Catching up with Htin
“On your own there’s only so much that you can achieve. But as a team, it really brought my career to a much greater height.”
“It’s actually my first time doing a video shoot. They (CapitaLand’s Talent Management team) asked if I can do it, so I just said yes.”
It's hard not to notice Htin’s easy-going demeanour when working with people he’s meeting for the first time. Surrounded by crew going through his lines (and hair), Htin took the chaos in his stride, and when the camera starts rolling, Htin’s earnestness and enthusiasm shine through. Perhaps, his years in CapitaLand working with people from all over the world has helped him become comfortable in his own skin, regardless the situation.
An architect by training, Htin confessed that it was a difficult decision when he decided to join CapitaLand, as opposed to an architectural or a design consultancy firm. Looking back, he was glad to have made the move, for CapitaLand’s Graduate Development Programme has brought him to many places and work with people with diverse backgrounds.
“Less than a year into my job, I had the opportunity to be part of the project team in India” - and afterward to Dubai and Europe for overseas posting.
Htin recounted his days in India with Ascott, CapitaLand’s lodging brand, when he had first-hand experience opening a new property in Chennai. From floods to cyclones plaguing the city before opening, to the 2016 Indian banknote demonetisation, Htin’s India stint was nothing but eventful. Thankfully for his teammates, the opening of Citadines OMR Chennai was a success.
After India, Htin was then posted to Dubai and Paris to manage projects in the Middle East and Europe. Working closely with people from all over the world, their different cultures and personal experiences helped Htin establish a worldly outlook. Some of these friendships remain strong to this day.
Now back in Singapore, Htin continued to oversee the lodging portfolio and commercial projects, mainly in the Middle East, India and Africa. He travelled extensively to meet up with the team and visit projects on-site. “Almost on a monthly basis,” he shared. But when COVID-19 broke out, everything had to be done virtually. “It was definitely more challenging at the beginning. But people are now more comfortable with Zoom/Teams calls. They’ll switch on their cameras, share small talks before meetings and connect better over calls.”
“Good architecture can positively impact lives – but working here (at CapitaLand) can bring about a greater impact.”
While good architecture has the ability to positively impact lives, working in a real estate group allowed Htin to make more informed decisions that will also influence the design of a property.
“I get to talk to different stakeholders, from branding, to marketing, and operations teams; joining CapitaLand has allowed me to see the bigger picture and consider our work in a more holistic manner.”
When asked how his career is turning out so far, Htin shared almost immediately: “Fulfilling.”
We are featuring exciting young talents from CapitaLand's Graduate Development Programme this January!
Stay tuned for new stories and videos!