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t a Women’s Leadership Initiative event held at PwC Singapore last month, seasoned real‑estate professionals urged women in the sector to discover their own voice, embrace challenges, and avoid over‑planning. The gathering celebrated the WLI Singapore Commendation Award, which honors emerging female leaders who excel academically, show leadership potential, and are committed to Singapore’s built environment. This year’s recipients were Natalie Fu Ying Yu (NUS), Valerie Celestine Low Ling Ying (NUS), and Aurelia Tan Ziyi (SUTD).

    A panel featuring the awardees and three industry veterans—Professor Choon‑Fah Ong (NUS), PwC partner Magdelene Chua, and Frasers Property’s group chief strategy & sustainability officer Zheng Wanshi—delivered key insights. Zheng encouraged younger professionals to step outside their comfort zones, noting that growth happens there. Chua emphasized authenticity, reminding women that leadership need not mimic men; doing what one excels at with integrity can inspire others. Ong shared her own journey, highlighting curiosity, valuation as a foundational skill, and the importance of flexibility over rigid plans. She advised focusing on excellence at each stage and allowing opportunities, guided by values, to shape the path. All panelists stressed enjoying the journey, taking a long‑term view, and learning to appreciate moments along the way.

    Mentorship emerged as a central theme. Low highlighted the dual nature of guidance: young professionals benefit from role models, while seasoned leaders can offer reverse mentorship by sharing personal experiences. The discussion also touched on broader ambitions for the industry. Fu expressed a desire for real‑estate projects that foster genuine human interaction in an increasingly isolated digital age. Tan underscored the meritocratic nature of Singapore’s society and the responsibility to support those who slip through the cracks. Zheng concluded by framing real estate as a form of impact investing, urging financiers and developers to recognize the wider value the sector can deliver and to adopt a more intentional approach to value creation.

    The event, organized by the Women’s Leadership Initiative, underscored the importance of authentic leadership, continuous learning, and purposeful impact in shaping the future of Singapore’s built environment.