ULI’s NEXT is a global initiative that seeks to connect and elevate the next generation of leaders for the built environment and provides mid-career opportunities for members as they advance into leadership positions in the industry. Outgoing Chair Charles Griffith, Director Business Development at Savills Investment Management, was instrumental in setting up the Singapore chapter of NEXT. Together with the NEXT Committee, he organized a soft launch in January 2020 which drew over 40 real estate professionals aged 35-45 years old who came to learn more about the purpose of this affinity group. Many of them provided feedback that building industry connections was crucial for growth and advancement at this stage in their careers.

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted NEXT’s original plan of activities, they created the NEXT Supper Club where members would meet in groups of five in F&B establishments around the Central Business District in need of patronage. Several members responded enthusiastically to this initiative, which was held multiple times over the past year.

Charles Griffith said: “ULI NEXT Singapore has been extremely successful in allowing our members to engage, network and elevate themselves, both professionally and personally, despite the inherent challenges over the last two years. This close-knit community of future real estate and urban build leaders continues to grow, and I am excited to see the vision expand and evolve under Ambika and Gareth’s leadership.”

ULI Singapore thanks Charles for his unwavering support as Founding Chair of NEXT in Singapore and is privileged to have passionate members who are keen to contribute to our mission and make an impact.

“The advent of COVID-19 has radically changed the way we live, work and play and had a profound impact on our urban environment and real estate. There are long-term adjustments that we will have to make, and new opportunities we must leverage to deal with the realities of an endemic COVID-19 in our society. I am delighted to be given the opportunity to co-chair ULI NEXT in Singapore with Ambika, and to work with our peers to advance new ideas that will shape the future of our built environment in smart and sustainable ways.” – Gareth Wong, CEO, Mitbana

“I am looking forward to further developing ULI NEXT in Singapore– together we have the power to elevate the next generation of real estate leaders.”  – Ambika Goel, Real Estate, Blackstone

We encourage real estate professionals 35-45 years old to visit singapore.uli.org or email [email protected] to find out more about our programme. We also welcome our members to share their ideas and feedback for ULI Singapore NEXT.