Meet the “Cool” CEO Who’s Rock‑Stepping Into Real Estate
Why does it feel like Desmond Sim is the kind of CEO you’d see at a music gig, not a boardroom? Twenty‑seven years of music1 and 23 years of real‑estate savvy make him a rare mix of swagger and brains.
From Drumming to Deal‑Making
- Co‑founder of the 90s indie‑pop cult Lilac Saints – hit “Wasting Time” roared into 12 Storeys.
- Real‑estate degree by day, drummer by night.
- Started at DBS Land as a valuer, then research, then JLL for a decade.
- Nine years at CBRE sharpened his negotiation chops.
The Youthful Wave: One of the Youngest CEOs in the Game
Desmond unseated Ong Choon Fah, one of the original Edmund Tie co‑founders. The company, rooted in Malaysia and Thailand, rolls out its 26th anniversary with new digital dreams.
Past Life: Paper Clips & Film Rolls
He remembers lugging clipboards, spare batteries, and a box of film. “Take three shots for every photo – if one burns, you still got the rest.” We can’t blame him, but the digital age saves the days.
Digital First: Why Bits Beat Blocks
- Overhauls data silos, slashing unnecessary steps.
- Real‑estate transactions churn out a mountain of data; digitising breaks the wall.
Beyond Sales: Building a Property Management Empire
Since 2017, Edmund Tie has brokered 23 redevelopment sites worth $4 B+. Yet Desmond is eyeing a bigger playground – property management, ESG, and climate‑smart automation.
Talent & Tech: Young Voices on the Plate
- Internships & work attachments for fresh grads.
- Millennial committee to steer decisions on tech and perks.
The Lifestyle of a “Cool” CEO
Inspired by Sir Alex Ferguson, Desmond doesn’t flaunt a revolution – he smooths the path: “S stands for small, ME for mature experience.” He simply offers a shared vision, letting the team shine.
“I’m not a disruptor, I’m a connector.”
So, there you have it – a drummer turned property mastermind who keeps the vibe fresh yet steady. A CEO who’s part bass line, part business, and all cool.
1 Lilac Saints, the 90s indie‑pop band that still echoes in modern Malaysian nostalgia.
