Edmund Ong’s background in finance gives him a distinct perspective on asset management compared to his peers in real estate. Now an Associate District Director at Huttons Asia, he draws on his strong financial foundation to position himself as an asset restructuring specialist, guided by a management-focused approach.
“The conventional approach to climbing the property ladder isn’t always applicable; some investors may prefer a less aggressive strategy,” he says, adding that wealth preservation, safeguarding asset value, and consolidation are also important factors to consider.
Ong credits his past work experience and observing various cases of managing generational wealth through real estate. This has helped shape his financial and investing perspective.
“I was fortunate that growing up, even though we were not considered well-to-do, my parents always strived to inculcate in me a mindset to save up for rainy days,” he says, adding: “I also had extended relatives who were savvy enough to capitalise on opportunities to move up the property ladder steadily. It was the casual exposure to these conversations that helped shape my perspective on the importance of investing”.
With a degree in Accounting from Nanyang Technological University, Ong began his career in the finance industry, spending a number of years in roles ranging from audit at Deloitte to budgeting and business partnering at a multinational corporation.
His mid-career switch from a corporate job to a sales role as a real estate agent was an opportunity that let him step into the role of a consultant. “My past experience brought a fresh perspective in a different role that allows me to add value in communication and portfolio restructuring, but also in deeper financial insights and handling critical aspects like negotiation more strategically,” says Ong.
Ong receiving the Rising Millionaire award from Mr Mark Yip, CEO at the 2025 Huttons Gala awards. (Picture: Edmund Ong)
His success as a property agent has been widely recognised. He attained multiple six-figure platinum awards during his time with PropNex Realty and now at Huttons Asia. His most recent accomplishment was the Rising Millionaire Award for his sales performance in 2024 and 2025. Last year, he was ranked the top 1% of agents at Huttons Asia, among 5,800 of his peers.
Wealth preservation for the long term
Ong encourages his clients to take a long-term view when planning their property investments. He believes asset progression should go beyond simply growing net worth, aiming instead to lay the groundwork for wealth preservation and long-term asset protection.
“I kick-started my own asset growth journey when I was 28 years old with my matrimonial home, a homeownership journey echoed by many Singaporean families. Our portfolio has now grown close to $7 million across various assets over the past eight years,” he adds.
He hopes that through his personal story, he can showcase the credibility of a tried and tested asset growth journey.
Drawing from that personal journey, Ong now helps clients make similarly strategic decisions. He recalls working with an overseas client last year who planned to invest $2 million in a three-bedroom unit. After a thorough review, Ong showed that the client could confidently raise his budget, unlocking better investment opportunities.
Focusing the search on District 15, one of the districts Ong specialises in, and where projected price growth aligned with the buyer’s goals, Ong guided the client to purchase a three-bedroom unit in a brand new development that had the potential to outperform neighbouring projects.
“There is always a trade off between action and inaction in the real estate market. Empowering clients to gain clarity, while also giving them the confidence to move forward, is where the real work is done in our line,” says Ong.
Real estate excellence recognition: Ong with his multiple achievements at the 2025 Huttons Gala awards. (Picture: Edmund Ong)
Understanding the needs of each client
Despite the wealth of information online, many buyers and sellers underestimate the value of professional agents. Ong is aware that without practical experience, relying solely on online advice makes navigating the property market a much trickier task.
Real estate agents possess specialised skills and in-depth training, providing tailored advice that meets the unique needs of each client, whether first-time buyers, upgraders or investors managing their portfolios.
“It is true that many homeowners and investors are more financially savvy, but a knowledge gap may exist depending on circumstances if not properly researched or planned. Topics such as budgeting issues, investment goals, and ownership regulations can be difficult for the layman to comprehend on their own,” says Ong.
He adds that he makes it a point to understand the investment goals, family needs, and other motivations of each client he meets for the first time. “In my experience, it is better to listen first than to rush in and provide what could be the wrong advice.”
Ong celebrating wins with team mates at the 2025 Huttons Gala awards. (Picture: Edmund Ong)
Recently, several clients have sought Ong’s advice on property ownership, including a married couple — one a local, the other a PR — who were looking to invest in two properties. Drawing on his financial expertise, he was able to streamline the process and help them reach their asset goals.
On the other hand, he has had to step in and guide clients from making ill-advised long-term choices. “Homebuyers sometimes find themselves swept up in the emotion of a purchase, captivated by alluring lifestyle opportunities that make it difficult for them to check the fundamentals of a good property”.
A similar case occurred recently, but he advised the buyers to hold off on their purchase while he sourced an alternative property that was better suited to their financial planning and asset growth objectives. “Thankfully, these buyers supported my alternative of a similar unit with much better capital upside that aligned with their longer-term goals and exit plans,” he recalls.
Ong adds: “I hope to be seen as someone who is willing to be upfront and frank, instead of sugar coating and selling unrealistic dreams. Hopefully through an independent standpoint, I am able to guide more clients to find the right balance between emotional and logical buying”.
Impressive Milestones
Ong is heartened that, although he has a growing team, they have achieved impressive milestones in recent years, especially among new members. For example, three of his team won Top Rookie Awards at Huttons, while two others reached six-figure monthly sales or earned Platinum Awards within their first year.
A proud moment. Ong with his team, Lim Jiew Kwang (left) and Scott Loh (right), who managed to achieve platinum awards within the first year of their real estate careers. (Picture: Edmund Ong)
“I credit their success to the right framework, multi-tier support and one-on-one mentoring that we employ within our team,” he adds. Some of the assistance he has provided includes presentation decks and in-depth training on key concepts, and equipping his people to deal with client interactions for better relationship building.
Several members of his team come with previous work experience before switching careers to enter real estate, and they all share their different skill sets to cross-share knowledge and expertise. “I wish to cultivate a team that feels comfortable approaching me with their issues, through familiarity and frequent interaction,” he says.
He is now focused on laying strong foundations for his team’s future growth, developing key individuals into leaders who can drive the team forward. However, he remains cautious about scaling up too quickly. “Even as we grow the team, it is important that new joiners are a good fit for the team and the close mentorship that has been the bedrock of our success is replicated to give each of them a fair chance to succeed.”
For more information,
Contact Edmund Ong | 96654897
ASSOCIATE SENIOR DIVISION DIRECTOR (R061104F)
HUTTONS ASIA PTE. LTD.
