REDAS spearheads industry push to strengthen real estate talent pipeline

Ashley Lo

/ EdgeProp Singapore

February 27, 2026 1:04 PM SGT

ashley.lo@edgeprop.sg

Light

Dark

In his welcome address at the annual REDAS Spring Festival lunch on Feb 27, REDAS president Tan Swee Yiow highlighted growing concerns that fewer young people are choosing careers in real estate despite the industry’s diverse career pathways (Photo: Samuel Isaac Chua/EdgeProp Singapore)

The Real Estate Developers’ Association of Singapore (REDAS) has unveiled the Real Estate Talent Programme aimed at strengthening the industry’s talent pipeline, as it called for closer collaboration across the built environment ecosystem.

In his welcome address at the annual REDAS Spring Festival lunch on Feb 27, REDAS president Tan Swee Yiow highlighted growing concerns that fewer young people are choosing careers in real estate despite the industry’s diverse career pathways — which span across banking and finance, investment, asset and fund management, PropTech, sustainability and urban planning.

The event was held at Grand Copthorne Hotel, where Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong was the guest of honour.

“The long-term health of our industry depends on our ability to attract and develop future leaders. This is not something any one organisation can do alone,” says Tan. The programme, which is spearheaded by REDAS and the National University of Singapore, aims to provide students with early exposure to the breadth of opportunities within the real estate industry.

The programme forms part of the efforts initiated by the Department Consultative Committee, comprsing partners from both government and industry, including CBRE, City Developments Limited, the Housing Development Board, JL Family Office, Keppel, Oxford Properties, the Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

According to Tan, around 40 organisations — including public agencies, developers, financial institutions, trade associations and consultants — have since expressed interest to participate, with over 50 internship opportunities committed to date.

Tan adds that the association has also received “encouraging interest” from industry partners, offering management traineeships and mentorship opportunities.

Beyond talent development, Tan also highlighted stronger collaboration across the built environment sector, which has resulted in improvements to TOL (Temporary Occupation License) process for show-flat sites, enhancements to A&A (Additions & Alterations) and fire safety processes and ongoing efforts to streamline project completion timelines.

REDAS will also contribute to the newly formed Built Environment Productivity Action Team led by Minister Chee Hong Tat, which focuses on bringing together public and private sectors to enhance productivity across the industry.

“These may sound like small steps, but they make a real difference on the ground,” Tan adds. “They show what can be achieved when industry and government work closely together.”

Property updates, 24/7.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Market insights, delivered weekly.

REDAS spearheads industry push to strengthen real estate talent pipeline

Related Articles