Cheng Su Chen FRICS: A veteran's vision in transforming facilities management

Su Chen is the Senior Advisor at C&W Services (S) Pte Ltd.  Prior to this, she was the Group Managing Director, Facilities Management at C&W Services and has over 40 years of industry experience in property and facilities management (FM), including marketing and leasing of real estate assets. Su Chen is also a member of the RICS Southeast Asia Board.

Recently, RICS caught up with Su Chen to discuss the evolution of FM during her career – gaining valuable insight into a dynamic and ever-changing sector in the profession.

A journey of transformative change

Su Chen has witnessed and actively driven substantial evolution within facilities management, emphasising the critical shift towards technology. "We've moved towards a tech-driven approach, which is essential for modern facilities management," she notes, highlighting the transition to smarter, more sustainable practices. Her career, spanning over four decades, reflects a dynamic adaptation to industry advancements and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Leadership rooted in empowerment and collaboration

Su Chen champions teamwork and a positive outlook. "Combining our strengths and maintaining positivity allows us to efficiently tackle challenges," she reflects, demonstrating her belief in collective effort to address industry complexities.

Her leadership style is deeply rooted in empowerment and collaboration. Her award-winning service in public real estate management, recognised with the Commendation Medal (Pingat Kepujian), and the mention by former Deputy Prime Minister Professor S. Jayakumar, who described her as a “savvy and plucky” civil servant in his 2020 book "Governing: A Singapore Perspective," highlight her exemplary leadership and dedication.

RICS: enhancing professional standards and industry engagement

As a member of the RICS Southeast Asia Board, Su Chen has been instrumental in enhancing the organisation's regional impact.

"RICS plays a key role in upholding professional standards and fostering industry growth," she states. Her proactive involvement includes engaging with local authorities to shape the development of facilities management practices, ensuring they align with both local needs and global standards.

Championing technology and innovation

A visionary in technology adoption, Su Chen advocates for the integration of advanced technologies in facilities management. She foresees a significant shift towards AI and robotics.

"We're heading towards less on-site staffing as roles become more technology-driven," she predicts, stressing the importance of professional adaptability. By being among the first in the industry to implement IoT sensors and integrated platforms for building performance tracking, Su Chen has positioned herself at the forefront of technological innovation in the sector.

Sustainability as a core objective

Su Chen is a passionate advocate for sustainable practices, recognising the pivotal role of facilities management in environmental conservation. "Focusing on energy efficiency and sustainable practices not only saves costs but also reduces our environmental impact," she asserts.

She is particularly supportive of the Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA), emphasising its critical role in promoting sustainability throughout the lifecycle of building projects.

"WLCA is vital for our future, ensuring we consider the full environmental impact of our built environment," she highlights. Her involvement in the Industry Advisory Committee of Singapore Institute of Technology's Bachelor and Master programs in Sustainable Built Environment underscores her commitment to shaping the future of sustainability in the industry.

A legacy of mentorship and continued engagement

Looking forward, Su Chen remains dedicated to mentoring future professionals and deepening her educational involvement. "Stay humble, keep learning, and embrace the latest in technology," she advises, underlining the need for continuous development and a positive mindset.

Her legacy is one of not only professional excellence but also of fostering the next generation of industry leaders. Su Chen's journey is a compelling narrative of leadership, innovation, and dedication, offering invaluable guidance for both current and aspiring facilities management professionals.