In the realm of real estate law, Nar Chin Keow, affectionately known as CK, has carved a path of excellence spanning over three decades. As the managing partner of C.K Nar & Co. Advocates & Solicitors currently, her journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and a commitment to providing unparalleled legal services in a male-dominated industry.

A Trailblazer in Real Estate Law

CK's journey began over 30 years ago when she first embarked on a career in providing legal services related to real estate. From her tenure at Alex Pang & Co. to founding her own firm, CK has been at the forefront of legal transactions, ranging from housing and commercial projects to joint venture agreements and loan documentation. Her expertise extends to litigation matters, including foreclosure and execution proceedings, showcasing her versatility and depth of knowledge in real estate law.

She even finds time to be on the board of a public listed company on the Main Board of the KLSE, and provide pro bono service to the church in her role as the Registrar of the Anglican Diocese of Sabah, a role that also involves real estate.

"In my 30 years of practice as a solicitor in Sabah, I have seen major changes in the real estate industry. In my early days in the 1990s when the bank’s base lending rate (“BLR”) was super high, going up as high as over 13% per annum in 1998 and the mortgage rate was usually over and above the BLR , who would have imagined that today the BLR would be down to almost half, even as low as below 4% in 2022 and mortgage rates are now always well below the BLR!

Prices of real estate in Sabah have also climbed rapidly in the past 15 years and now high rise condominiums are a common sight in Kota Kinabalu unlike 30 years ago when even walk-up apartments were the novel thing. Conveyancing today appears to be made easier, faster and more efficient with access to online stamping and payment, and the Land Office has also followed suit although not entirely online, with the introduction of its online portal LADESS."

Challenges and Triumphs as a Woman in the Industry

Navigating the male-dominated construction industry hasn't been without its challenges for CK. However her meticulous attention to detail and unique perspective as a woman in a male-dominated field have set her apart, showcasing the invaluable contributions of women in the industry. Having to overcome bullying tactics in certain property negotiations as well as in litigation has also made her more resilient and determined to overcome challenges.

"It's hard for women to be recognised and acknowledged in this real estate industry, therefore I encourage women to support and empower one another. Being involved in women organisations like Rotary Club of KK Pearl and SWEPA has also helped me in my journey as it has given me the opportunity to meet and work with many successful women leaders who have inspired me and advocated the concept of women empowering women."

"In my practice, I have enjoyed working with women in matters relating to real estate be it developers, investors, bankers, fellow lawyers, agents/brokers, valuers or property managers. In fact, besides our office boy, my firm has always been a 100% female-run and staffed establishment and we all work well together to achieve excellence and provide exceptional service for the mutual success of our firm and clients. "

Motivated by Client Appreciation and Integrity

CK's biggest motivation stems from the appreciation and return of her clients for her legal services. Their acknowledgment of the value of her service and the integrity of her work serve as a constant source of inspiration for CK. Her strong and enduring relationship with a particular property development client to whom she has consistently provided valuable legal services over three generations of management is testament of the quality and reliability of her work.

Empowering the Next Generation

As a trailblazer in real estate law, CK's advice to young women in the industry is rooted in the principles of hard work and integrity. She emphasises the importance of perseverance, focusing on one's strengths, and not being swayed by unethical practices. In CK's eyes, every case deserves the best effort, and no work is beneath one's dignity as long as it is honest.

"I am grateful for all the good people I have worked with in my life and the support I have received from my clients, colleagues, staff and friends who believed in me. I am also blessed to have the unwavering support of my family especially my husband, who being an architect provides me with invaluable insight into the property development and construction industry. Above all, my faith in Jesus has kept me on the right path and I am thankful to God for good outcomes in most if not all my real estate dealings."

As Women In Real Estate celebrates the achievements of trailblazers like Nar Chin Keow, her story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of resilience, dedication, and integrity in shaping the landscape of real estate law.