Choon-Fah Ong, professor, National University of Singapore; Magdelene Chua, partner, PwC; honorees Natalie Fu Ying Yu, National University of Singapore; Valerie Celestine Low Ling Ying, National University of Singapore; Aurelia Tan Ziyi, Singapore University of Technology and Design; and Zheng Wanshi, group chief strategy & sustainability officer at Frasers Property Limited at a ULI Singapore event.
Singapore real estate veterans at a Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) event last month suggested that finding your own voice, challenging yourself, and not over-planning can help women in the industry to progress in interesting and worthwhile careers.
The event took place at PwC Singapore to celebrate nominees and winners of the WLI Singapore Commendation Award, an accolade that recognizes emerging female leaders who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to advancing Singapore’s built environment.
The three winners this year were:
- Natalie Fu Ying Yu, National University of Singapore
- Valerie Celestine Low Ling Ying, National University of Singapore
- Aurelia Tan Ziyi, Singapore University of Technology and Design
In addition to celebrating the winners, the event featured a panel discussion between the winners and three experienced professionals: Choon-Fah Ong, professor, National University of Singapore; Magdelene Chua, partner, PwC; and Zheng Wanshi, group chief strategy & sustainability officer at Frasers Property Limited.
Zheng suggested that it was good for younger professionals to get out of their comfort zones, “because that’s where you learn.”
PwC’s Chua stressed the importance of being true to yourself. “As a woman in real estate and in leadership, you don’t have to be like a man,” Chua said. “If you do what you’re good at, with the best intentions, you will find your own voice and inspire others. A lot of role models around me are influential, in a quiet way that resonates with many [people].”
Although many people who start in the industry have concerns about their progress and plans for the future, Ong said she began her “learning journey and career in real estate with curiosity and openness. In particular, I find valuation a strong foundation for understanding market dynamics. Don’t be anxious about having a fixed plan, as life seldom works that way; focus on giving your best at each stage; and let opportunities guide you, anchored by your values and purpose.
“Many challenges that feel overwhelming now will fade in importance over time. Take the long view, evaluate each door that opens, and enjoy the journey rather than stressing over the destination.”
Zheng also stressed the importance of relishing the journey. “You should also learn to smell the roses along the way. For example, when I was based in China, I should have done a bit more traveling over the weekends instead of just focusing on my work.”
The panel addressed the importance of mentoring, and Low noted that useful advice can travel in two directions. “I believe it’s important for young professionals to have leaders they can look up to as they begin their careers. At the same time, there is a powerful form of reverse mentorship that happens when we share our own perspectives and experiences with others,” she said.
The discussion was not just about career plans but also about the women’s ambitions for the real estate industry itself and how they hoped to add value through their careers. Fu said, “I want to see everyone in real estate commit towards crafting meaningful spaces for people to interact and forge real connections, especially in an age where people are increasingly isolated, despite virtual connectivity.”
Tan added: “We have a very meritocratic society, but I think it’s important that we continue looking out for those who fall through the cracks. I think, in a society like ours, we have the ability to take care of them, and we should.”
Zheng summed up the panel’s mood, saying: “I see real estate as a form of ‘impact investing.’ If the financiers and the developers don’t see the bigger picture of what real estate can contribute to stakeholders, it’s a missed opportunity. So, what I aspire for, in our industry, is that we can be a lot more intentional about how we look at value creation.”
