BHG Retail REIT (BHG REIT) made history as the first pure-play Chinese-sponsored retail REIT to be listed on Singapore’s SGX mainboard on December 11, 2015. At the helm of this achievement is Chief Executive Officer Chan Iz-Lynn, who played a pivotal role in establishing the REIT Manager and spearheading its successful listing.
As the only REIT to debut on SGX in 2015, BHG REIT navigated uncharted territory, making critical decisions that positioned it as a key player in the market. Its success is attributed to a combination of factors: a reputable and financially strong sponsor group, a highly skilled property management and investment team, and a robust corporate governance culture. This strategic foundation enables BHG REIT to stay ahead of evolving Chinese consumer demands and consumption trends.
Excellence in Governance and Investor Relations
Corporate governance and transparency are at the core of BHG REIT’s operations. As the first Chinese-sponsored REIT in Singapore, the company has made a concerted effort to adhere to best practices in governance and investor relations. These efforts have been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the ‘Best Governed and Transparent Company (Silver)’ and the ‘Best Corporate Communications and Investor Relations (Platinum)’ at The Global Good Governance Awards™ 2021.
BHG REIT’s strong operational framework ensures seamless coordination between its China-based properties and its Singapore headquarters. The company maintains rigorous internal controls, risk management measures, and regular reporting structures to uphold its high standards of governance and performance.
Leadership and Vision of Chan Iz-Lynn
Chan Iz-Lynn brings a unique blend of academic and professional expertise to her leadership role. A Bachelor of Arts in English graduate from the United Kingdom, she further honed her strategic and management skills through the General Management Program at Harvard Business School. Her leadership journey was even highlighted in the Harvard Business School Case Study “Iz-Lynn at Far East Organization.”
As CEO, Chan’s leadership philosophy is rooted in inclusivity, strategic foresight, and operational precision. She focuses on assembling the right team, setting clear goals, and ensuring alignment across stakeholders. Recognizing that leadership styles evolve from personality, education, and experience, she values diverse perspectives, even when they challenge her own views.
Chan’s leadership approach emphasizes clarity and execution. She dedicates time to strategizing, prioritizing tasks, and identifying potential roadblocks. By clearly communicating key goals, milestones, resource constraints, and risk factors, she ensures that her team remains focused and effective.
Investing in Talent and Continuous Learning
A strong advocate of professional development, Chan encourages her employees to actively pursue training and development opportunities. BHG REIT collaborates with leading organizations such as KPMG, REITAS, SGX, and the Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) to provide specialized training in corporate governance, investment strategies, and industry best practices. This commitment to continuous learning strengthens the expertise and adaptability of the team.
Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility
BHG REIT is deeply invested in corporate social responsibility, actively supporting community initiatives in both Singapore and China. One of its recent collaborations was with ItsRainingRaincoats, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of migrant workers in Singapore. Through initiatives like these, BHG REIT reinforces its commitment to making a meaningful impact on the communities it serves.
Industry Recognition and Endorsements
Chan Iz-Lynn’s leadership and contributions to the REIT industry have earned her widespread recognition.
Shanggari Balakrishnan, CEO of MORS Group, describes her as a beacon for women executives, stating, from a Bachelor of Arts in English to the General Management Program at Harvard Business School, Chan Iz-Lynn is a beacon to women executives. Her understanding of the human condition, and her endeavors to understand, support, and challenge her team speak of her multi-faceted abilities, especially when balanced by her business acumen and pinpoint accuracy of her read of the markets in which she does business in.
Dr. Jayanthi Desan, Lead Jury of the ACES Awards, highlights Chan’s ability to thrive in a dynamic market, saying, In the fast-paced, volatile market that is the Chinese consumption pattern, it takes a person with a finger on the pulse of trends, an astute reader of global REIT patterns, and a savvy juggler of profit and people power to make a success of managing a REIT. Chan Iz-Lynn is one of the few who can show how it is done.
Through her strategic leadership, commitment to excellence, and dedication to fostering a strong corporate culture, Chan Iz-Lynn has positioned BHG REIT as a leader in the evolving landscape of retail REITs.
