_Celebrating the women who shape Knight Frank: International Women's Day 2025
Our theme, "Forward Together: Accelerating Action in Real Estate," emphasizes our dedication to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment that empowers all individuals and promotes greater diversity in leadership. We showcase women across Knight Frank Asia-Pacific who excel professionally while creating spaces where others can flourish alongside them. Through their experiences, we see what becomes possible when talent meets opportunity in a culture that values every voice.
We are honoured to introduce several exceptional leaders who embody this spirit of moving forward together, including Aparna Premnath, Duangjai Jaibunjong, Eva Leung, Lucia Monica, Maureen Garcia, Rhiana Weller, Ruby Sim, Sarah Kwon, Satya Rakappan, Rothlinin Sok, Stacy Chiang, Suzie Wigglesworth, Tuyen Huynh, and Winnie Lim.
Join us as we share their stories and celebrate their impact.
Aparna Premnath – Director, Occupier Strategy and Solutions, India
Sometimes the most impactful careers begin with a chance encounter. For Aparna Premnath, what started as an impromptu office visit in 2012 after relocating from Singapore to Bangalore became a transformative 13-year journey.
What sets Aparna's leadership approach apart is her emphasis on authenticity and relationship-building. "Being able to work with a diverse set of people seamlessly is an underrated and overlooked skill that one needs to possess for sustained success," she reflects.
Her strategy centers on patient and resilient follow-up for effective business development, building genuine long-term client relationships, focusing on team complementarity rather than competition, and maintaining meticulous attention to detail on every transaction. These principles have contributed to the vertical growth of Knight Frank's Bangalore office leasing division under her leadership.
Looking ahead, Aparna envisions significant opportunities for women in real estate leadership. "The future of real estate will be influenced by work trends, technological advancements, and changing economic dynamics. Women bring a fresh perspective and a human element to decision-making," she emphasises.
Read the full story here.
Duangjai Jaibunjong - Senior Operations Manager, Property Management, Thailand
In her nearly three years with Knight Frank Thailand, Duangjai Jaibunjong has established herself as a vital operational leader, progressing from building manager to her current role as Senior Operations Manager in Property Management.
When addressing gender equality in the industry, Duangjai is direct and focused: "More women in leadership and decision-making. Women must be given the opportunity to lead." For the future, Duangjai envisions creating "a learning culture where all female employees feel free to ask questions and make mistakes." This perspective reflects her own experience overcoming challenges through continuous learning and knowledge exchange.
"To overcome, I have to keep up with social situations and news. Exchange knowledge with others," she explains, highlighting how staying informed has helped her provide proactive solutions to clients.
Eva Leung – Manager, Office Administration, Hong Kong SAR
When Eva Leung witnessed trail runners conquering Hong Kong's mountain paths in 2021, their determined strides sparked something within her. "They looked so cool, and I wanted to be like them," she recalls. What began as admiration quickly evolved into action, leading to finishes in ultra-marathons—a remarkable achievement that exemplifies her belief that "neither gender nor age should limit our dreams and aspirations."
Eva's journey reveals the transformative power of embracing challenges and evolving one's approach. "I kept going and refused to give up easily as I didn't want to squander my training effort," she shares of early races. Yet her breakthrough came when she shifted focus: "Recently, I tried a new strategy. Instead of focusing on my time, I stay relaxed and enjoy the journey." During her latest 100km race in Chiang Mai, "I didn't even glance at my watch. I embraced the beauty of the trails around me and even smiled at the camera!" This mindset shift led to a fourth-place finish and reflects her philosophy toward athletic and professional challenges: "Everyone has weaknesses. The key is to embrace the journey of continuous growth."
With her sights set on the legendary UTMB Mont Blanc—a grueling 171-kilometer challenge across three countries—Eva embodies forward momentum in her personal and professional life.
Read the full story here.
Lucia Monica – Manager, Valuation, Indonesia
Throughout her eight-year journey with Knight Frank Indonesia, Lucia Monica has helped countless clients unlock their properties' maximum value while transforming industry challenges into strategic advantages."By recognising and capitalising female inherent strengths, the ability to multitask and strong work ethic have given me an edge in mastering the complexities in this industry," she explains.
Looking toward the future, Lucia envisions creating "a welcoming environment which not only supports cooperation but also drives active changes." Her approach to accelerating gender equality is multifaceted: "actively recruiting and promoting capable and enthusiastic women in the industry, providing mentorship opportunities and further education to enhance proficiency while also fostering inclusive workplace culture." Through her leadership and commitment to both professional excellence and inclusivity, Lucia exemplifies how valuing diverse perspectives strengthens Knight Frank's position in Indonesia's dynamic property market.
Maureen Garcia - Associate Director, Property Management, Philippines
With nearly six years at Santos Knight Frank Philippines, Maureen Garcia has established herself in property management and business development, excelling in a traditionally male industry.
"When I was in Property Management Operations, I often heard that it was a 'masculine' job," Maureen reflects. "Taking on this responsibility was intimidating at first, especially as I am not an engineer by profession." Despite these challenges, she persevered with support from her team and guidance from mentors. "I believe we can overcome these challenges as long as we are willing to accelerate our growth and embrace our place in this industry."
Maureen envisions a more inclusive environment through targeted initiatives that build confidence and create opportunities. "Implement more training programs designed to boost women's confidence through participation and involvement in networking events," she suggests.
Her approach to leadership and inclusion centers on gaining deeper industry insights: "Allowing myself to gain a deeper understanding on how our company contributes and evolves within the industry will help us move forward with confidence, ensuring we approach progress and success without any gender bias."
Rhiana Weller - Senior Executive, Office Leasing, Australia
When Rhiana Weller joined Knight Frank's North Sydney Office Leasing team in 2022, she brought valuable leasing experience from Sydney's North Shore markets and a healthy dose of curiosity. "Coming out of the last of Covid restrictions, my initial thought surrounding commercial buildings was, 'Does anyone even go to the office these days?'" she recalls. That initial conversation has since evolved into a fulfilling career path and a platform for meaningful change.
Knight Frank's commitment to gender diversity initially attracted Rhianna, noting the company's gender-diverse Executive Committee and status, at the time, as the only Commercial Real Estate industry-certified Work180 employer. Still, she recognises opportunities for improvement. "We could help break down barriers by opening up dialogue between our current female agents and prospective candidates," she suggests, highlighting the power of authentic conversation in creating change.
Looking ahead, Rhianna envisions creating an informal network that connects women across the firm "One thing I wished we had when I started is an informal network to help new women connect with women in leadership positions and emerging leaders," she shares.
Ruby Sim - Head, Operations Excellence, Corporate Services, Singapore
Since joining Knight Frank Singapore on Valentine's Day in 2019, Ruby Sim has established herself as a multifaceted leader. Her approach to accelerating gender equality in the workplace emphasises structural change through strategic partnerships.
"Partner with organisations to share best practices and learn from each other's experiences, while enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against any form of harassment," she suggests, highlighting the importance of creating supportive infrastructure for women. Her vision includes "establishing a strong culture of inclusivity by pairing senior female leaders with high-potential female employees and engaging male leaders to actively advocate for equitable practices."
Throughout her career, Ruby has faced challenges including imposter syndrome and gender bias, yet she has persevered through professional development and personal resilience. "My personal resilience and perseverance have been key in overcoming setbacks," she reflects, "reinforcing the belief that persistence leads to success."
Sarah Kwon - Senior Manager, Corporate Management, Korea
Over her six-year tenure at Knight Frank Korea, Sarah Kwon has skillfully evolved from the Corporate Services team to her current role as Senior Manager in Corporate Management, where she oversees HR and training initiatives. Her professional journey carries added significance as she began her Knight Frank career with five-month-old twins at home—a living testament to the work-life balance she now advocates for colleagues.
"For gender equality to progress, companies should acknowledge and support the different life cycles of men and women," Sarah explains, highlighting the importance of flexible work arrangements in creating truly inclusive workplaces. As a mother of three, she brings lived experience to this perspective. "The biggest challenge has been balancing work and family life," she shares. "However, Knight Frank has been very supportive by offering flexible work options and understanding my personal needs."
Looking ahead, Sarah aims to leverage her position to advocate for more flexible work environments and continuous professional development opportunities, particularly for working mothers. "I want to be a good example, showing that it's possible to balance both while advancing in a career, and support other colleagues facing similar challenges," she says.
Satya Rakappan - Residential Marketing Lead, Asia-Pacific
As Marketing and Communications Manager for Knight Frank's Residential Service Line across Asia-Pacific, Satya Rakappan has spent nearly three years elevating the brand's residential offerings throughout the region. Her journey reflects both personal growth and a vision for industry transformation.
"Early in my career, I faced imposter syndrome and pressure to conform to leadership styles that didn't align with my authentic self," Satya reflects. The turning point came through mentorship from Knight Frank leaders who encouraged her collaborative, empathetic approach. "I've been fortunate to receive incredible mentorship from both male and female leaders who empowered me to lead with confidence, integrity, and authenticity."
Looking toward the future, Satya believes progress requires moving beyond basic representation toward ensuring "women have equal access to mentorship and leadership opportunities across all departments and geographies." Her vision includes workshops addressing unconscious bias, diverse mentorship programs, and stronger work-life balance policies. Through her commitment to creating spaces "where diverse voices are not only heard but valued," Satya exemplifies how Knight Frank is moving the industry forward together.
Sok Rothlinin - Assistant Manager, Occupier Strategy and Solutions, Cambodia
Rothlinin Sok has spent three years building her expertise while quietly reshaping perceptions of women's leadership in Cambodia’s real estate industry.
"To speed up gender equality, we need more mentorship, leadership opportunities for women, and a workplace that values everyone equally," Rothlinin explains.
Looking ahead, Rothlinin envisions implementing leadership programs, flexible work policies, and networking opportunities specifically designed to support women in real estate. These initiatives reflect lessons from her own journey, where "earning respect was a challenge, but mentorship and support from my team helped me grow." Through her balanced perspective and focus on creating tangible opportunities, Rothlinin exemplifies Knight Frank's commitment to developing diverse leadership talent across its global network.
Stacy Chiang - Director of Consultancy and Research, Taiwan
Stacy Chaing’s approach to accelerating gender equality in the workplace centers on cultivating an environment where diversity thrives organically. She advocates "fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment that promotes diversity and inclusiveness " while actively demonstrating these principles in her daily work. Stacy's forward-thinking initiatives include "ensuring more female candidates in the recruitment process and eliminating potential gender biases, implementing flexible working hours, and conducting regular gender equality training to raise awareness."
Throughout her career, Stacy has skillfully managed the delicate balance between professional ambition and personal life. "The company's commitment to equal opportunities and resources, combined with my colleagues' unwavering support, has been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges," she reflects. This foundation has not only enabled her advancement but strengthened her dedication to creating pathways for other women in real estate.
Suzie Wigglesworth - National Director, Projects, New Zealand
Since 2017, Suzie Wigglesworth has headed the Residential Projects team at Bayleys, where she partners with developers to optimise residential development assets through project management and consultancy. As a team leader and executive committee member, she brings a distinctive perspective to an industry traditionally dominated by male voices.
"I think it's all about empowering females to have a voice in the industry, celebrating their achievements, and encouraging their progression by ensuring they have the appropriate support and mentorship," Suzie explains.
Her leadership philosophy has manifested in tangible results—her Projects team includes more women than men, a rarity in real estate. "Being a female leader myself, I attract other females within the industry to reach out for mentorship and guidance which is something I feel privileged to provide."
Her path to success offers valuable insights for aspiring leaders: "It was difficult in the beginning, for sure. However, determination, hard work, and not being afraid to speak up are what have helped me to get to where I am today."
Tuyen Huynh - Director - Head of Valuation & Research, Vietnam
Growing up in rural Vietnam where traditional roles often limited women's opportunities, Tuyen Huynh's path was forever changed by her mother's revolutionary mindset. "The only chance for me to be where I am today was my mother's support and guidance in pursuing education," reflects Tuyen, now Director of Valuations and Advisory at Knight Frank Vietnam. Her journey exemplifies how early support can transform trajectories and break generational patterns.
With over a decade of experience, Tuyen has witnessed significant transformation in Vietnam's property sector, particularly for women in leadership. "The number of women in leadership positions has improved significantly compared to ten years ago," she observes. As a mother of two young sons, she particularly champions flexible working arrangements as a game-changer that enables women to maintain careers while managing family responsibilities—something traditionally difficult in Vietnamese society.
Her advice for aspiring women leaders resonates with practical wisdom: "Build your soft skills and confidence every day. Take on challenging jobs, step out of your comfort zone, and learn from every experience. These small actions create a profound impact."
Read the full story here.
Winnie Lim - Executive Director, Property Management, Malaysia
With a 14-year journey with Knight Frank, Winnie Lim has emerged as a transformative leader in Malaysia's commercial property management landscape. In her role, Winnie oversees an extensive portfolio spanning the Klang Valley, Sabah, and Sarawak, focusing on creating spaces "where businesses thrive, where tenants feel valued, and where operational excellence drives asset value."
For Winnie, accelerating gender equality requires bold, intentional action beyond mere conversation. "Gender equality isn't just a talking point—it's something we need to actively work toward," she emphasises. Her approach encompasses multiple dimensions, from creating genuine leadership opportunities for women to fostering inclusive workplace cultures, implementing flexible work arrangements, and establishing fair hiring practices. "Equality isn't something that will happen naturally over time—we must push for it, challenge outdated norms, and make it a priority in everything we do."
Looking ahead, Winnie envisions initiatives to create lasting change including expanding mentorship programs, ensuring equal career advancement opportunities, normalising flexible work environments, and supporting women returning to work after career breaks. "Creating an inclusive industry isn't just about supporting women—it's about breaking down systemic barriers, shifting mindsets, and ensuring the next generation of female leaders have everything they need to succeed," she reflects.