Real Assets, Real People

In APREA's Real Assets, Real People, we talk to an influential leader in the real assets industry to gain insights on their experiences and strategies for success.

Our Deputy Chair for the APREA China Chapter shares how his experience in architectural design and urban planning sparked a passion for real estate, leading him to pursue a career in development, investment, and asset management. He also highlights key opportunities in
China's market, focusing on quality asset management and the integration of real estate with high-tech innovation.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the real assets industry?

I was an architect practicing architectural design and urban planning while I lived in Boston, MA, USA. My boss happened to be an architect cum developer, and was commanding a team to work on his huge land development project in Boston area, I was amazed to see a panorama view of real estate from land acquisition, planning & design, construction to asset management, my eyes were wide opened by this colorful & diversified real estate world, which lead me to pursue my career expanding into real estate development, investment and asset management.

What are the key opportunities that you see in the current real assets investment landscape?

Although the real estate industry in China has gone through a storm and undertaking a major paradigm shift at the moment, I still think there are opportunities in the market based on its capacity and consumption power, areas like quality asset management, opportunistic investment and C-REITs are directions that could create significant return if planned and executed at right timing and angle. Also I pay great attention to the combination area of real estate & hi-tech, not only the sophistication of science park or mixed-use asset but also the link between real estate and updated hi-tech development.

From a leader's perspective, how can companies navigate and thrive in an increasingly challenging business environment?

I would pay great attention to two aspects: business model and team quality. Companies shouldn’t be rigid and need to adept to the changes occurred in real world, stay hungry stay fool is the right attitude. Accompanied with the right business model we need quality team to plan & execute, and eventually make the success.

Can you share a notable success story or achievement in your journey as a leader?

Since 2014, as a real estate investment and asset management firm, we have been selected as Host Company with Harvard China Fund for their Harvard Greater China Student Internship Program, in the past 10 years, our team has been hosting Harvard College Students and let them experience modern China through their internship placements and gain an introduction to Chinese history and culture, all while practicing in the real estate workplace. We are proud to see our interns grow up, while still keeping the beautiful memories of the time we spent together.

What do you do for fun?

Travelling is my passion as well as reading and jogging, it’s always fun when you see the new world, talk (read) to new smart person, and same time keep your mind and body fresh to embrace a new day.