Nina's Advice to Her Younger Self
If you could write to your younger self, what would you say?
We asked our Group Chief Development Officer, Ms Nina Yang, to reflect on the path she has taken across disciplines, sectors, and geographies, and the advice she would offer to her younger self, not just in her professional life, but in the way she sees her role and purpose today.
Every Leap Forward Begins with Relearning
Leaving familiar ground is never easy, yet it has shaped my entire career. I began in architecture, moved into urban planning and water-sensitive urban design, and later explored master development and real estate investment. Each transition came with a steep learning curve and often the discomfort of uncertainty. I also ventured beyond Singapore, working in places as varied as China, Vietnam, Myanmar, India, Dubai, Australia and Kazakhstan. These moves were not always planned, but they broadened my worldview in ways I could never have anticipated.
What helped most was approaching every shift with curiosity and a readiness to relearn. I became a certified planner, studied environmental engineering, and later gained the perspective of a financial analyst, fund manager and developer during my time at Ascendas-Singbridge. More recently, I have continued to pursue courses in ESG financing and real estate strategy. The world is evolving, and so must we. Adaptability is not just an advantage, it is a professional responsibility.
Think Beyond Your Specialty
The challenges we face today rarely fall within the boundaries of a single discipline. Whether it is city-making, climate resilience or cross-border investment, success often depends on how well we can integrate different types of expertise.
I have learned that it is not enough to excel within one field. We must also develop a working understanding of adjacent domains such as finance, policy, social dynamics, construction, asset management. These are not isolated phases as these are deeply interconnected decisions that influence one another throughout the life cycle of a project.
It is this systems-based approach that has helped me navigate complex projects and lead diverse teams.
Bridging the Gap
Many professionals are taught how to manage a practice, but fewer are trained to run a business. There is a difference. Practice is often about delivering good work within a defined scope. Business, on the other hand, requires us to think about long-term value, organisational sustainability, and relevance in a shifting market.
This is a gap I continue to observe across the industry. Bridging it means expanding one’s skillset, but also reframing what success looks like. It is not just about completing a project well, but about understanding the broader economic, strategic and societal forces at play.
Purpose Through Knowledge
I find meaning in supporting others while contributing to the organisation, serving on professional and public boards, teaching at NUS, and mentoring younger professionals. These roles extend my work, allowing me to share insights and create space for others to grow.
Leadership is not only about decisions or results, but about guiding and empowering others. Staying engaged in these roles keeps me grounded and reminds me that true progress is reflected in the growth of others.