Tell me what your parents would say to describe you.

Self-driven and motivated because as someone who was not a genius in studies, they saw how I applied myself in my studies to do well over the years and that determination was also reflected in other aspects like sports such as squash and soccer.  Perhaps they may say that I am a restless person as I am constantly trying to do or improve something.  I hope they recognize and say that I am someone who continuously seeks to improve living conditions of the less privileged communities.  Right now, my contribution is small as an individual volunteer and I intend to reach a position where I am able to have a wider influence and deeper impact.

Tell me what your friends would say to describe you.

I think other than my determined nature, they would say that I am a funny person who knows how to have fun.  I try to bring humour everywhere I go!

During the course of your studies, was there ever a time when you questioned yourself or your choice?

Yes.  From my travels to various cities, I observed that the buildings show the culture and identity of the city and found this to be very fascinating. I then decided to pursue a degree in Real Estate.  One year into my studies, I began to wonder how it would shape my career options especially if I chose to pivot.  Would it limit my options?  I decided to take up another degree in Business Administration to expand my options.  Having done both, I believe that I still prefer the real estate sector.  Come to think of it, my first job before university was with IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore) and I was posted to the Property Tax division.  So maybe it was fated that I joined this industry from the start.

What’s the biggest misunderstanding about real estate?

I think the biggest misunderstanding is that real estate is only about selling residential properties and being an agent, which by the way is a very admirable job. However, they do not realise that there are so many other and diverse disciplines within real estate like urban planning, financial analysis, development project management and so on. Conversely, I noticed during my exchange in the US, people recognized that real estate covered many areas and students studying real estate had the same passion and enthusiasm that they would have for other jobs that might be conventionally more prestigious.

Assuming there is no such thing as a career in real estate, what might you have pursued?

Probably psychology because I am fascinated by how people think.  I have friends who volunteer as a Peer Support Specialist (PSS) and I learned from them how everything is about looking at issues from different perspectives.  I realise also that real estate in that sense is also all about perspectives, for example from a government’s perspective it is about supporting regulations while investors look at increasing value for shareholders.  I think psychology and how you think also shapes how you are as a person.

Which real estate company are you most fascinated about? Why?

My firm is not exactly a real estate firm but I enjoy working in the firm. Despite working for the firm for a short period of time, I am amazed by how nice people are to one another and how they look out for each other’s well-being.

Another firm I am fascinated by is CapitaLand. I find many of their projects interesting and It seems that a lot of developments they build ends up being a new standard for industry.  CapitaSpring for instance is to me is a very interesting project where the former golden shoe hawker is well integrated with the modern office building.

Is there any particular real estate personality that you are intrigued by? Why?

Ms Tang Wei Leng was my mentor when I was in NUS and she has a reputation for being proficient in all markets but especially with en bloc sales.  I am intrigued by her career journey and how she as a woman in real estate in Singapore was able to achieve what she has.  I hope to learn from her and know her story and struggles.  She once told me, “No matter what you do, as long as you are passionate and excel in what you do, that’s enough.”  I have since shared the pearl of wisdom with my juniors too!

Read about the WLI Singapore Commendation Award ceremony