By: Aimee Tariq

From Humble Beginnings to Leadership

Dr. Louisa Chong’s career demonstrates that resilience and curiosity can open doors in industries where women have historically been underrepresented. Today, she is a partner at Marko & Friends, a Singapore-based firm known for its thoughtful and sustainable approach to real estate.

However, her journey didn’t begin in boardrooms or investment meetings. It started with long hours in entry-level roles that demanded persistence, even though they offered little compensation. “At the time, the jobs weren’t glamorous,” Chong recalls. “But they taught me how to set goals, meet deadlines, and build consistency even when no one was watching.”

These early years shaped her approach to problem-solving. She learned to work with limited resources, stay disciplined, and focus on the bigger picture—all skills that would later become valuable in her career.

Her first step into real estate was a modest Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat in Singapore. What mattered wasn’t just the financial outcome but the lesson: spaces have potential far beyond their walls. They can provide stability, foster community, and open new perspectives.

Breaking Barriers in Commercial Property

Chong’s first significant step into commercial property was the acquisition of a small shophouse near Chinatown. It wasn’t an impulsive decision. She spent weeks studying the area—observing pedestrian flow, reviewing conservation guidelines, and tracking planned transportation upgrades.

“It wasn’t just about acquiring a space,” she explains. “It was about asking: how will this place matter in five or ten years?”

The move into commercial property brought new challenges. She had to learn about lease terms, tenant relationships, and the realities of managing spaces that serve businesses rather than households. At one point, a market downturn left one of her units vacant. It was a sobering moment, but instead of panicking, Chong relied on patience and long-term thinking. Eventually, the space recovered, and the experience reinforced her belief in steady, informed decision-making.

She often reminds those she mentors that setbacks are part of the process. “The question isn’t whether you’ll face challenges,” she says. “The question is how you’ll respond when you do.”

Mentorship and Representation

Over the years, Chong has been involved in a wide range of projects—retail spaces, logistics facilities, and office units among them. But she views her impact as extending beyond brick and mortar. Today, much of her energy goes into mentoring.

She regularly meets with women who are curious about real estate but hesitant to take the first step. Some are young professionals wondering how to balance risk with career stability. Others are mothers exploring ways to create long-term security for their families. And still others are mid-career leaders seeking to expand their influence in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Chong’s advice remains consistent: start small, learn deeply, and stay patient. She encourages mentees to focus on understanding terms, contracts, and regulations, rather than rushing toward outcomes. “Confidence doesn’t come from avoiding risk,” she explains. “It comes from being prepared.”

Beyond technical knowledge, she emphasizes visibility. “When women see other women succeeding in spaces where they’ve been historically absent, it changes what they believe is possible,” Chong says. “Representation is not just symbolic—it has ripple effects.”

For her, mentorship is as much about changing perceptions as it is about sharing skills. Every story of a woman stepping into leadership, she believes, becomes part of a larger narrative that opens doors for future generations.

Shaping the Future of Real Estate

At Marko & Friends, Chong now leads initiatives that focus on sustainable planning and education. She is particularly committed to guiding first-time entrants into the industry, dismantling the notion that real estate is too complex for newcomers.

Her perspective is that every property has a role in shaping communities. A retail space supports small businesses. A logistics unit connects goods to people. An office building creates environments for collaboration. By focusing on the social and functional roles of properties, rather than their monetary value, Chong reframes the purpose of real estate.

She also advocates for greater female participation in the industry. “Too often, women wait,” she says. “They wait for the right time, the right partner, or the ideal circumstances. But progress doesn’t wait. Opportunities evolve, and every step forward counts.”

Her message is not about quick wins or dramatic success stories. It’s about building confidence, developing knowledge, and creating a presence in industries where women’s voices are still underrepresented.

Lessons for Every Career

While Chong’s path has been rooted in real estate, the lessons extend far beyond the property sector. Her story offers insights into leadership, resilience, and community-building that apply to any field:

• Start with what you have. Progress doesn’t require ideal conditions—it requires a willingness to take the first step.
• Learn continuously. Knowledge creates confidence. Even complex fields become accessible with study and mentorship.
• Value representation. Seeing someone who shares your background succeed can shift what you believe is possible.
• Focus on long-term impact. Whether in careers, communities, or personal growth, patience and consistency often prove more enduring than short-lived wins.

Looking Ahead

Chong envisions a future where more women step confidently into spaces once closed to them. She believes that leadership in real estate—and in any industry—requires not just strategy but also courage and representation.

“Every decision signals something larger,” she reflects. “It says: women are not only participants but leaders shaping the future of commerce and community.”

Her story demonstrates that resilience, persistence, and visibility can transform humble beginnings into platforms for empowerment. The path doesn’t have to start with large-scale projects. It can begin with a single decision, a modest step, or even the courage to show up in a new space.

Her final piece of advice is clear: don’t wait. For women considering their first move—whether in real estate, business, or leadership—the right time to start is now.

Disclaimer: The information shared is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a guarantee of success in commercial real estate or any other field. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and seek professional advice before making any financial or business decisions.