From Skies to Director of Leading Real Estate Agency, Fiona Wong
for Women In Real Estate 2023, by Property Hunter
During her 13 years of working in the airline industry, Fiona never guessed that one day she would be partnering with Malaysia's leading independent and international real estate consultancy.
Director of Knight Frank Property Hub, Fiona Wong has had a successful journey in real estate that started only nine years ago, and yet she remains humble and focused.
She even jokes that she was 'conned' by her ex-primary schoolmate, Enoch Khoo, to embark on this journey. After reuniting in Kuala Lumpur, the pair decided to return home in 2014 and founded Property Hub Sabah together.
Quickly, Fiona and her partner led the team to becoming a five-time consecutive MIEA Award Winning firm (Sabah State Real Estate Firm of the Year). She was also the MIEA Sabah Branch Secretary for Term 2021-2023.
Then just last year,
Knight Frank Malaysia acquired real estate agency Property Hub Sdn Bhd in a joint venture and rebranded the agency as Knight Frank Property Hub Sdn Bhd (KFPH).
Starting from scratch
"It wasn't all smooth sailing. From day one, all I had was me, myself and I to set up the whole office operations [for Property Hub Sabah] with no other RENs to start with.
Then there was implementing and creating a new culture of structure and documentation for the team and ensuring accounting best practises for the company.
However, through constant discussion and support from the team, we learned and improved together."
Finding longevity
"It is important to believe and love what you do. It also motivates me that I get to share knowledge with people joining us from diverse backgrounds and minimal experience in the real estate industry. I would like to believe that I played a part in changing their lives as they stand tall in the real estate industry today."
In 2019, Property Hub Sabah managed to produce a National MIEA Award Winner, showing for the first time that the number one real estate negotiator in the whole of Malaysia could be from Sabah too.
"Integrity has always been at the forefront of my career principles. Do the right thing even when no one is looking.
Also, surround yourself with good people. Look for those who are real, authentic, encouraging and supportive. Form a network of trusted advocates and advisors for sharing best practices and celebrating success."
Fiona is just one of eight Women In Real Estate 2023.
You can read the other stories here.
Women In Real Estate is an annual celebration by Property Hunter in conjunction with International Women's Day.
For the month of March, stories of inspiring women is shared to encourage and build a community of real estate professionals in all sectors of the industry.
Built with Shorthand