From Law to Lifestyle Leadership — A Journey of Foresight, Resilience, and Reinvention
When people think of Singapore’s retail and lifestyle transformation over the last two decades, few names resonate as profoundly as Sulian Tan-Wijaya, the Executive Director of Retail & Lifestyle at Savills Singapore. A dynamic professional who began her career in law before venturing into banking, hospitality, and eventually real estate, Sulian’s journey epitomizes adaptability, intuition, and fearless entrepreneurship.
From her early days managing corporate portfolios in Indonesia to spearheading high-impact retail developments in Singapore, Sulian has consistently redefined what it means to lead with both vision and verve. Today, she stands as a trailblazer in an ever-evolving industry, one that demands not just strategic precision but also creativity, resilience, and cultural intelligence.
A Career Built on Courage and Curiosity
Sulian’s story begins not in the corridors of real estate, but in the lecture halls of the National University of Singapore, where she graduated with a Law degree before being called to the Bar. Yet, even then, her ambitions were never confined to the courtroom. “I chose a career in banking,” she recalls, “and spent my early career as a corporate banker with an international bank in Indonesia.”
Those formative years in finance provided her with a robust foundation in negotiation, deal-making, and cross-cultural management. After a decade abroad, she returned home to Singapore, bringing with her a unique blend of analytical thinking and global sensibility. Her next steps took her into the hospitality sector, followed by a pivotal role in a real estate group that owned multiple landmark buildings, including a shopping mall and office towers in Orchard Road and the Central Business District.
Her involvement in major acquisitions including the due diligence for a one-third stake in another iconic Orchard Road property sharpened her acumen and expanded her understanding of the complex interplay between property, business strategy, and consumer behavior.
It was during this period that Sulian began to see retail not just as a business, but as a cultural and social experience one that could define a city’s identity and lifestyle.
Shaping Singapore’s Tourism and Retail Landscape
Sulian’s transition into the public sector came when she joined the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), where she headed the Tourism Shopping Division, a vital segment that at the time contributed nearly 50% of total tourism receipts.
Her work at STB honed her ability to align commercial vision with national policy. “Tourism shopping was a major economic driver,” she notes. “Our goal was to make Singapore a premier retail destination while maintaining its distinctive cultural vibrancy.”
Her tenure at STB also reinforced her belief that the future of retail would always depend on collaboration between government agencies, property owners, and global brands. After three and a half years, however, the entrepreneurial spirit that had driven her since the start began to stir again. “I longed to return to the private sector,” she says. “It was more suited to my free-spirited nature and entrepreneurial inclinations.”
Building Marina Bay’s Lifestyle Legacy
That opportunity came when Sinoland, a Hong Kong property giant, appointed her as General Manager of its landmark Fullerton Heritage development along Marina Bay.
At the time, the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort was still under construction, and the surrounding area was a canvas of cranes and dust. Yet, Sulian saw what few others did: a future urban icon. “I was already envisioning a stunning waterfront precinct surrounded by a blend of modern skyscrapers and beautiful heritage buildings,” she says.
Her foresight proved prophetic. Today, Marina Bay stands as one of Singapore’s most globally recognizable destinations a showcase of world-class architecture, cultural experiences, and lifestyle excellence. “It’s a place that defines the modern Singapore story — where heritage meets innovation,” she reflects.
The Savills Chapter: Building a Retail Business from the Ground Up
Sulian’s next career leap would not just test her mettle, it would cement her legacy. When the UK-listed real estate consultancy Savills approached her to establish their Retail & Lifestyle division in Singapore, she faced a formidable challenge: starting from scratch.
“With only a desk and a laptop, I built the business from the ground up, one deal and one project at a time,” she recalls. That was 17 years ago. Today, Savills Singapore’s Retail & Lifestyle arm stands as one of the most respected and dynamic teams in the region, with a portfolio that includes some of the most high-profile retail leases and lifestyle developments in Asia.
Sulian attributes her success to persistence, intuition, and relentless adaptability. “The retail and lifestyle business is in a constant state of rapid evolution and disruption,” she explains. “Even in the best of times, we must constantly reinvent ourselves.”
Indeed, few industries have faced such seismic shifts as retail from the rise of e-commerce to the global pandemic. “I’ve seen great brands grow exponentially, only to be disrupted by online shopping,” she reflects. “When COVID-19 struck, many retailers either consolidated or disappeared. If I didn’t adapt to the market disruptions and new trends, I wouldn’t have lasted in this industry.”
Staying Ahead in a Fast-Changing World
For Sulian, adaptability is both an instinct and a discipline. “It helps that I genuinely have an interest in pop culture, new lifestyle trends, and retail concepts,” she says. Her weekends often involve exploring new shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences — but not merely for leisure. “While I’m out with friends or family, half the time I’m thinking about how I could create business opportunities from new trends,” she laughs.
Her dedication to staying ahead of the curve reflects her belief that innovation begins with curiosity and that great ideas can emerge from anywhere, even a casual café or a music playlist.
A Culture of Creativity and Connection
Under Sulian’s leadership, Savills’ Retail & Lifestyle division thrives on creativity, agility, and authenticity. She credits her company’s culture for giving her the freedom to innovate. “My bosses have always been supportive,” she says. “That flexibility allows me to engage fully with trend-setters, taste-makers, and creative minds who shape the industries I work with.”
This unconventional approach extends to her personal style. “It’s normal to see me dressed in street fashion on a typical workday,” she says, smiling. “It helps me resonate with clients from F&B and entertainment sectors, people who are constantly reinventing culture.”
This deep connection with the creative community has helped her close some of the most notable retail deals in Singapore’s history from flagship fashion stores and clubs to experiential dining destinations.
Leadership with Empathy and Evolution
Sulian’s leadership philosophy has evolved alongside the workforce itself. “When I was managing Millennials, they insisted on calling me ‘boss’ even though we hung out together at events and achieved great success as a team,” she recalls. “They were tough, motivated, and full of hustle.”
But the pandemic brought a new generation and new expectations. “The Gen Z workforce values work-life balance and mental well-being,” she says. “As leaders, we must respect their boundaries and empathize with their anxieties, especially since many started their careers during a time of socio-economic uncertainty.”
Her leadership inspiration also comes from her years working in UK firms. “There’s a high level of trust and respect,” she notes. “They focus on collaboration rather than office politics, which can be so demoralizing.” For Sulian, effective leadership today is not about hierarchy — it’s about building trust, nurturing creativity, and empowering others to thrive.
Landmark Collaborations and Industry Milestones
Throughout her career, Sulian has orchestrated some of Singapore’s most high-profile retail deals. Among them, she highlights two particularly memorable projects.
The first was the 18,000 sq. ft. Abercrombie & Fitch flagship store on Orchard Road in 2011 — a landmark collaboration with her Hong Kong colleague Nick Bradstreet. A decade later, the same duo leased the same space to Adidas for their Global Brand Center. “That deal was especially meaningful,” Sulian shares, “because it was negotiated and concluded during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when retail was the hardest hit.”
With travel restrictions in place, the entire negotiation process unfolded virtually via video meetings across different cities, a milestone that demonstrated the resilience of both the industry and the professionals driving it. “It proved that large, complex deals could still be concluded without face-to-face meetings,” she notes. “That was a defining moment for me.”
Lessons in Leadership and Resilience
For Sulian, success has never been linear, rather it’s been shaped by hard-won lessons and moments of humility. “The most painful mistakes I’ve made are when I hesitated to work on a project because I was too cautious,” she admits. “In my business, speed is everything. Sometimes it’s better to trust your instincts and not overthink.”
She adds, “With the retail landscape evolving faster than ever, I’ve learned not to fear rejection and not to over-analyze. Opportunities can disappear in the blink of an eye.”
This pragmatic wisdom underscores her resilience, a quality that has enabled her not only to survive but to thrive through economic cycles, industry disruptions, and technological transformations.
Beyond Business: A Passion for Music and Family
Despite her demanding schedule, Sulian remains deeply committed to her family and personal passions. “Work-life balance is not something I excel in,” she admits candidly. “My business is all about retail, F&B, and lifestyle, so even when I’m out relaxing, my mind often drifts back to work.”
Yet, music provides her with a creative escape. A DJ since her university days, Sulian has performed in some of Singapore’s most exciting venues. “Although I’ve stopped performing live, I still love discovering new songs and curating playlists wherever I go,” she says. It’s a reminder that creativity, rhythm, and reinvention flow through every part of her life.
New Frontiers: Sustainability and the Carbon Economy
In addition to her appointment at Savills, Sulian has recently embarked on a new journey one that bridges her business acumen with a global purpose. She has joined Treasure Carbon as an Advisor for their Singapore business, a pioneering company in the carbon credits and sustainability sector headquartered in Shanghai.
Treasure Carbon focuses on four key areas:
- Carbon Credit Project Development initiatives in reforestation, renewable energy, waste management, and methane avoidance.
- Carbon Asset Management & Trading helping corporations and governments participate in carbon markets.
- Green Finance Solutions developing innovative instruments like Carbon Asset-Backed Securities (CABS) to fund climate-positive projects.
- Net-Zero & Sustainability Consulting advising clients on emissions reduction and ESG compliance.
“It’s a very steep learning curve,” Sulian admits, “but it’s also incredibly exciting. Sustainability is the next frontier of business, and I want to be part of shaping that future.”
Her involvement in this space underscores her belief that true leadership lies in continuous learning and purpose-driven action.
A Lasting Legacy: Shaping the Future of Retail and Beyond
Looking back on her 17 years with Savills, Sulian remains as inspired as ever by Singapore’s potential. “I’ve spent my career bringing new and exciting retail concepts into Singapore,” she reflects. “With growing competition from regional neighbors, I hope to inspire more professionals to keep pushing boundaries to make Singapore a fun, vibrant, and innovative city.”
Her expanding role in sustainability also points toward a broader legacy one that blends commerce with conscience. “With my involvement in the carbon business, I hope to contribute meaningfully to sustainability efforts in Singapore and the region,” she says.
Sulian Tan-Wijaya’s journey is far from over, but her impact is already indelible. Whether she’s closing landmark deals, curating playlists, or pioneering carbon initiatives, she embodies the spirit of modern leadership: visionary, curious, and courageously human.
In a world where industries are constantly disrupted, Sulian stands as proof that adaptability is not merely a skill, it’s a way of life.
