For many, buildings go beyond concrete pillars and mirrored glass, taking on identities of their own – homes, not houses; schools, not institutions. CapitaLand takes this notion a step further by developing property that positively affects its occupants.

By Azhar Jalil

Candidate description 1
He Yun
BCA-CapitaLand Built Environment Scholar
Studying: Real Estate, NUS

As one of Asia’s largest real estate companies, CapitaLand lives by its motto of “Building for People to Build People”. In Singapore alone, the firm is behind well-known developments like Clarke Quay, along with a list of popular shopping icons which includes Bugis Junction, Plaza Singapura, VivoCity and the upcoming ION Orchard.

Headquartered at Capital Tower, the property firm was formed by a merger between DBS Land and Pidemco Land in 2000. The multinational company's core businesses in real estate, hospitality and real estate financial services are focused in growth cities in Asia Pacific, Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

As at 30 September 08, CapitaLand manages over S$50 billion of assets, including close to S$25 billion in five real estate investment trusts and 17 private equity real estate funds.

With such a diverse yet robust corporate portfolio, it is no wonder why its scholarships are considered as prime – lucrative in its own right as a prestigious entry into a world of widespread opportunities only for the most promising of candidates.

Intercontinental opportunities
He Yun is one such bright spark. Hailing from China but having studied in Singapore for almost a decade, she developed an interest in environment and design during her years at Victoria Junior College.

“I had a rough idea; I did further research and made up my mind to pursue Real Estate as it’s a combination of both art and science,” she says.

Currently, the 21-year-old is a National University of Singapore (NUS) undergraduate, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Real Estate under a joint scholarship between the Building & Construction Authority (BCA) and CapitaLand.

While only a freshman, He Yun has already benefitted from being a BCA-CapitaLand scholar. “I have become more confident and mentally resilient. Now, I also set higher standards for myself in all areas,” she explains.

Typically, scholars get the opportunity to build networks with fellow scholars and future colleagues in their host company through internships. According to He Yun, CapitaLand scholars have it better. “Being part of a global company, we will also get opportunities for overseas internships and experience the cultural diversity across the different continents that CapitaLand operates in,” she shares.

In the meanwhile, He Yun looks forward to joining the CapitaLand Graduate Development Programme (GDP) upon joining the company proper. The programme aims to nurture those with demonstrated potential for future management positions within the CapitaLand Group.

“It will enable me to have opportunities to gain exposure in different business units in different geographical regions and thus allow me to develop rapidly,” she quips.

Eventually, she hopes to return to China to work under CapitaLand’s subsidiary there.

“CapitaLand China will be my business unit of choice as I aspire to serve as a bridge between Singapore and China. I see this as a win-win collaboration and a way in which I can contribute back to the company,” she explains.

Candidate description 2
Jack Ren Cong
CapitaLand University Scholars Programme Scholar
Studying: Psychology, NUS

Of prestige, security and freedom
Jack Ren Cong is another talent who hopes to give back to CapitaLand. Already under the NUS University Scholar Programme (USP), he found out about the CapitaLand University Scholars Programme Scholarship through an e-flyer.

For Jack, the prospect of a flourishing CapitaLand career stood out as the defining reason behind his choice.

“What I like most about this scholarship is the opportunity to establish a long-term career with such a prestigious Singapore MNC, which has the best of both worlds – the security of being linked a Singapore headquartered corporation, as well as the freedom to expand and compete in international private enterprise,” he says.

Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, he explains that his choice of study isn’t as irrelevant as it may initially seem.

“Psychology is a comprehensive discipline. Being inherently a mixture of science and humanities, it empowers when it’s applied to any field or profession.”

“With Psychology, building and interior design can be refined,” he adds. “Business ideas could be made more practical and rewarding, or a company’s internal organisation might be further improved.”

With various business units under CapitaLand’s ambit, Jack has the opportunity to be posted according to the business needs after becoming a fully-fledged employee. To him however, it’s a good thing.

“The breadth of CapitaLand’s businesses offers much room for imagination in terms of my career choice,” he quips.

“Stronger”
“Stronger” is the only way that Jack has grown since being awarded the scholarship.

Still he acknowledges that there’s always room for improvement. “I will endeavour to discover my strengths and inclinations, learning as much as I can about the company during this period.”

Like He Yun, Jack also hopes to be part of the firm’s talent management scheme. “Being a CapitaLand scholar also provides us with an early advantage of entering the selection pool for GDP,” he points out.

“In addition, a mentor and buddy will be assigned to each of us, so that we will have a smooth transition from the mini-society of university to the real society in the business arena.”

A presence undeniable
Not everyone can become a CapitaLand scholar – both He Yun and Jack went through intense interviews and gruelling assessments before they were selected as the cream of the crop.

However, both agree that the trick to securing scholarships is to “be yourself”.

“Do well in your studies, be an all-rounded student, and develop your own personal style because you are unique,” advises He Yun.

Jack chimes in, “Be yourself – be passionate with what you are seeking and be prepared to learn along the way.”

Continuous learning is indeed necessary to keep up with CapitaLand’s mission of building a world-class real estate company with international presence. To date, the multinational company already has operations in more than 120 cities spread throughout 20 countries worldwide. With such an established global presence, a scholarship – and thereafter, a career – with CapitaLand surely heralds well for enterprising students looking to spread their wings.

In short, Jack says, “CapitaLand is not a brand that can be easily overlooked by anyone in Singapore, if not the world.”