From Exam to Estate

Beginnings in Malaysia

I was born and raised in Malaysia. 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. I also spent a short period working in the government sector, gaining valuable exposure to different professional environments.

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. Those years strengthened my patience, resilience, and deepened my gratitude 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 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.

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.