Special Feature

Raymond Giam: From school dropout to NUS honours graduate to millionaire realtor and investor

June 9, 2023 3:00 PM SGT

Raymond Giam has charted a path, unlike others, from being a polytechnic dropout to becoming one of the property industry’s top agents

Meeting Raymond Giam, it is hard not to be impressed. Friendly and courteous, the PropNex Realty agent has a down-to-earth quality that makes him easy to speak to. Given his warm and unpretentious demeanour, it may be easy to forget that Giam is one of the agency industry’s top achievers. His numerous accolades demonstrate a track record that sets him apart from his peers: He is a multiple PropNex Millionaire award winner as well as a repeat Super Platinum achiever (a title bestowed to PropNex agents that earn over $250,000 in commissions in a month).

He is recognised as a top producer at PropNex, placing him in the elite tier among the agency’s roughly 12,000 agents. A search of the agency’s database shows Giam has transacted over 200 sales in the last decade, garnering nearly $4 million in commissions.

Giam’s stellar career is remarkable, given his humble upbringing as the son of hawker-stall owners. "I helped my parents run their food stall from a very young age,” he adds. Working from a young age helped to instil discipline and a strong work ethic and “made me value integrity and hard work.”

That is not to say Giam did not face his fair share of challenges. Growing up, he had not been academically inclined, and as a teenager, he had to drop out of school where he was pursuing a polytechnic diploma as he had different priorities at the time.

Giam speaking at a seminar held at PropNex headquarters

The event was a wake-up call for Giam. "I didn’t come from a privileged background, so I didn’t have a safety net I could fall back on. It pushed me to become more focused and driven,” he says. While doing his national service, he pursued his A-Levels as a private candidate. Instead of enrolling in a private education institution or receiving tuition, Giam opted to study independently through self-directed learning. He surpassed all expectations when he passed his exams and qualified to enter the National University of Singapore (NUS), where he obtained a degree with honours in political science and public administration. Giam also made the dean’s list during his time at NUS in recognition of his excellent academic performance.

Since then, Giam has carved a diverse career, holding roles in public and private sectors, including MNCs, statutory boards, and non-profit organisations, before eventually joining the property industry about 15 years ago.

His experience across various backgrounds has given him a strong advantage in his work as a realtor, as it allows him to understand the different drivers that impact the market and the various considerations of his clients today, many of whom are working professionals and executives. It also allows him to easily handle the dynamics of liaising and coordinating with different parties.

After studying for his A-Levels as a private candidate, Giam qualified to enter the National University of Singapore, where he graduated with a degree (with honours) in political science and public administration

Research-driven approach

Most of Giam’s clients are repeat customers or those referred from existing ones. Many of them have worked with him for years, entrusting him with their ongoing property journeys, whether for asset progression or to optimise their wealth and portfolio. When asked why he thinks clients have stuck with him, Giam takes a moment to reflect, then replies: “I believe it’s because I uphold the trust they place in me.”

Accompanying this philosophy is an analytical approach that drives his advice and recommendations. Through harnessing data, Giam deep dives into market trends and movements impacting his clients’ property decision-making. He also takes a long-term view, factoring in considerations that may not be apparent offhand but could have significant implications in the longer run.

Giam has been able to help his clients to avoid costly mistakes while reaping substantial benefits by identifying opportunities. One example is his recommendation to a client to purchase a property at Pullman Residences Newton, despite the perceived high entry price point of about $2,700 psf.

Giam speaking at a property seminar where he demonstrated some of his research-based solutions with fellow PropNex agents

Despite that initial scepticism, Giam’s analysis and advice proved to pay off for his client. Since its launch in 2019, psf prices at the development have reached record highs of around $3,500 psf, netting Giam’s client a healthy appreciation in their property’s value.

Conversely, he prevents his clients from making potentially poor investment decisions, such as purchasing new launches hyped up in the market but a bad fit for their property or investment goals. Giam's fundamental objective is to obtain what’s best for his clients, not merely to close a deal.

His research-driven approach has garnered him a staunchly loyal network of clients who appreciate his insights and analysis. In addition, Giam's methods have also afforded him recognition among his peers. He is frequently invited by PropNex management and colleagues to provide seminars and training sessions to consumers and agents, sharing his know-how and expertise.

Using a research-driven approach, Giam is able to help his clients avoid costly mistakes and seize the right opportunities

Leveraging investor perspective and knowledge network

Besides having the technical skills and expertise to assist his clients, Giam has another key advantage: He has compiled an impressive investment property portfolio by applying his research methods and analysis. Last year, he purchased two properties — an industrial asset and a shophouse, which boast 6% and 7% rental yields. He is currently searching for a fourth property to add to his portfolio.

Managing his investments affords Giam better insight into the considerations of his clients when making decisions on their portfolios. On top of that, it pushes him to constantly learn more and stay up-to-date with new strategies and opportunities.

That mindset of constantly improving permeates all areas of Giam’s life, even outside his direct line of work. He is involved in many extracurricular activities, from trading options and tweaking picks in his stock portfolio to hosting and attending various events for his church community and fellow NUS alums.

He is also a member of a “mastermind group”, a network of property investors he has gotten to know over the years. Comprising professionals, including economists, university lecturers, bankers, and finance professionals, the group meets periodically to share views and bounce ideas. “It’s a valuable network where we can knowledge-share and discuss what’s in the market,” he says.

While all these activities keep Giam busy, he sees them as a vital part of his personal growth and development, which translates to better quality service for his clients.

Giam conducting a talk at an event hosted by PropNex executive director Kelvin Fong

Grateful for trust

As Giam continues to grow and scale new heights, he never forgets the journey that has brought him to where he is today. “I attribute all my success to God,” he says. The recognition of his blessings compels him to actively participate in charity work, with Giam often leveraging his speaking engagements to fundraise for worthy causes.

He is grateful for the trust and support of his family and colleagues, including the management team at PropNex. Last year, Giam was named a PropNex Ambassador, honouring 10 years of impeccable service at the agency. “I’ve been with PropNex for over a decade now, primarily because I feel we share the same values,” he says, adding that the agency’s culture of sharing has helped propel his journey.

Ultimately, Giam is grateful to the clients who have trusted him. “It's truly a privilege to help people find their dream homes, and I'm honoured to be in this position.”

For more information,

Contact Giam Kee Ching (Raymond Giam) | 90678042

Associate Group Director (R014538Z)

PropNex Realty Pte Ltd

https://raymondgiam.com/

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