Luxury, lessons, and lasting partnerships: Inside Jereme Pung’s real estate revolution

Jereme Pung is not your everyday property agent— he’s a storyteller, relentless self-improver, and trusted advisor who transforms your real estate journey into an experience of genuine partnership.

When I met Pung, I mistook his reserved manner and dark undereye circles for mere fatigue, but soon a depth of charisma and intelligence emerged as our conversation progressed. As someone who had thrown himself into the working world fresh out of the army at age 21, while simultaneously upskilling himself with various diplomas, degrees and professional certifications, of course he looked tired.

“I’m always working,” he says. “And wherever I see an opportunity to improve myself so I can be of better value to others, I will take it.”

Pung consistently keeps his promise to give his best — both to his clients and to the loved ones who have stood by him. (Picture: Jereme Pung)

Embracing early setbacks and personal vows

Pung’s journey in real estate was not all smooth-sailing.  When he started as a young, enthusiastic agent knocking on doors at HDB units in Tampines, he faced setbacks that tested both his resilience and commitment to a higher standard of service. An early incident remains etched in his memory: his first deal, where the landlord refused to pay him $750 in commissions because Pung, acting in good faith, had not signed a commission agreement.

That harsh lesson, born of inexperience, became a cornerstone of his philosophy: always protect both the client and yourself through clear, formal arrangements. “It was an early wake-up call,” he reflects. “I learned that success in this business isn’t just about closing a deal — it’s about setting a solid foundation of trust and professionalism from the very start.”

This lesson, combined with multiple attempts to pass the real estate exam, forged his resilient character and served as a powerful reminder to always combine passion with professionalism.

Pung’s understanding of luxury is both personal and instinctual. (Picture: Albert Chua/The Edge Singapore)

A taste for luxury born in humble beginnings

Long before Pung’s achievements today, he was a student at a regular neighbourhood secondary school; yet as fate would have it, he formed friendships with peers from affluent families. Exposed at a young age to their way of life — a world away from his humble background, Pung developed an early appreciation for luxury. He made a promise to himself that one day, he would attain that same elevated way of life.

This early exposure not only refined his aesthetic but also instilled a deep appreciation for quality and refinement — a quality that now permeates every aspect of his work. Whether it’s his meticulous property reports or the carefully curated advice he provides, Pung’s understanding of luxury is both personal and instinctual.

For Pung, success isn’t flashy — it’s the quiet victories and lasting relationships built one honest conversation at a time. (Picture: Jereme Pung)

Crafting genuine connections: Beyond the transaction

Where other agents spew rehearsed sales pitches and slick presentations to push an agenda, Pung’s method stands out for its more tailored approach. “There are countless sales angles out there,” he explains. “Most agents push a one-size-fits-all project, but I build my service around what you truly need. My clients usually come to me with their own ideas, and I provide an objective analysis that lets them decide for themselves.”

When a client, for instance, is considering a property for their own home, Pung steps in with a clear, unbiased report. “I give you the real answer — no sugarcoating, no empty promises about future returns,” he says. His role is not to make the sale by any means necessary but to empower clients to make informed decisions on their own terms.

One of the pillars of Pung’s success is his belief in the power of “cold leads”. Unlike many in the business who immediately approach their family members, close friends and acquaintances, Pung trusts that if his personal contacts truly needed his expertise, they would come to him. Sometimes they seek his opinion but decide to work with another agent. And that’s perfectly fine with him. “I believe that if they need my services, they’ll reach out voluntarily,” he notes. This philosophy has ensured that every client he serves is there because they genuinely value his objectivity and expertise.

Pung was featured as one of the University Brand Ambassadors for his academic journey — blending psychology, law, and business expertise in his real estate advice. (Picture: Jereme Pung)

Balancing personal ambition with lifelong learning

What sets Pung apart isn’t just his success in closing high-end deals; it’s his insatiable drive to continuously better himself. Even as he now handles properties in the average range  of $1 million to $5 million, and many others far beyond, he remains a lifelong student. With academic credentials that include a degree in psychology, an MBA, and a  law degree with a second-upper honours from a UK university, he understands that knowledge is the key to mastering both market trends and the human side of the business.

This blend of academic rigor and practical experience gives him a unique edge. He recognises that understanding market data is only part of the equation — the other part is understanding people. “I’ve learned that good real estate advice isn’t just about numbers; it’s about knowing the people behind those numbers,” he explains. His studies in psychology have deepened his empathy, allowing him to connect with clients on a more personal level, while his law studies and MBA equip him with the analytical skills needed to navigate complex transactions.

Pung’s academic journey runs parallel to his professional one, and both are interwoven with his personal life. His commitment to self-improvement is matched by his determination to provide for those he loves. Pung’s personal history includes a moment that remains a touchstone of his promise to his wife who started dating him well before his current achievements, “despite having had more financially eligible suitors back in those days”, he shares. In the early days when they could only afford public transport, a torrential downpour left them drenched and shivering while on a date. “I vowed then I’d never let her experience that again,” he recalls. “After all, she had gambled her youth and future on me, so how can I bear to let her lose?” Today,  he has fulfilled his promise beyond measure through hard work, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to a better life together as they welcome the birth of their first child.

Driven by a promise made in a rainstorm, Pung built a better life not just for himself, but for his growing family. (Picture: Jereme Pung)

An entrepreneurial spirit with a vision for the future

Pung’s career is not confined solely to traditional real estate. His entrepreneurial spirit has led him to explore numerous successful ventures, including co-founding a start-up in the tech space. Through these ventures, he has gained insights that have further refined his business acumen and broadened his market perspective. Although he remains tight-lipped about the specifics of his ventures, his vast experience and knowledge were evident through our conversation, enriching his approach and providing an additional layer of expertise to his repertoire.

In addition, Pung trained under a prominent law firm, where he was exposed to various  complex assignments that include mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, corporate contracts, and regulatory advice, among other things. This dual role demonstrates his versatility and reinforces his status as a multifaceted professional.

Each watch in Pung’s collection is a personal milestone, celebrating battles fought and lessons learned. (Picture:  Albert Chua/The Edge Singapore)

Celebrating success: Milestones, watches, and quiet victories

For Pung, success is measured not by public accolades but by personal milestones and quiet victories along the way. One of his most cherished symbols of achievement is his collection of watches. Each timepiece represents a personal reward for a hard-fought battle in the world of real estate. “Every watch on my wrist is a reminder of a challenge overcome, a deal closed, or a lesson learned,” he reflects. These subtle celebrations are his way of acknowledging that every step in his journey matters.

His understated approach to success mirrors his overall philosophy: the true value of real estate lies not in flashy displays of wealth but in the lasting relationships built on trust and mutual respect with clients, who view him as more than their agent but as a lifelong partner who consistently provides objective, high-quality advice. At the end of the day, this is the value he is bringing to the table.

“In fact, I invite people to make use of me!” he quips. “Being made use of means that I have something to give that people desperately want.”

For more information,

Contact Jereme Pung | 87879428

SENIOR ASSOCIATE MARKETING DIRECTOR (R056138C)

HUTTONS ASIA PTE. LTD.