OUE Commercial REIT’s CEO Han Khim Siew believes that team diversity is essential to delivering on the REIT’s targets. In real estate, adversity can be an opportunity. When Han Khim Siew joined OUE Commercial REIT (OUE C-REIT) in February 2022 as its Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the board of the manager, it was a trial by fire. Soon after his appointment, Russia invaded Ukraine. “Around the world, central banks were talking about or already raising interest rates, and the market was very volatile,” he recalls. “Adding to that, we also experienced a reshuffle of the team post COVID-19, where some senior management members chose to explore other opportunities. Likewise, catalysed by the Great Resignation, several employees from different levels decided to embark on new journeys.” Undeterred, he took the chance to revitalise the REIT, bringing in more diverse employees to support his vision to grow the firm, improving its capital structure and attracting higher-yielding corporate guests...