Where growth is intentional, leadership is nurtured and women are empowered 

For decades, real estate, particularly estate agencies, was defined by aggressive targets and a lone wolf mentality. Today, it is being reshaped by a different kind of power, rooted in listening, the courage to pivot mid-career and the resilience to build a legacy from scratch.

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, these women are breaking barriers and building a community at Foreward Realty. They prove that when a woman finds her strength, she doesn’t just rise alone – she lifts everyone around her. Their stories reflect a culture where growth is intentional, leadership is nurtured and women are empowered to pursue both their ambitions and their lives without compromise.

For chief marketing officer Cindy Lee, Foreward’s identity is built on more than bricks and mortar: “We sell growth, not just properties,” she says. “We build financial independence, leadership confidence and personal transformation.”

When women see others buying their first car, leading projects or stepping into leadership roles, they don’t just see success, they see possibility. “And possibility is magnetic.”

Lee credits the company’s culture for attracting and retaining talent. “Commission attracts temporarily. Culture is retained permanently. We’ve built mentorship systems, transparent leadership and a safe environment where women can fail, learn and grow.”

She adds, “We don’t just say women empowerment; we show it by consistently spotlighting real stories of progress, not perfection.”

Group chief business officer Parames Dorai entered real estate from outside the property sector. With a background in microelectronics engineering, IT and business, she had little prior exposure and had to build her credibility from the ground up.

Early on, Parames often faced seasoned developers, directors and decision-makers – a challenge that tested her humility and determination to find her voice. Rather than shielding her from pressure, she was encouraged to present ideas and defend her thinking. “Empowerment is not about protection,” she reflects. “It is about exposure with support.”

That philosophy continued into motherhood. While many women feel pressured to choose between career and family, Parames says she was never made to feel that trade-off. Instead, she was entrusted with meaningful responsibilities and opportunities to grow. Sixteen years later, she guides the group’s strategic direction, showing how trust, resilience and an inclusive culture create a workplace where women need never choose between home and career.

Breaking the barrier

Rozana Husain began her real estate journey in 2020 with limited knowledge and confidence while raising four children. Since joining in 2022, she has progressed from negotiator to deputy project manager and is now recognised as a supreme leader.

“My biggest hurdle was self-doubt,” Rozana admits, recalling the challenge of balancing a demanding career with motherhood while proving to herself that she could lead. With mentorship and step-by-step learning, growth gradually became a habit.

Today, Rozana measures success not only through her own progress but by the impact she creates. Guiding clients towards home ownership is deeply meaningful, as her Team Ibu2, also known as the Power Moms Team, stands as proof that women can build a career, lead a team and remain present for their families.

Project manager Lai Ying Ying’s leadership journey began with a challenging transition. Accustomed to personal sales and independent performance, leading a team required new skills. Naturally introverted, she found public speaking draining and influencing others intimidating, being the youngest on her team.

“Whenever I shared my thoughts, people found them helpful,” she says. “I realised I’ve underestimated myself for years.” That moment shifted her focus from closing sales to building people.

By 2025, Lai was named Champion – Top Performing Project Manager (All Regions) and Top Converted Team Manager Sales (All Regions). Her greatest reward, she says, was seeing her team grow alongside her. Leadership is not about being the loudest voice but about growing into it.

Courage to start over

Project manager Rachel Chan spent 31 years as a corporate director before stepping into real estate at 49. “Starting over required confronting deep self-doubt,” she recalls. “It was humbling but it was the beginning of reinvention.”

Chan embraced the challenge as an opportunity to evolve, proving that growth does not stop at a certain age or title.

“Every negotiation carries meaning. Helping people find their dream home and seeing their smiles during SPA signings reminds me why I chose this path,” she says. Repeat buyers are proof that trust and service excellence endure.

Four years in, Chan leads ten negotiators and manages projects in Bangsar and Mont Kiara. She has been crowned Champion Sales for three consecutive years but her proudest achievement remains personal growth.

Deputy project manager Natalie Wong left a stable career as a pharmacist to embrace the uncertainty of a commission-based industry. “There was no guaranteed income, only performance,” she recalls. Her biggest hurdle was fear of uncertainty, especially during the MCO slowdown when deals were delayed. Through persistence and colleague support, she gradually gained confidence to position herself in the Bangsar market.

“For me, success is about endurance. It’s about showing up even when it’s tough, learning from every cycle and becoming stronger each year. That growth, both professionally and personally, is what I’m most proud of,” she explains. Since joining in 2019, she has navigated market highs and lows, continually strengthening her professional skillset and personal resilience.

Leader Farah Liyana Roslee, in just under two years, calls her journey a personal transformation. “My biggest hurdle was learning to trust myself,” she explains. The challenge was mastering her mindset: trusting the process, staying consistent and believing she had what it takes.

The spark came early. Closing her first deals in the first month gave tangible proof that her efforts paid off. “Being recognised as Best New Agent last year was a defining moment for me,” she says. “It wasn’t just about the award. It was reassurance that I belonged in this industry.” For Farah, real estate is more than income; it is an entrepreneurial journey of highs and lows where she has learned to be both her greatest challenge and strongest supporter.

Mentorship and collective impact

Project manager Cheryl Lee joined the agency in October 2022 with no real estate experience. Her biggest hurdle was self-doubt; initially, she felt invisible and unsure if she belonged.

Mentorship gave Cheryl courage. She realised that listening, understanding and connecting – not hard selling – built client trust. Today, she leads six team members and manages prime projects in Bangsar and KLCC. She no longer feels small but capable, purposeful and secure. Her journey proves it is never too late to grow, rise and redefine yourself and she now helps other women do the same.

Project director Elaine Chong Rong Yu approaches her role with a broad vision. “I don’t just focus on closing sales; I focus on building people,” she explains. Early on, juggling motherhood, late nights, client rejection and inconsistent income tested her confidence. “There were moments I questioned if I was good enough,” she admits.

She realised that relying solely on her own sales limited her growth. “If I build leaders, I build something bigger than myself,” she says. Today, she leads a growing team, mentors new talent and helps others change their financial paths. Elaine’s journey proves real estate is about growth, both financially and personally.

Project manager Jessy Goh calls joining Foreward more than a career move. It was a defining moment in her growth as a woman and leader. “Confidence is built through action,” she explains. Early on, self-doubt held her back but support from leaders helped her stop playing small and trust her voice.

Her breakthrough came through collective achievement. Leading her team to results and watching them gain confidence showed her that success isn’t just personal, it’s shared. “Empowerment is giving people the room to rise, even before they believe they are ready,” she says.

Across these ten stories, one philosophy emerges: worth is not inherited; it is built. As Goh notes, “When a woman steps into her strength, she does not rise alone, she lifts others with her.”

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