CapitaLand Café: Recent Episodes
CapitaLand
A real estate show that features the experts behind the scenes; experts who are a part of the biggest real estate players in the market voice their opinion on CapitaLand Café. Trace their journey and learn how they build their identities as they discuss smart cities, green buildings, eco-parks, architecture, ideas, investments, leasing, marketing, finance, CSR and much more. Listen to all things related to the real estate industry on the CapitaLand Café - building conversations over coffee!
A CEO who has lived the expat lifestyle brings to the table a global perspective and approaches everything with a helicopter view. Chris Chong takes us through a crash course on retail and workspaces and gives his expert opinion on the matter. What are consumers looking for, different touchpoints in the retail sector, the concept of remote working - is this a trend or a covid response, community building and much more. Listen to this episode to find all the answers to your queries on retail, workspaces and french luxury brands!
Being the first to go to university in his family, Ervin Yeo ,CEO, Commercial Management, CapitaLand Investment, China, has come a long way. Having a degree in politics, ethics and economics from Yale University to leading businesses across multiple countries, Ervin talks about a common force that he’s used in every step of his career - a desire to grow and to learn new skills. Experience and mentorship are two strong institutions he firmly believes in. Listen to this podcast on how he breaks down the lifespan of a career, while also sharing fun, parenting advice.
“Business, it’s in the DNA, you want to try it, it’s not logic, it’s interesting.”
Charles Chan leads a colourful journey marked by many roles and that of an entrepreneur too. The pleasure of becoming the CEO of one’s own business means having to go from a plush, fancy job to a small office in the corner, to have a dream and more importantly the courage to fulfill it. Listen to this extremely educational podcast that traces the fantastic journey Charles has led to becoming who he is today.
In this episode of the CapitaLand Cafe, Aylwin talks about the role of a CSS officer, the importance of customers, and how to create value for them to stay and grow with CapitaLand. Having lived alone since he was little has helped him build self-leadership and independence. His leadership style is a balance between the east and west as a result of his work experience in Germany. Last but not least, hear him as he shares some secrets on how to differentiate ourselves in our customer engagement strategy.
He was 19 when he left home for the first time and started out a new chapter in his life as he lived in multiple countries. Tan Choon Siang, a sailor, a sportsperson and CEO to CapitaLand Malaysia Trust talks about his time in the US, Hong Kong, Singapore, India and Malaysia and how it led him to understanding self discovery and making plans to achieve his goals, all this as we cruise through a very candid conversation.
The brilliant son, as his name suggests talks about his beautiful journey that spans 25 years and how he made the choice between finance and the corporate & institutional banking sector and his career completing a full circle. Tze Wooi highlights how he leads a selective approach when it comes to strategising a business plan in China. Listen to all this and more as he talks about his kids and sings a few songs on this episode of the CapitaLand Café.
In this candid episode of the CapitaLand Café, Tony Tan speaks from the heart on his humble beginnings, his journey facilitating some defining moments in his 14 years within CapitaLand.
Growing up in difficult times prepared him for life’s many challenges. A true example of being a diamond in the rough, Tony talks about certain defining moments in his career, his role model and how he visited prison, all this while talking about his personal mantra – ‘fear not of what is unknown’.
Solving problem statements, identifying and finding value, helping other business units grows, these are small parts of the bigger picture for Janine Gui. Growing up in CapitaLand, Janine talks about the role she plays in the logistics sector, fund management, acquisitions, and corporate transactions. Defying age with her open mindedness to learn, Janine has crafted her own cozy nook and made a mark for herself amongst the big guns. All this, because she believes in getting the job done and proving herself. A jack of all trades, here's how she navigates each day with the power of perseverance. Tune in!
Playing 2 key roles in the organization, Kng Hwee Tin imparts her knowledge in the fields of finance, corporate services and capital markets. Having worked in the front office, back office and everywhere in between in the banking sector, Hwee Tin talks about the importance of contributing from the heart. Being a candle in the corner, she spreads her warmth and emanates light everywhere she goes. Listen to her story and how she's chartered her career on this episode of the CapitaLand Café.
Diagnosed by a clinical psychologist as a rabble-rouser, Wen Khai Meng takes the lead as a Senior Advisor at CapitaLand Investment, which he jokes is a role given to him to keep him from stirring trouble.
What does success look like? How can one contribute? How do one increase the chances of success? What are the issues and challenges?
These are a few questions running on Khai Meng’s mind as he plays this role in his own humourous, charming way. A generalist who enjoys working with specialists, views everything at a high level, and before going microscopic; helicopter ability as he likes to call it. With a career that spans over 22 years, Khai Meng Wen is definitely considered the Bond in both walks of life - realty and reality!
240 km from Tirupati to Bangalore via Chennai, Hyderabad, US, Middle East, UK, Singapore and Mumbai. A journey that took him many places before becoming the CEO, India Business Parks, CapitaLand Investment. Following his dreams to make it big, Gauri Shankar has worked multiple roles in multiple assets which has set the foundation for him. His biggest learnings have come to him when we worked out of a 100 sq ft space, which led him to creating million-dollar funds!
A go-getter by nature and a sports enthusiast, his mantra is to dream big. Humorous and easy-going Gauri Shankar talks about his career, his father’s role in his life, the culture he wants to build, and the ambitions he has for CapitaLand India as the brand-new CEO in this brand-new episode, brewing fresh on the CapitaLand Café.
Coming from humble beginnings, he learnt to soar and fly high, just as his name suggests. Puah Tze Shyang, CEO, China, CapitaLand Investment draws an insightful map that traces his journey in this very candid interview where he talks real estate in the China, competition, his own job insecurities and how to seize the moment. Peppered with intense Chinese proverbs, Tze Shyang shows us how his 'never give up' attitude has helped him seize the day and make the most of every moment, including becoming Romeo for 2 minutes.
What would've happened if Lynette followed her dreams and became a chef? She would still lead the way! Authenticity is her mantra and being candid is her style. Born to lead, Lynette shares a good laugh in this episode of CapitaLand Café as she takes us through her journey and how she came to be the chosen one, many times in her professional life. A learner, a leader and a people's person, Lynette Leong talks the talk. All this with a huge dose of laughter and a plate full of pastries.
"You don't really have to study hospitality, to work in hospitality. You could be from the media industry, the tech industry, actually from any industry because whatever industry that you come from, as long as you keep an open mind and you can think broadly about how to add value to the industry as a whole, I think there is a place for you." Separating real estate from hospitality, Kevin Goh talks candidly on the real estate of hospitality, when it comes to growing AUM, building assets and growing a brand.
In the middle of all this, he talks about sports, his wife and things teenagers say.
"Private equity real estate is now a huge investment class all around the world, so investors invest across borders and they invest with lots of different managers like CapitaLand."
Having lived across various parts of the globe and with years of experience in real estate, Simon Treacy sheds lights on the functioning of the industry, overcoming challenges, and talks about the importance of diversifying the workplace in this episode of CapitaLand Café.
Starting his career grading eggs as an 11 year old, to managing people globally, Tan Seng Chai talks about building a strong foundation and being patient in this tell-it-as-it-is episode of CapitaLand Café. Keeping it simple in this uplifting podcast, Tan Seng Chai shares his thoughts on life, career and everything in between.
Cool as a cucumber, finance expert, Andrew Lim speaks candidly on digital money in the real world, whether investing in stocks is as good as investing in experiences, and much more - all this as he drops a beat on the CapitaLand Café.
From self-awareness to steering one's own career, Jonathan Yap breaks down complex concepts into simple systems that can be implemented in all walks of life. Defining the path to his career at a young age, Jonathan talks about the power of keeping an open mind and the art of being a generalist. Tune in for an entertaining conversation, motivating insights and a dash of drama.
A special advisor to the Chairman of the Economic Development Board, Singapore and Senior Executive Director at CapitaLand, Manohar Khiatani a.k.a Mano speaks about his multicultural upbringing, living across many countries, overcoming various challenges and still continues to learn everyday. Humorous, easy-going, Mano gives his views on leadership and tips for the younger generation towards a better tomorrow because in his own words - YOLO!
An avid trekker, who's climbed 16000Ft, Aloke Bhuniya has also climbed the ladder to success. Listen, as he shares his journey to becoming a CEO. From starting his own business venture, to how he maintains his calm demeanor in a high pressure role. All this with huge dose of coffee and a dash of Bengali.
Having held multiple roles in various organizations, Deviprasad Rao is considered to be a leasing expert in the industry. Find out how a workaholic in his thirties, currently focuses on work-life balance and how he paves the way in the market. All this and more, as he goes about collecting stamps and coins from all over the world.
A badminton player, an avid reader, a singer and also the CEO for Business Parks at CapitaLand Investment, India. Vinamra Srivastava, has got the gift of the gab! Listen to him talk about life beyond becoming a CEO, how picking up a sport can sharpen management skills, and why one doesn't necessarily need to be certified from top management schools. All this with a little bit of music and coffee.
Sanjeev Dasgupta has seen it all, not just in his travels but even his career. His colourful career showcases how he's helped lead multiple organizations like Future Capital Holdings, ICICI Venture and Ascendas India Trust. A marathon runner who loves to read talks about his life in Singapore, how he handles work like balance and most importantly how to become a CEO.
Surajit Chatterjee has built and operated the highest number of 3rd party data centres in India. He has administered a portfolio of 450+ crores as the COO at Sify Technologies and currently he leads the data centre group for CapitaLand India. A drummer at heart, an animal lover, he enjoys a good laugh. On CapitaLand Café, he talks about the technicality of leading data centres, the current digital space in the country, and the future of data centres. Somewhere in the middle of all this, is also a cat fight and a hot cup of coffee!
Deepak Porayath talks about real estate in the city. How IT Parks are now becoming digitalized in the form of Smart Parks, the development of co-working spaces and his journey from being a site engineer to heading Operations at Bangalore for CapitaLand India.
From the latest developments in real estate to how the real estate industry is coping during the pandemic. Keeping with the current times, Vinamra Srivastata CEO, Business Parks, CapitaLand India speaks about the various initiatives CapitaLand India has focussed on to keep their employees and clients engaged and motivated. Featuring world renowned Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar happens to be just one of them. Catch this fun banter between Vinamra and RJ Kay from 94.3 Radio One.