TLC x Fempreneurs Series: Edith Tay (PropertyBank)

In this special column called the “TLC x Fempreneurs Series”, we will be featuring inspiring Female Entrepreneurs (Fempreneurs) in short. You will be able to have a sneak peek at their mindsets and their daily habits.

Believe in the power of community. On some days when you feel big goals are impossible, or when you feel like giving up, you need to lean on your like-minded community. You can even “borrow” motivation, and in turn “return” with your own inspiring stories to pay it forward.

Meet Edith Tay (PropertyBank)

Tell us a little about yourself. What is your business/ brand about?

Hello, my name is Edith, and I am the founder of PropertyBank Pte Ltd, an award-winning real estate consultancy and brokerage firm that specialises in commercial and industrial properties. I am the lead trainer for the certificate course on the marketing of commercial properties with the Singapore Estate Agents Association, where I train real estate professionals who are mostly familiar with residential properties.

In 2020, I published “Property Blueprint for Businesses” and launched a YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/@PropertyBankSG. My business specialises in sourcing business premises, including offices, shophouses, factories, warehouses, restaurants, clinics, and shops. Our brand is PropertyBank, inspired by having a bank of properties and you can bank on us!

What got you started on your business? 

I was in the Singapore real estate industry for over 9 years before the entrepreneur bug bit me! Previously, I managed my overseas real estate in Indonesia, China, and Vietnam for SembCorp. With a strong desire to serve the needs of businesses, I noticed a gap in large consulting firms training their employees in a single domain, such as CBD office leasing, but not helping the same company find a factory or warehouse.

Also, if you specialise in leasing, you will assign another department, Capital Markets, to handle sales when the same customer decides to buy. Such segmentation may help to deepen knowledge, but it is not customer-centric in my opinion, because the customer will need to establish rapport with another colleague.

Before you started your business, what did you do on a full-time basis?

I have more than two decades of experience in commercial real estate at notable organisations such as SembCorp, Knight Frank, and DTZ with my work spanning across diverse sectors such as Education, Healthcare, and Hi-tech manufacturing.

What were some difficulties you faced in your life and how did you overcome them?

My most recent recovery journey was from a fall. The knee surgery turned my world upside down. I used to walk 15,000 steps per day, but now every step feels like a baby step. My family’s support, particularly from my husband, had helped me get through the difficult times. “Every day and every step is progress,” is a thought I cherish.

Who inspires you?

My mother has shown grit through various stages of her life. As a young mother, she was a seamstress at home, doing all of the housework and cooking every meal. As a cancer survivor, she demonstrated tenacity. And as she grew older, she remained active and learned to play online games.

What excites you most about your industry?

I would like to answer this question specific to the commercial and industrial real estate industry. I am excited about the evolution of the future of workplaces. Post-COVID, people take a different approach when it comes to the workplace: is it our home, does our office still have a purpose, and what about cafes and co-working spaces? There are so many changes in the way we work, and the way we manufacture is evolving from Industry 4.0 as well. The main excitement I have is how I can help businesses manage all these changes and spend/invest optimally in real estate. The right office is a talent magnet!

What is your vision / personal motto?

To live my life fully, leaving a positive legacy for my family, friends, mentees, and the business community. Motto: Each step is a step forward—I will arrive.

What have you learned recently that you hope the other ladies can take back?

A diamond has 58 facets. Are you a stone or a diamond? Take each learning opportunity as a facet you can create. You will shine like a diamond! (Originally, Edith, after I learned the number of facets a diamond has.)

How do you think you can help ladies to feel confident and empowered?

Similar reply to the 2 questions above, and talk to ladies who have journeyed through the life stage.

What is one thing you are grateful for?

Grateful to be able to walk! (3 months post-surgery).

Let us know more about what you do!

PropertyBank is Singapore’s premier consultancy and brokerage firm. We redefine your workspace, offering bespoke solutions for offices, shophouses, industrial, and retail spaces. Trust our award-winning expertise to elevate your business environment. Your ideal space awaits with PropertyBank; we hold a bank of properties, and you can bank on us.

You may also find us featured soon on Money FM 89.3.

Connect with PropertyBank

Website: https://propertybank.com.sg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/propertybanksg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PropertyBankSG
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edithtay/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/propertybank/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqqH_Fhgwc2Wr-4j0Cv9gLg

Are you a Fempreneur too?

Connect with us – we’d love to feature you! Say hi to us at hello@theladiescue.com or reach out to us via our social media.