Sulian Tan-Wijaya, a trailblazer in Singapore’s real estate industry, is widely recognized for her strategic vision and leadership. As the Executive Director at Savills Singapore, she has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s -retail business and shaping the industry’s landscape. Her dedication, expertise, and ability to navigate market complexities have positioned her among the 10 Most Admired Women Leaders in Business for 2025, inspiring the next generation of female executives.
A Journey from Law to Leadership
Sulian’s career path is nothing short of remarkable. After earning her law degree from the National University of Singapore and being called to the Bar, she made a bold decision to pivot into banking. Her journey began at Hongkong Bank (Singapore), where the trailblazer leader managed high-net-worth clients. Sulian later moved to Indonesia to join Standard Chartered Bank, where she played a key role in setting up a new branch in the country’s third-largest city. Eventually, she took charge of the branch, overseeing both corporate and retail banking services—an experience that broadened her exposure to different industries and laid the foundation for her future leadership roles.
Returning to Singapore, Sulian transitioned into hospitality, taking on a Senior Vice President (SVP) role in a hotel group managing multiple properties across Asia. The resilient leader then ventured into real estate, assuming an SVP position at a well-known firm, where she was responsible for a prime shopping mall on Orchard Road and a Grade A office building in the Central Business District. Sulian was also involved in a major acquisition, participating in the purchase of a 30% stake in another prominent shopping mall and office tower along Orchard Road.
Her career then led her to the Singapore Tourism Board, where she oversaw the Tourism Shopping Division before becoming General Manager at Sinoland, a Hong Kong-based real estate giant. There, the trailblazer leader managed The Fullerton Heritage portfolio, which included prime commercial and hospitality properties along Singapore’s Marina Bay. It was during this time that Savills approached her to build and lead their Retail & Lifestyle business.
From early on, Sulian found herself in leadership roles she had never envisioned. In her 20s, she was already heading a full-fledged bank branch in a foreign country—an achievement made even more challenging by her status as a young woman and an outsider unfamiliar with the local language and culture. She also lived through the 1997 riots in Indonesia and witnessed the Asian Financial Crisis firsthand, as the country’s currency plunged by 90% against the US Dollar. These defining experiences profoundly shaped her perspective on both life and business.
When the resilient leader joined Savills in 2008, she faced the challenge of building their Retail & Lifestyle division from the ground up. Starting with nothing but a desk and a laptop, she methodically grew the business into one of Singapore’s market leaders. . Her strategic mindset and deep industry expertise have been instrumental in positioning Savills as a powerhouse in the market today.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated
The challenges Sulian faced as a leader evolved with each stage of life. During her 20s and early 30s in Indonesia, earning the trust and respect of older colleagues and external clients proved to be a significant challenge. Demonstrating capability equal to or beyond that of more experienced peers required persistence and resilience. At the same time, she was raising two young children while adapting to an unfamiliar culture, language, and business environment.
In the 30s, Sulian returned to Singapore with her son and daughter, only to face the challenge of reacclimating to the country’s work culture—a process that took two to three years. While there were supportive leaders along the way, there were also toxic superiors determined to undermine and break her spirit. This hostile environment led to severe stress, panic attacks, and prolonged anxiety. Eventually, the toxic superior was dismissed, but by then, the resilient leader had already been headhunted to manage a prestigious real estate portfolio for a Hong Kong-based group.
Through all these trials, Sulian’s unwavering motivation came from her two young children. A deep commitment to securing a bright future for them, along with faith in God, provided the strength to persevere.
A Leader in Real Estate Consultancy
Savills Singapore is part of the globally recognized Savills PLC, a real estate consultancy and brokerage firm listed on the London Stock Exchange. The firm offers a comprehensive suite of services, including agency, planning, development, and consultancy, catering to both residential and commercial markets.
Cultivating a Strong Team and Workplace Culture
At Savills, teamwork and collaboration form the backbone of the company’s culture. Sulian believes in the power of partnerships and fostering a supportive work environment. She encourages young professionals to leverage their strengths while learning from experienced colleagues.
Her message to employees is clear: hard work, dedication, and perseverance are key to success. There are no shortcuts. In a fast-paced, competitive industry, those who commit to continuous learning and growth will thrive.
A Visionary Leadership Style
Sulian’s leadership philosophy is rooted in trust and empowerment. She recognizes the unique strengths of each employee and helps them develop their full potential. While she maintains high standards, she avoids micromanagement, focusing instead on the quality of work and an individual’s dedication. Long before remote work became a norm, she allowed her team the flexibility to manage their schedules—an approach that fosters accountability and results-driven performance.
Future Roadmap
With geopolitical uncertainties and rapid technological advancements shaping the global economy, Sulian’s focus for 2025/26 is on harnessing technology to enhance business rather than letting it take over. She sees Singapore’s strategic position as a major advantage in attracting new business opportunities. Staying agile and prepared for change will be crucial for future success.
Navigating the Ever-Evolving Market
The retail landscape is constantly shifting. Trends come and go faster than ever before, making it essential for businesses to stay ahead of the curve. Sulian and her team at Savills work tirelessly to identify sustainable and future-proof brands to introduce to the Singapore market, ensuring their clients remain competitive in an ever-changing industry.
Business Model: Connecting with the Right Audience
Savills’ approach is built on deep market knowledge, strategic planning, and strong industry connections. The company’s ability to anticipate trends and provide tailored solutions for clients sets it apart in a competitive industry.
Words of Wisdom
Sulian’s advice for professionals navigating today’s fast-changing business world is simple yet powerful: be resilient, adaptable, and open to change. The rapid evolution of technology and socio-economic shifts demand continuous learning and skill enhancement. Those who embrace transformation and shed outdated mindsets will be the ones who thrive in the future.