Recounting her decision to join Link 12 years ago, Director (Asset Management – Hong Kong) Peionie Kong said, “Having spent my childhood years in public housing estates, I thought I could put my intimate knowledge of those malls and my industry experience to good use here. It was purely out of a desire to contribute to the Hong Kong community by enhancing the privatised commercial property portfolio.”

Apart from overseeing the leasing of the Hong Kong portfolio, Peionie is now spearheading Link’s new asset management function to further enhance efficiency and value across the properties.

Offering her take on this new business function, she said, “Asset managers operate from the perspective of property owner to facilitate decision‑making and promote the asset’s long‑term development. Their role is analogous to that of a nanny, diligently tending to every need of the children entrusted to her care. Being empathetic, detail‑minded and skilled in communication at all levels, and taking challenges in stride are all qualities required of an asset manager. I cannot emphasise the first attribute strongly enough, since thinking in other people’s shoes is critical to achieve results from team collaboration.”

In just one year, the team has grown to manage a portfolio of 40 properties, with more assets expected to come under the asset management model in the future.

“Given that there have been few references of such a model among our peers in Hong Kong, we are operating in uncharted territory. Our goal is to blaze our own trail in this new area, and establish an asset management model with Link’s characteristics.”

A seasoned hand in retail leasing, she offered her insights on the landlord‑tenant partnership. “To be effective, leasing professionals need to understand tenants’ business models, and be able to demonstrate the business opportunities presented by the shop space. Once the tenants see a viable business case, consensus on rent level will come easily.

“Seeing shoppers enjoy their time at our centres because of our trade mix enhancement, and developing long‑lasting relationship with tenants, some of whom have even become my close friends, are things that have motivated me through the years,” said Peionie.

On Link’s transformation into a diversified business, she said, “Business diversification is the right way to go if we are to maintain our growth momentum. Our new commercial asset in Mong Kok, for example, enables us to fully tap the skills of our team and shows that we are capable of running a wide spectrum of assets. These new strategic moves to diversify, coupled with our rebranding and community engagement efforts, have enabled us to correct the misconceptions that arose during our early years and more firmly establish ourselves as a growing private enterprise.”