Singapore’s real estate market is estimated to reach USD 46.58 billion this year, with a further CAGR of 6.57% by 2029. Being in the industry for over two decades, it is heartening to have seen this growth driven by both my female and male counterparts, despite it being a traditionally male-dominated industry. It is even more inspiring to note how many more women have since been part of this booming sector, playing an equally pivotal role in this growth.
As the Chief Commercial Officer of Coliwoo, a pioneer in Singapore’s co-living sector, my journey in the real estate and property management industry has been both fulfilling and transformative.
From the onset, my fascination with real estate was deeply rooted in my academic pursuits. Studying real estate management at the National University of Singapore and possessing a Diploma in Architecture ignited my passion for space planning and the dynamic process of building transformation. These foundational experiences propelled me into an industry where female representation was scarce at that time, but potential was boundless.
Identifying Collaborative and Supportive Peers
Having joined LHN Group, Coliwoo’s parent company, upon graduation, I was fortunate enough to have encountered collaborative and supportive team members, partners, and vendors throughout my rise through the ranks. However, I do recognise that some (if not most) women might have faced some challenges within male-dominated industries that they work in, simply by virtue of their gender.
Understanding that there might be gender stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated industry back then, it is crucial that we prime ourselves to not let any stigma limit our potential and what we set out to achieve. We are our own worst enemy and we cannot let those negative thoughts and doubts get the better of us. With that, confidence will go far, especially in environments where you may not be familiar with, or are seen as a minority.
“While it is essential to have the right set of skills to succeed in this industry, as you’d need to be tactful, patient, and communicate well, especially in negotiations, it is helpful for us to have female role models as we pursuit our career growth.”
At the heart of Coliwoo’s success lies a commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative culture. Meritocracy and performance take precedence, regardless of gender. We foster a supportive work environment by conducting regular check-ins with team members to find out if they are facing any challenges, and if so, determine ways to address and integrate solutions with the wider team.
Work-life balance is also one of the cornerstones at Coliwoo, as we recognise the importance of implementing flexible work-from-home practices for our teams to provide caregivers – including working mothers – the flexibility to tailor their schedules according to their family needs.
Pursuing Passion Through a Role Model
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve often been asked for advice on leadership, particularly from women. My response is simple yet profound – pursue your passion relentlessly.
While it is essential to have the right set of skills to succeed in this industry, as you’d need to be tactful, patient, and communicate well, especially in negotiations, it is helpful for us to have female role models as we pursuit our career growth.
Beyond that, it’s also crucial to elevate the profiles of such extraordinary profiles as males can also then increasingly realise the capabilities that females hold. This would encourage all to look beyond gender and mitigate unconscious biases, thus contributing towards greater gender equality and equity
Co-Living as an Example of Diversity and Inclusivity
The heart of co-living lies in community building, engaging with diverse groups of people across backgrounds including gender and culture. It is hence important for us at Coliwoo to develop livable, productive, and conducive spaces where members can best interact with one another to build close-knit communities, further encouraging inclusivity. This is something that continuously inspires our spirit here at Coliwoo – and hence our emphasis on diversity.
Beyond that, I also truly believe in the importance of developing innovative solutions that solve today’s problems and bridge market gaps. The topic of ever-rising material and interest costs is not something new, and we want to consistently value-add in the industry by coming up with new ways to provide affordable homes to individuals from all walks of life.
As we continue to shape the future of real estate and property management, let us celebrate the strides we have made towards gender equality while acknowledging the work that remains. Together, we can break ground and barriers, paving the way for more inclusive and innovative industries, beyond just real estate, empowering all voices to thrive.
