Charm T. Soe Win, also known by her Burmese nickname “May Thu”, doesn’t rely on designer clothes or ostentatious displays to earn the trust of Singapore’s wealthiest property investors.
“I am a no make-up, just lip gloss and sunblock kind of girl. I work with my clients genuinely barefaced, as much as I reveal my personality,” she says jokingly. Instead, the ERA realtor has built her career through authenticity, relentless hard work, and a deep understanding of both local and international markets.
From humble beginnings in rental properties to closing multimillion-dollar deals in Singapore’s prime districts, Charm has proven that success in real estate extends beyond figures — it is built on trust, relationships, and adaptability. Today, she oversees international property portfolios in Myanmar, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates while remaining committed to the Singapore market, where she first made her mark.
When we met for the interview, Charm arrived promptly, approaching me just as I mentioned her name to the receptionist at the ERA APAC Centre in Toa Payoh. “I’m hardly ever here, so most people don’t recognise me,” she says apologetically, in a distinctly American accent. She conducts most of her business offsite — from Sentosa Cove, where she lives, to function rooms in hotels where she showcases premium properties.
Charm has been with ERA for over 19 years and is recognised as one of the agency’s top realtors, ranking ninth out of close to 9,000 agents. Her photo is prominently displayed at the entrance of the ERA APAC building.
Charm receiving the prestigious ERA Millionaire Award 2023. (Picture: Charm May Thu)
From hospitality to high-value homes
How did this soft-spoken powerhouse achieve her resounding real estate success in Singapore? Born in Myanmar and raised across several countries as the only child of expatriate parents from age five, Charm’s international upbringing refined her ability to connect with clients from all walks of life. She moved to Singapore alone in 2004.
“For me, Singapore is home as I spent most of my adult life here,” she says. With a diploma in hospitality and tourism, she initially pursued hotel management in Singapore. However, after obtaining her permanent residency, she took a bold leap into real estate in 2006.
“My first job was with the front office team of Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, looking pretty and serving VIP guests such as heads of state,” Charm adds. “Although I did some hotel room sales, it’s nothing like selling properties.”
The transition wasn’t easy. As a foreigner, she faced challenges breaking into Singapore’s competitive property market. “Back then, even Google Maps wasn’t available, so I had to use the Singapore street directory book to familiarise myself with the city,” she recalls.
She adapted quickly, starting with rental properties before progressing to private homes. Her persistence paid off in 2010 when she secured a spot among ERA’s Top 50 Realtors. Since then, she has consistently received top achievements within the company and has been a Millionaire Achiever for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024.
“It was a mixture of luck and opportunity,” she says. “From the very beginning, I managed to connect with great clients, and since then, I kept going through referrals from like-minded buyers looking to invest in high quantum properties.”
Charm regularly hosts overseas property exhibitions, offering exclusive real estate opportunities to global investors. (Picture: Charm May Thu)
Going global
Charm has established herself as a leading realtor in Singapore’s most sought-after districts, including Districts 9, 10, 11 and 4 (Sentosa Cove). Her clientele includes MNC CEOs, political figures and business moguls who value her authenticity as much as her expertise.
“I don’t have an inferiority complex when speaking to high-net-worth clients,” she says. “I don’t need to show off or particularly dress in designer attire. I can simply be myself and engage with them casually and this fosters greater trust.”
Unlike many realtors who rely heavily on advertising, Charm built her business through word-of-mouth referrals and strategic networking. She has served some families for three generations — from grandfathers to grandsons.
Her success in Singapore laid the foundation for her expansion into international markets. She now operates offices in Yangon, Bangkok and Dubai, serving clients seeking investment opportunities beyond Singapore while creating jobs for Myanmar’s young workforce.
Her overseas teams provide support in digital marketing, property marketing and client management. “Personally, I do not favour aggressive team recruitment in Singapore to expand my business. Instead, I prefer to cultivate a highly selective clientele and focus on exclusive, high-end properties.”
Charm leading sales initiatives in Dubai, presenting top real estate opportunities to global buyers. (Picture: Charm may Thu)
High-stakes clients
Travel is central to her business. She regularly moves between Singapore, Thailand and Dubai, hosting property exhibitions and meeting high-net-worth clients. Despite her busy schedule, she remains involved in every deal, ensuring each client receives the attention and professionalism that has earned her reputation. “With these types of clients and luxury real estate, privacy is paramount,” she adds.
Her clientele includes some of the most prominent figures in business, yet she remains tight-lipped about their identities. “My clients value my professionalism and knowledge, but most importantly, they trust that I will respect their privacy,” she adds. “They feel safe referring friends and connections to me, knowing that I would never share property strategies or portfolio value between clients.”
Her skill in maintaining discretion while achieving exceptional results has made her the preferred realtor for those seeking seamless, stress-free transactions in Singapore’s prestigious property market.
Charm is a resident realtor at Sentosa Cove, specializing in luxury properties in one of Singapore’s most exclusive waterfront communities. (Picture: Charm May Thu)
Juggling business and giving back
With a fast-paced career and international commitments, Charm has mastered time management, which she views as essential to her success. Her phone constantly receives messages from 50 to 70 WhatsApp group chats as she coordinates with clients and her team.
Amid the hustle, she prioritises self-care and well-being, with fitness playing a key role in maintaining balance. “My day begins early at 7am with either a gym session, jogging, or cycling around Sentosa Cove,” she says. “It’s a small community here, so I quickly became known as the resident and realtor of Sentosa Cove.” She adds with a laugh: “I always end up meeting clients and potential clients when I’m in my active gear!”
She has always personally favoured oceanfront properties and bought her Sentosa Cove home in 2021, moving from Keppel Bay.
Charm serving as one of the judges for the South East Asia Property Awards, recognizing excellence in the real estate industry. (Picture: Charm May Thu)
Beyond real estate and fitness, Charm is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She volunteers weekly with the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore, participating in activities such as handicrafts, arts, games and social outings. “Singapore has given me so much; I felt it was important to give back,” she says.
Her dedication to community service reflects her belief that success is measured not just by personal achievements but also by the impact one has on others.
Charm’s resilience, adaptability and authenticity set her apart. As an entrepreneur, she has built a successful business across multiple countries while staying true to her values — a realtor who prioritises relationships over transactions, a businesswoman who leads with integrity and someone committed to giving back.
Whether sealing high-value deals, advising international investors, or volunteering in her community, she shows that true success is built on earning trust — not through pretentious displays but through genuine connection and steadfast commitment.
For more information,
Contact Charm May Thu | 98556612
Branch Division Director (R027079F)
ERA REALTY NETWORK PTE LTD
