CEO Insights Magazine

Boasting over 22 years of prolific experience, David Lim is a highly accomplished corporate lawyer, renowned for his extensive expertise in the real estate sector. David's proficiency in real estate encompasses a wide spectrum of projects, including commercial and residential developments, township expansions, hospitality ventures, resort undertakings, mixed-use complexes, and industrial park initiatives. His adeptness extends to various facets within the sector, covering acquisitions, strategic investments, and private equity transactions. Commencing his professional journey as a litigator in a Malaysian law firm, David later transitioned to financial services, undertaking roles in restructuring and debt capital markets.

His bold and adventurous nature led him to Vietnam in 2003, where he embraced the challenges of a foreign legal landscape, transitioning from a major Malaysian firm to a smaller Vietnamese practice. This pivotal move marked the beginning of his immersion into the vibrant real estate industry, culminating in his elevation as a partner at Mayer Brown, a global legal powerhouse, and subsequently assuming leadership roles in law firms and regions across Southeast Asia.

In 2018, David Lim assumed the role of Director and Head of Legal at Hongkong Land Singapore, bringing his wealth of expertise and leadership skills to steer the legal operations within the South Asian landscape. His trajectory reflects a commitment to excellence, a penchant for innovation, and an adventurous spirit that continually propels him towards new horizons within the real estate and legal domains. Let’s hear more from him in this one on one interaction.

As the Director and Head of Legal, how do you recommend changes to the company’s policies and what are the ways you bring value to the business?

As the Director and Head of Legal, I redefine my role by offering strategic legal counsel that aligns with business objectives, identifying growth  opportunities, and mitigating risks. My focus extends to implementing innovative solutions, leveraging technology for efficiency, and fostering operational excellence. Collaboration across departments ensures seamless integration of legal insights. With expertise in global legal frameworks, I steer international expansion efforts while emphasizing team empowerment through mentorship and open communication. Proactive risk management and educational initiatives create a culture of foresight, accountability, and ethical conduct. Ultimately, my vision transcends conventional roles, aiming to drive innovation and serve as an adventurous leader in navigating the legal landscape.

You possess strong professional experience related to the real estate domain, how do you find your previous experiences beneficial in your current role?

My extensive tenure within Vietnam's rapidly evolving real estate sector has been profoundly influential in shaping my current role. The dynamic environment, marked by constant growth and change, offered invaluable lessons by encouraging continuous innovation and challenging established norms. Working on groundbreaking projects enabled me to impact and shape Vietnam's real estate landscape, fostering an environment where I learned to think innovatively and discard conventional approaches.

These experiences have endowed me with several advantages that greatly benefit my current position. Firstly, my in-depth industry knowledge grants a competitive edge, allowing informed decision-making. Moreover, the network I've cultivated over the years facilitates partnerships and provides access to vital resources. I've honed my skills in risk management, adeptly assessing and navigating through the complexities inherent in real estate ventures, thereby safeguarding our interests. My problem-solving abilities, nurtured through past challenges, enable me to overcome obstacles efficiently, ensuring project continuity. Embracing innovation and creativity, encouraged by prior roles, remains crucial for staying ahead in this competitive domain. Additionally, my leadership skills have been enhanced, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement within teams.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?

I prioritize establishing a shared vision that resonates with the team, providing direction and meaning to our collective efforts. Motivation is key; I aim to inspire and energize my team by celebrating successes, acknowledging efforts, and offering constructive feedback. Transparent communication channels build trust and encourage collaboration among team members, valuing diverse perspectives to enrich decision-making.

Empowering individuals through ownership, encouraging calculated risks and learning from experiences fosters growth. Adaptability and resilience are vital traits in navigating our dynamic environment. Leading by example, I uphold high standards in work ethic and ethics, expecting the same commitment from my team. An adventurous spirit in leadership involves exploring new approaches, taking calculated risks, and embracing innovation. Ultimately, my leadership style encapsulates purpose-driven guidance, open dialogue, collaborative efforts, empowerment, resilience, setting an example, and embracing a spirit of adventure. I aim to cultivate an environment where individuals flourish, feel valued, and realize their potential, motivated by the boundless possibilities achievable through a cohesive and inspired team.

In case of encountering a legal risk, how do you help the organization to overcome the situation?

When addressing legal risks, my approach is proactive and ethical, focused on comprehensive assessment and resolution. I swiftly evaluate the situation, gathering pertinent details to understand the risk fully. Next, I devise a mitigation plan outlining steps, responsibilities, and timelines. Transparent communication with stakeholders remains pivotal. Cooperation with regulatory bodies is ensured, and ethical conduct is emphasized throughout the process. Upholding our values as a responsible property developer, we navigate the situation while adhering to legal standards and ethical principles, fostering trust and compliance.

What is it that motivates you on a daily basis?

Empowering teams and nurturing talent is a daily commitment, understanding that remarkable achievements arise from exceptional teamwork and mentorship received from industry leaders. Continuous learning is a cornerstone, essential in the ever-evolving real estate field, driving me to seek knowledge through diverse channels, fostering adaptability. Witnessing the profound impact of property development on communities serves as a powerful source of inspiration, as projects transform lives, creating vibrant neighborhoods and enhancing quality of life.

A vision for the future propels me, excited by endless possibilities and our company's potential to set new industry standards and inspire positive change. My professional journey remains a constant source of inspiration, fueling my dedication to pushing boundaries, fostering innovation, and leaving a lasting impact in the property development sector. Each day, I strive to progress towards a future where our work embodies our ambition and commitment to excellence.   

David Lim, Director and Head, Hongkong Land Singapore

A leading corporate lawyer with significant experience in the real estate industry. In his more than 22 years’ of practice, David has worked with sovereign investment funds, fortune 500 companies, private equity funds and large multinationals.