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Meet Faith Tan, WLI Singapore Commendation Award 2023 Recipient
Get to know our WLI Singapore Commendation Award recipient Faith Tan
Meet Rica Teo, WLI Singapore Commendation Award 2023 Recipient
28 June 2023
Rica Teo graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) with a Bachelor of Science (Project & Facilities Management). She is one of the 3 recipients of the WLI Singapore Commendation Award 2023. ULI Singapore sat down with Rica to find out more about her.
Tell us a bit about yourself
Hello, I am Rica! I have just graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Science in Project and Facilities Management. I was an undergraduate under the Department of the Built Environment at the College of Design and Engineering. As a sustainability advocate, I take great interest in green building development which encompasses design conceptualisation to infrastructure management.
What led you to study real estate
It was because of my deep passion for the built environment. I had always admired the infrastructural landscape and wanted to take it a step further by being directly involved in shaping the future of Singapore’s built environment landscape. Furthermore, this is a sunrise industry with a myriad of opportunities. My current course stood out as it is the only design and engineering programme with a strong emphasis on project management which integrates diverse areas such as engineering, management, and law. I wanted to pursue a course that would equip me with various skill sets and knowledge from different aspects of the built environment to enable me to become more versatile when I enter the workforce.
What are your impressions of the sector based on your internships, observations and encounters
My impression of the real estate sector is a dynamic and ever-blossoming one with endless opportunities for investment, improvement, and innovation. This industry is vital for Singapore’s success as it forms the foundation and canvas for many ongoing activities. Through my internship experiences, I have gained a deeper appreciation and understanding of the value of the real estate sector and also realised the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve positive outcomes in projects. I have observed the increasing spotlight on sustainable development, practices, and reporting which have become an integral part of everything we do in this industry due to the sheer environmental impact that the real estate sector possesses. My encounters with various real estate industry professionals have been exceptionally meaningful and insightful as they would always have something valuable to share and I have benefited greatly from their pearls of wisdom.
Tell us more about your community activity and personal endeavours outside of academic pursuits
I enjoy being outdoors and interacting with people from all walks of life. I am involved in several community activities such as tree planting which is an initiative under the OneMillionTrees movement by the National Parks Board and volunteering with the National Library Board. Additionally, as a fervent advocate for women empowerment, I am a champion for women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields where I frequently share my experiences and motivations at STEM-related events to encourage aspiring youths to realise their potential and instil confidence in their own abilities. These are personal endeavours which are extremely meaningful to me and something which I find joy engaging in.
Can you share your thoughts about ULI and its Women’s Leadership Initiative
I am a strong supporter of ULI and its Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI). Being part of the built environment, I am heartened to know that there is an international organisation – ULI serving as a strong foundation to propel and shape the future of the built environment, managing network of cross-disciplinary real estate and land use experts globally, and leading the responsible use of land to create thriving communities worldwide. Being in an industry which is largely male dominated, I was able to understand the concerns faced by some of my female peers when preparing to embark on their new roles. On the flip side, I have also countlessly witnessed the sheer greatness that women can and have the potential to achieve in this field. ULI’s WLI resonated with me as its mission was directly aligned with my personal beliefs which is to uplift, advance, and recognise women in the real estate industry.
What would you like to achieve in the year ahead
In the year ahead, I would like to be involved in ULI’s WLI activities and contribute in whatever capacity I can. Through my upcoming journey and career in the real estate sector, I will continue my advocacy for women empowerment and women in the STEM industry by being an example of how real estate directly impacts and complements the STEM industry. I am also determined to continue pushing boundaries and venturing into uncharted areas to improve environmental outcomes and cultivate an inclusive built environment.
Read about the WLI Singapore Commendation Award 2023 ceremony