ERA celebrates International Women's Day with EmpowHER initiative launch. (Photo: ERA Singapore)
Metallic pink and white balloons filled the ERA APAC Centre in Toa Payoh on March 5, as the real estate agency’s headquarters burst into vibrant celebrations marking International Women’s Day.
Throughout the building, workshops, seminars and photo-taking sessions were in full swing as hundreds of ERA agents and guests — many dressed in shades of pink or white — mingled and moved between activity stations.
A significant event took place amid the festive atmosphere. It was the official launch of ERA EmpowHER, a new initiative aimed at strengthening mentorship and leadership development among women within the organisation. Taking to the stage in the auditorium in a striking pink jacket was Doris Ong, deputy CEO of ERA Singapore and chairperson of the EmpowHER Council, who introduced the EmpowHER initiative and shared the vision behind it.
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“Everyone here is someone’s sister, mother, daughter and even grandmother,” Ong told the audience. “Time and again, we step up at home, at work and in our communities. Today is about recognising the strength that we have in all of us.”
EmpowHER was conceived as a platform to support ERA’s women professionals as they build their careers and leadership capabilities in the real estate industry.
The initiative is anchored on three pillars: mentorship, community and ESG (environmental, social and governance).
Through mentorship programmes, experienced leaders will guide and support rising agents, sharing knowledge and helping them navigate the challenges of building a successful career in real estate.
At the same time, EmpowHER aims to cultivate a supportive community where ERA’s women professionals can connect, exchange experiences and uplift one another.
The ESG pillar will also play a key role in shaping the initiative’s impact, encouraging leadership that extends beyond business success to create positive contributions within the wider community.
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A key milestone unveiled during the event was the formation of ERA’s first EmpowHER Council, which comprises a group of women senior leaders who will help drive the EmpowHER initiative forward.
It includes prominent ERA leaders such as Ong, Tracy Teo, Alicia Yang, Ayu Yanti, Brenda Zee, Jasmine Chan, Nicole Lim, Gina Tng, Joelle Chew, Kelly Yu, Sandy Lim, Jasmine Png, Chloe Zhang, Zann Low and Wendeline Goh.
In a symbolic moment during the afternoon’s programme, the council members gathered on stage to unveil the EmpowHER logo, drawing cheers from the audience.
For Ong, the launch of EmpowHER carries personal significance.
More than three decades ago, she was a student at the National University of Singapore studying real estate and contemplating her career path. Many of her classmates were planning to join government agencies, developers or consultancy firms.
Her thesis supervisor at the time — Dr Amy Khor, former Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment — offered a different suggestion.
“She was the one who pointed me towards ERA,” Ong recalled.
“At that time, ERA was still a small company with only about 200 agents. But she told me, ‘Although it’s small, it’s a growing company. There will be many opportunities to grow.’”
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Ong took the advice to heart. She joined ERA in 1991 — and has remained with the company ever since.
Today, ERA is one of the largest real estate agencies in Singapore. Ong’s own journey reflects the opportunities she saw in the organisation more than 30 years ago.
“We have many capable women across ERA who have built strong teams and successful businesses,” she said.
Ong also took the opportunity to acknowledge the mentor who helped shape her own path.
Khor, who attended the celebrations, was presented with a token of appreciation in recognition of her guidance and longstanding support.
Responding with humour and pride, Khor said she was “more than proud” of Ong’s achievements.
“She has done better than me,” Khor remarked, drawing laughter from the audience. “Now I need to ask her whether she has a job for me.”
The exchange reflected one of the central themes of the afternoon — the importance of mentorship and paying it forward to the next generation of leaders.
Beyond the official programme, ERA’s International Women’s Day celebrations unfolded as a lively carnival of activities designed to bring the community together.
A pickleball demonstration drew curious participants keen to try the fast-growing sport, while wellness stations offered free relaxing massage sessions.
Guests also explored skincare offerings and browsed curated luxury handbags, alongside booths by local banks.
There were also talks focusing on women’s well-being.
To top it all off, attendees received goodie bags featuring products from lifestyle and beauty brands including Fino, Tsubaki, Curated Culture and Mineral Premium, adding another thoughtful touch to the day’s celebrations.