From Exam to Estate

Beginnings in Malaysia

I spent my early years in Malaysia before pursuing my university education in Singapore. At a crossroads after graduating from high school, I experienced what I can only describe as God opening a path for me.

During my high school years, my family went through a very difficult season. My father underwent heart surgery, and my mother was given a devastating prognosis by doctors who said she had only three months to live. It was a time filled with uncertainty and difficult decisions about the future.

At that point in my life, I had hoped to pursue a creative path in fields such as interior design, fashion design or architecture. However, my parents hoped that I would continue my education closer to home.

Crossing the Causeway: Studying in Singapore

Looking back, I am deeply grateful that with perseverance and determination, an opportunity opened for me to study in Singapore, just a causeway away from Malaysia.

I eventually enrolled at the National University of Singapore, where I completed my degree in Economics and Chinese Literature. That experience shaped not only my academic journey but also my outlook on life, teaching me resilience and the importance of stepping forward even when the path ahead is uncertain.

Early Career in Banking and Public Service

After graduating from university, I began my career in the banking and finance industry. At that stage of life, I believed it offered a stable career path and financial security. Those early professional years allowed me to develop valuable workplace skills — managing responsibilities across teams, multitasking in a fast-paced environment, and working under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

For a period of time, I also worked in the government sector, where I was entrusted with managing a team of 18 staff. That experience strengthened my leadership, communication, and organisational skills, while teaching me the importance of time management and supporting others in a demanding work environment.

A Season of Family and Growth

When we eventually returned to Singapore, I made the decision to focus on my family and became a full-time home manager. I rolled up my sleeves, tied up my hair, and embraced the many roles that came with managing a household.

During that season, I learned practical skills such as cooking, baking, and running a home. At the same time, I often joked that I was also working part-time as a dentist, nurse, tutor, playmate, and chauffeur for my children.

It sometimes felt as though I needed to be an octopus, handling the many different hats required each day. Yet through those years, I was also quietly learning deeper lessons — cultivating patience, gentleness, and kindness along the journey. Those experiences strengthened my resilience and deepened my appreciation for the everyday moments that shape my family life.

Through it all, I often remind myself of this truth:

The Turning Point: Discovering Real Estate

In 2024, as my younger child was preparing for the PSLE, I wanted to lead by example. Rather than simply encouraging my child to study harder, I decided to challenge myself as well by taking the Real Estate Salesperson (RES) examination.

What began as a personal commitment soon became a meaningful turning point. As I attended the RES course conducted by the Singapore Estate Agents Association, now known as the Singapore Institute of Estate Agents, I discovered a genuine interest in the real estate industry.

The nine-day course was intense but incredibly rewarding. With the support of my family and the guidance of dedicated trainers, I successfully passed the RES examination in the same year.

I still remember receiving the results while I was in a Muji store in Sapporo, Hokkaido. It was a moment filled with gratitude and joy, marking the beginning of a new chapter.

Finding the Right Community

After passing the RES examination, I attended a sharing session organised by the Singapore Estate Agents Association for newly qualified salespersons to better understand the next steps in the industry.

During that session, I listened to a sharing by Thomas Tan, a member of the Executive Council of the Singapore Institute of Estate Agents. His insights broadened my perspective on the real estate profession and left a positive impression of Huttons Asia as an agency that values nurturing and empowering its agents while maintaining high professional standards and placing consumers’ interests as a top priority.

While researching which agency to join, I also came across Vivian Chong’s website . Learning that both Thomas and Vivian were part of Huttons further strengthened my interest in the agency. Vivian’s vision of empowering women in the real estate industry resonated deeply with me, and I felt encouraged to join and be part of her team.

Since Vivian is part of Navis, it felt natural for me to begin my journey there as well. What truly stood out to me was the culture of generosity — leaders who are not only supportive, but also willing to share their knowledge selflessly. Their openness in guiding and mentoring others reflects a genuine commitment to helping everyone grow.

More recently, the leadership team came together to develop an application known as Navis Atlas. This marks a significant milestone, equipping us with powerful tools, insights, and data — like having access to valuable resources at our fingertips. With these, we are better positioned to guide our clients, enabling them to make informed decisions with clarity and confidence.

To gain a deeper understanding of our team’s culture and approach, you may watch this short video here.

Looking back, I often feel that when God is in the picture, He places us in the right place at the right time to meet the right people.