Ryan Uy is a key player in shaping the future of financial services in the Philippines. As the Head of Growth and Marketing at Starpay, one of the country’s leading digital payments platforms, he is at the forefront of driving transformative change in how businesses and individuals engage with the digital economy. With a deep understanding of market dynamics and an unwavering commitment to innovation, Ryan is helping empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Under his leadership, Starpay is playing a critical role in accelerating the nationwide adoption of accessible and secure financial solutions, bridging the gap between traditional businesses and the opportunities of the digital age.
“We are one of the fastest-growing digital payments enablers in the Philippines,” Ryan shares with pride. This statement reflects Starpay’s impressive growth in 2024, which has been nothing short of remarkable. Thanks to Ryan’s vision and leadership, the company has made financial services more accessible to local businesses, making digital payment solutions user-friendly, inclusive, and a catalyst for economic growth. Ryan attributes much of this success to the efforts of his dedicated team: “I thank my team greatly for not just helping us get to where we are, but also continuing to inspire me to do better.”
For Ryan, success is not only about personal achievement but about fostering growth in others. He views his role as a mentor and enabler of leadership, guiding those around him to step into their own potential and grow within the organization. “Professional success,” he notes, “is about continual growth—not just as a leader, but also as a mentor, a catalyst for leadership in others.”
On a personal level, Ryan defines success as the freedom to live authentically and stay true to his core values. This emphasis on authenticity allows him to evolve both personally and professionally on his own terms. “Success is about having the space to be yourself,” he says. “When you align with your values, you have the freedom to grow in a way that feels true to who you are.”
When asked how he recharges mentally and emotionally, Ryan shares that traveling is his go-to method for restoring his energy. “Traveling is by far the best way I’ve found to restore my energy.” For him, time spent in new environments offers the opportunity to disconnect, reflect, and find the perspective needed to tackle future challenges. It’s during these moments of quiet reflection that he reconnects with his inner drive and prepares himself for the next phase of his journey.
Ryan’s approach to leadership and life is grounded in core values that guide both his professional and personal decisions. “Simplicity, contentment, and trust” are the values he holds most dear, serving as a steady foundation for his journey. These principles not only help him navigate challenges with clarity but also shape the culture and direction of Starpay. “These values give me the clarity and purpose to keep going, no matter what comes my way.”
Through his leadership at Starpay, Ryan is transforming the digital payments landscape in the Philippines, empowering businesses to succeed in the digital age. His commitment to simplicity, financial inclusion, and innovation has helped build a platform where businesses—especially SMEs—can grow and thrive in an increasingly digital world. Ryan’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that success is not only about individual achievement, but also about the positive impact we have on others and the communities we serve.
Ryan’s journey is a testament to the power of leadership rooted in authenticity, trust, and a clear sense of purpose. It is a reminder that true success is not just about reaching the top but about inspiring others to rise alongside us and contributing to a future where opportunities are accessible to everyone.
Read more about Ryan Uy’s inspiring journey in the upcoming Alike50 Coffee Table Book, Volume 4: Renaissance. Set to showcase 50 notable personalities from diverse fields of business, governance, and the arts, each story in the book is a testament to vision, perseverance, and excellence—offering readers inspiration to dream and do.
Don’t miss your chance to own a copy and be inspired by the new generation of trailblazers shaping our country.
The book is now available for pre-order at a special intro rate of Php 2,500. Message us at 0947 664 8942 or DM our Instagram (@alikeofficial) to reserve a copy.
Photos by Metrophoto for Brands
Special thanks to Grapevine Manila
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