In this issue of APREA's Real Assets, Real People, we talk to a new generation of leaders to gain insights on their journey in the real assets industry.
Here's Andy Lim, Founder of The Land Managers. The Land Managers (TLM) Holdings is a boutique real estate investment firm with gross assets under management of approximately S$400 million. Part of the JL Family Office (JLFO), TLM invests in value-add and development opportunities in gateway cities globally across all asset classes.
What were you doing before you started your career in real estate/infrastructure?
I was a corporate real estate lawyer at Allen & Gledhill LLP prior to my first role in private equity real estate.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the real assets industry?
Moving into the investment and private equity side of real estate was a natural progression for me given how real estate has been a large part of my adult life. There is something special about the tangible nature of real estate and its place as a conduit of social interactions which makes it so unique as an asset class. The whole process from sourcing a deal, adding value to an asset and its eventual successful exit is something which keeps me coming back for more.
What are the key opportunities that you see in the current real assets investment landscape?
This is the year we see a massive paradigm shift happening across the private equity real estate universe. The prospect of higher rates for much longer is starting to weigh on the entire sector and we should see more price moderation in specific sectors like commercial assets across the globe in the second half of this year. We are still bullish on key themes coupled with supply demand dynamics which can ride through such economic headwinds. For example, we like taking some developmental risk on residential build-to-rent assets in key developed markets like the UK and Japan. We also think the supply demand dynamics in the Australian logistics sector provides a window to invest in assets which provide opportunities for value add and floor area intensification.
What do you do for fun?
I'm an avid golfer and long distance runner! Covid was a great reminder that health is indeed wealth so I started running during Covid and I have now completed two marathons and two half marathons! Age is not a limit!
What lesson or advice can you share with fellow members in APREA?
The whole industry is going though a challenging investment climate. It will be even more critical for investors and asset managers in this cycle to demonstrate value beyond positive carry, requiring a deeper understanding and sharper execution capabilities to generate returns.
Read MoreIn this issue of APREA's Real Assets, Real People, we talk to a new generation of leaders to gain insights on their journey in the real assets industry.
Here's Russell Wee, Acquisitions Director of Jean Yip Developments. Established in 2002, Jean Yip Holdings is a luxury real estate developer of premium boutique properties. A wholly owned subsidiary of the multinational conglomerate Jean Yip Group, Jean Yip Holdings is an expansion into the lifestyle and real estate domain, specialising in developing and managing quality residential, commercial, and industrial properties in prime areas of Singapore.
Read MoreIn APREA's Real Assets, Real People, we talk to an influential leader in the real assets industry to gain insights and perspective on their experiences and stategies for success.
Here's Martin Siah, Head of Asia Pacific Real Estate Investment Banking, Head of Southeast Asia Global Corporate and Investment Banking, Singapore Country Executive, Bank of America.
In APREA's Real Assets, Real People, we talk to an influential leader in the real assets industry to gain insights and perspective on their experiences and stategies for success.
Here's Kosei Hatakeyama, Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director of MC Digital Realty.
Prior to joining MC Digital Realty from 2019 to 2022, I played a key role in corporate planning at Mitsubishi Corporation's Tokyo headquarters. Reporting directly to the company's president, I contributed to managing company-wide investment portfolios worth a $100 billion. Subsequently, I served as the Head of Strategy Planning, Urban Development Division, and General Manager of Real Estate Business Department at Mitsubishi. I took an initiative to rebalance and optimize global real estate investment portfolios valued at $4 billion, while assuming the role of a board director for both US and Japan-based subsidiaries.
Prior to that, as the President of MC Aviation Partners Americas in Irvine, CA, I took executive leadership and oversaw all company-related matters.
In the dynamic landscape of real asset investment, particularly within the datacenter industry where I have been engaged, we stand at the edge of transformative opportunities that are set to shape the future. The convergence of cutting-edge AI advances promises a surge in demand, propelling us into an era where data-driven solutions reign supreme.
While opportunities abound globally, our focus is on the Japanese market, which holds the most promising potential within the APAC. Its progressive market dynamics make it a strategic imperative to establish a firm foothold within this landscape.
Additionally, the focal point on renewable energy transition stands as a testament to our social responsibility. The integration of sustainable practices not only aligns with the global environmental responsibility but also cements resilience and longevity in our investments.
Recent opportunities we are pursuing are in line with these multifaceted elements, which urge us to forge a path toward enduring success.
We should adopt a strategic approach. This involves not only making selective investments and seizing opportunistic chances but also adhering to established investment principles and seeking attractive terms to maximize returns on investment. In highly competitive sectors like the data center industry, land banking presents notable challenges. However, by embracing an innovative approach and leveraging in-house expertise, as well as industry relationships and networks, companies can explore new opportunities to scale up and expand their current domains. By continuously differentiating themselves, companies can position themselves for success and achieve a competitive edge in the market.
One aspect that I always hold dear is the invaluable support my ex-colleagues provided during the process of liquidating a company and managing job transfers and terminations in the past days. Establishing trust and fostering mutual respect among the teams involved played a crucial role in successfully navigating this challenging task. By prioritizing open communication and maintaining transparency through the disclosure of relevant information, we were able to effectively handle the difficult situation together. One of my greatest assets is the enduring friendships I have maintained with my ex-colleagues even after the hard times.
Read MoreIn APREA's Real Assets, Real People, we talk to an influential leader in the real assets industry to gain insights and perspective on their experiences and stategies for success.
Here's Christina Hau, Chief Executive Officer of Champion REIT.
Before I began my role in real estate asset management, I was trained and practiced as an architect for over a decade. I gained extensive experience in design, project management, leasing, marketing and management of world-class commercial complexes at several reputable property developers.
My passion in building design and its impact on people inspired me to pursue a career in the real estate industry. My keen interest in retail trends, combined with my strong business and marketing acumen, enables me to identify opportunities and develop effective strategies to enhance the yield of real assets investment. I am excited to continue my professional growth in this dynamic industry where I see many opportunities lying ahead.
I believe in people-centric approach and values relationship with our stakeholders. Our employees are cultivated with “re-think” and “re-invest” mindsets so that we can embrace change and build resilience. Our overarching objective at Champion REIT is to enhance the experience and stickiness of our tenants and customers, winning their hearts and keeping them engaged. We strive to foster collaborative relationships with our stakeholders, joining hands for shared success and sustainable future that prioritises ESG practices.
I support putting people first and promote the collective “WE” mindset. What I take great pride in is witnessing the growth and transformation of individuals and our work culture. “Never stop inventing” is one of my mottos and I am delighted to see many state-of-art projects being accomplished by my team. It is a fulfilling journey to not only successfully launched a new brand for a series of commercial complexes in the market, but also succeeded in tripling the profitability and became a strong market leader and trend setter in the industry.
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