Syafiq recently joined Huttons Asia and within two months, he was named Champion Top Recruiter in the agency’s monthly awards (Photo: Samuel Isaac Chua/EdgeProp Singapore)
Successful investors often say the same thing: the right advisor shapes the entire outcome. That idea sits at the core of realtor Syafiq Focus’ work. After 19 years in real estate, he has built a reputation for recognising market shifts early and preparing his clients and team for what is coming next. His approach appeals to professionals and expatriate investors who want competence, continuity and a leader who knows how to build strong people around him.
Syafiq recently joined Huttons Asia, and within two months, he was named Champion Top Recruiter in the agency’s monthly awards. When asked how he achieved this, he explained, “I do not just bring people in. I teach them how to focus on the business properly.”
An ACTA-certified trainer from the Singapore University of Social Sciences, Syafiq has spent more than eight years teaching CPD courses. He consistently receives top ratings from participants who value his mix of structure and empathy. He sums up his philosophy simply. “We are not just selling property. We are managing trust.”
Despite his involvement in new project launches and commercial projects, mentoring keeps him grounded. He is known among his agents as a reliable HDB expert who stays up to date with policy changes and solutions. “As I help my agents solve problems, I am learning too. It keeps my knowledge relevant and current.”
Under his guidance, his hundred-strong team has built a reputation for discipline and collaboration. “We share information and support each other,” he says. “There is enough business for everyone who works smart.” The appeal goes beyond earnings. The group is anchored by strong personalities, including the first Singapore Idol, Taufik Batisah, whose presence adds energy to the Mus Batisah District, where Syafiq plays a key leadership role.
Leaders from Syafiq's group, together with Huttons CEO, Mark Yip (All pictures by Syafiq Focus)
Two decades in the field have sharpened Syafiq’s ability to recognise shifts before the wider market reacts. Most of his career has been rooted in the secondary residential segment, where he has cultivated long-term relationships with both local buyers and foreign clients. Indonesian investors form a significant part of this group, many of whom have relied on him for multiple acquisitions over the years.
As the landscape continues to evolve, Syafiq sees a clear change in investor behaviour. Overseas buyers are now prioritising assets that offer stable returns and practical use. “Clients want properties that can perform from day one, not just appreciate in the future,” he says.
Thus, he is expanding his portfolio to include well-selected commercial properties. These range from income-generating units to growth-driven assets that match the needs of cross-border investors. Syafiq’s goal is to help clients stay ahead by choosing properties with both present value and long-term potential.
Singapore Idol Taufiq joining the team
Working with Indonesian investors demands more than technical skill. Syafiq’s success in this area comes from relationship-building. Over time, he has become a familiar name among Jakarta-based entrepreneurs and professionals who value advisory partners who understand cultural nuance.
“Indonesian clients expect more,” he says. “You cannot send listings over text and think your job is done. They want to know you are looking after them properly.”
This approach yields loyalty. One Jakarta investor once described working with Syafiq as “having a partner who understands both culture and commerce”. Many clients start with residential purchases and, later on, commercial opportunities.
Division Directors with Syafiq taken before Mus Batisah's team joined
Among the commercial options he advises on, cloud kitchens occupy a niche that appeals to specific segments of his overseas clients. However, they are not his primary focus. They are part of a wider strategy to help clients access opportunities beyond traditional retail and residential units.
Syafiq first explored the cloud kitchen segment after the government imposed higher additional buyer’s stamp duty rates, which made residential investment less attractive for foreign buyers. While some agents lost momentum, he diversified his knowledge. “Commercial property is not just about rental yield. It is about understanding business logic,” he explains.
Cloud kitchens are well-suited for investors seeking a simple, scalable entry into Singapore’s F&B sector without managing a restaurant. “Restaurants do not always need a shopfront. They need productive kitchen spaces. Investors understand this because it is practical.”
For Indonesian clients wishing to test the market without committing to large leases, this model offers a low-risk path. “You can start small, operate quietly and still get meaningful returns.”
Barbeque gathering at Rex Tan's home to celebrate our very first combined meetup between RTDFocus and Mus Bastisah District - now united as one under RTDFocusGroup
As his commercial client base grows, Syafiq is building a full-service infrastructure to support overseas investors who prefer a hands-off approach to ownership. “Many clients live abroad and do not have time to manage tenants or maintenance,” he says. “They want someone who handles everything properly.”
His team offers guidance beyond transactions, including contractor recommendations, tenant selection and help with onboarding new businesses into their leased units. “When clients invest here, I want them to feel settled, not just successful.”
This attitude extends to residential clients, too. His team has taken on roles that stretch far beyond typical agency work. They have chauffeured clients, managed renovations and even cleaned homes when needed. These experiences teach newer agents what long-term advisory work really looks like. “We stay relevant by being sincere,” he says. “We are not deal-makers. We are relationship builders.”
The team in action at our Singapore Expo roadshow on Nov 21-23, 2025
Syafiq’s rise from young agent to respected team leader is marked by constant learning and strategic adaptation. As he enters his next phase, he is intent on strengthening three pillars. First, he aims to broaden his commercial investment portfolio for clients seeking resilient returns. Second, he plans to deepen his long-standing ties with Indonesian investors. Third, he is committed to grooming the next generation of agents.
“Real estate in Singapore changes all the time, and I embrace that,” he says. “Agents who last are the ones who stay curious and keep improving.”
For investors seeking a trusted guide into Singapore’s real estate market, or agents searching for a leader who teaches by example, Syafiq offers both opportunity and mentorship. “Whether it is clients or colleagues,” he says, “my mission is in my name. I help people see potential and stay focused on it.”
For more information,
Contact Syafiq Focus | 96656621
Senior Group District Director (R029924G)
HUTTONS ASIA PTE LTD