after 60 years. But there was also Michael Martinez in the field of ice skating. So last year gave us many firsts and I thank the many people who were with me. I would like to thank coach Eric Altamirano and his coaching staff for instilling discipline through respect and not through fear. To the NU men’s basketball team for taking to heart my challenge on ‘Be Hungry, Stay Hungry.’ And to Mr. Manny Sy who gave so much of his time looking after the NU men’s basketball team. With them, I share this recognition. To the PSA, thank you and I wish you all the best in continuing the great job you are doing.”

Sy isn’t only an inspiration to athletes but also a shining example to all sports leaders for his selflessness, dedication and vision. There could be no other choice as PSA Executive of the Year.