Latest news with #IsmailGafoor
Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
A real estate journey built on trust
PropNex unveiled its refreshed brand logo – marking a new chapter after 25 years – at the PropNex Sales Summit on 10 March 2025, witnessed by over 4,000 salespersons and guests. SINCE its establishment in 2000, PropNex has grown into a driving force in Singapore's real estate industry, helping individuals and families navigate some of life's biggest decisions with confidence. Now marking its 25th year, the real estate agency enters a new chapter focused on deepening its impact and strengthening its role as a trusted partner to Singaporeans from all walks of life. Today, PropNex is an industry leader with over 13,000 salespersons and a reputation built on integrity, professionalism and trust. PropNex's anniversary celebrations were held on July 15 with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam in attendance. The event reflected the company's deep ties to the nation and its role in supporting home owners and communities over the past two-and-a-half decades. Fittingly, PropNex is also taking part in this year's National Day Parade as an official marching contingent. The group comprises salespersons and staff members, representing Singapore's economic pillar. This visibility on a national stage reflects not only PropNex's role in the economy, but also its leadership within the property sector. PropNex is also the NDP principal partner this year. Staying ahead of the pack As of June 2025, PropNex has maintained its lead as the largest real estate agency in Singapore, with over 13,600 real estate salespersons. The company holds significant market share across key segments, including HDB resale, private resale, new launches, and landed homes, capturing 64.2 per cent overall market share in year 2024. This dominance, however, is not accidental. According to PropNex's co-founder, Ismail Gafoor, the company's sustained market leadership boils down to alignment and conviction. 'From the beginning, I was clear that the reason for PropNex's existence is to add meaningful value to people and to society. Our mission has always been to deliver professional real estate services with the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and transparency, helping families grow their wealth through responsible property investment so they can retire with dignity and pride,' says Gafoor, who is also PropNex's executive chairman. He recalls how difficult it was in the early days to get everyone to believe in and live by the company's core values. 'Living by these values required making tough decisions. In 2008, I had to make one of the most difficult calls in our journey – to terminate 2,800 salespersons who failed to uphold our principles, particularly our stand on consumer protection, at a time when the real estate industry was still unregulated. It was painful, but necessary to protect our mission and the integrity of our brand.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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'With the right systems, programmes, and leadership, I am confident that we will continue to meet this challenge head-on – and continue to make a positive difference in the lives we touch,' explains Gafoor. PropNex's performance and principles have earned it accolades at home and abroad. In 2024 and 2025, it became the only Singapore real estate firm named in the inaugural Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list, and amongst the Singapore's Best Employers list for 2024. In 2025, the agency also took home the Reader's Digest Trusted Brands Platinum Award, the highest accolade awarded only to brands with an exceptional margin of trust over their closest competitors. It was recognised as a winner in the Influential Brands Awards, and clinched the Singapore Business Review Technology Excellence Award for PropTech in 2024 and 2025. These accolades highlight PropNex's market reach while reinforcing its ongoing commitment to innovation, trust and service. Giving back, looking forward At the heart of PropNex's 25th anniversary celebrations is a renewed emphasis on community. On July 15, the company announced the launch of the PropNex Foundation. Seeded with $10 million and targeted to grow to $25 million over the next decade, the Foundation aims to support a wide range of community initiatives, education awards, and charitable causes. 'This Foundation is our heartfelt thank-you to Singaporeans for walking this journey with us, and for many more years to come. At PropNex, we believe in building a stronger Singapore through education – because when we invest in our students, we invest in the future of our nation,' says Gafoor. As part of the Foundation's official launch, PropNex awarded $254,000 in education awards to 160 recipients, reflecting its belief in the power of education and the importance of uplifting future generations. From left to right: Director of PropNex Realty, Mr Alan Lim; Chief Executive Officer of PropNex, Mr Kelvin Fong; Chairman of Community Chest, Mr Chew Sutat; President Tharman Shanmugaratnam; Executive Chairman of PropNex, Mr Ismail Gafoor; and Managing Director of Community Chest, Mr Jack Lim. Over the years, PropNex has contributed more than $10 million to the Community Chest and pledged another $6 million in 2025 alone. These efforts form part of what Gafoor describes as a 'long-term social compact' that the company intends to honour for decades to come. A playground for the nation In April, PropNex unveiled a very different kind of contribution to the public: A 64,000-square-foot family-themed playground at Gardens by the Bay. The PropNex Family Zone was launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Social and Family Development, Families for Life, Community Chest and Gardens by the Bay. The launch event was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and then-Minister of State for Social and Family Development Sun Xueling. 'PropNex has always been about more than just real estate, we are also about building communities and strengthening families. As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, the PropNex Family Zone is our way of giving back to bring families closer, foster intergenerational bonds and create lasting memories,' notes Gafoor. The response has been strong. According to the company, the playground has attracted over 200,000 searches on Google Maps within the first two months and widespread social media attention. Events held at the site have drawn thousands of visitors, highlighting the appeal of community-centred initiative. A vision for the next 25 years As PropNex charts its path forward, it remains guided by its founding principles, while embracing new tools to serve clients better. The company aims to be every Singaporean's lifelong real estate partner focused on people. 'We want to ensure that every individual we serve can make informed property decisions, build wealth sustainably through real estate, and retire with security and dignity. That's our mission,' says Kelvin Fong, who is PropNex's Chief Executive Officer. Looking ahead, artificial intelligence and PropTech will be key enablers for PropNex's growth, but Fong is careful to emphasise that these technologies are not an end in themselves. 'We are committed to staying relevant by harnessing the power of AI and PropTech, not for novelty's sake, but to enhance human decisions, relationships, and experiences.' As it looks to the next quarter century, PropNex is determined to continue leading the market with purpose. 'In the next 25 years and beyond, PropNex aims to deepen its contributions – expanding support for vulnerable families, enabling students to access greater educational opportunities, and ensuring that no one is left behind in Singapore's progress,' says Gafoor. 'As we grow as a homegrown brand, we want to also grow as a true friend to the nation and the community – standing not just as a business, but as a partner in the Singapore Dream.' 'As we grow as a homegrown brand, we want to also grow as a true friend to the nation and the community – standing not just as a business, but as a partner in the Singapore Dream,' says Ismail Gafoor, PropNex Co-Founder and Executive Chairman with Chief Executive Officer Kelvin Fong. Market leadership by the numbers Salesforce: 13,600 salespersons as of June 2025, 1 in 3 salespersons in Singapore are PropNex Salespersons Overall market share: 64.2% across all property segments, almost 2 out of 3 home transactions closed by PropNex salespersons in 2024 HDB resale: 66.4% market share Private resale: 64.9% market share New launches: 54.2% market share Landed resale: 50.2% market share Top awards:
CNA
7 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Shaping Tomorrow - Building futures and transforming lives through real estate.
PropNex executive chairman Ismail Gafoor and CEO Kelvin Fong reflect on its 25-year journey, from humble roots to Singapore's top real estate agency. Through innovation and integrity, they've empowered lives, raised standards and built a legacy.
Straits Times
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
The Straits Times Weekly Bestsellers August 2
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox (From left) Singaporean writer Jemimah Wei's debut novel The Original Daughter, I Am Not Good Enough by Ismail Gafoor and Low Shi Ping, Jemma Dreams Of Sushi by Mark Chen, Ruo-Ting Goh, illustrated by Cynthia D. Suwito. Fiction: Singaporean writer Jemimah Wei's debut novel The Original Daughter. PHOTO: WEIDENFELD & NICOLSON 1. (1) The Passengers On The Hankyu Line by Hiro Arikawa; translated by Allison Markin Powell 2. (-) The Wealth We Surrendered by Eneida Alcalde 3. (2) The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei 4. (3) Strange Pictures by Uketsu; translated by Jim Rion 5. (-) Eke by Wahidah Tambee 6. (5) Strange Houses by Uketsu; translated by Jim Rion 7. (-) The Mystical Mister Kay by Meihan Boey 8. (-) White Nights by Fyodor Dostoyevsky 9. (-) The Convenience Store By The Sea by Sonoko Machida, translated by Bruno Navasky 10. (4) What God Took Your Legs Away by Wahid Al Mamun Non-fiction: I Am Not Good Enough by Ismail Gafoor and Low Shi Ping. PHOTO: FOCUS PUBLISHING 1. (1) I Am Not Good Enough by Ismail Gafoor and Low Shi Ping 2. (4) The First Fools: B-Sides Of Lee Kuan Yew's A-Team edited by Peh Shing Huei 3. (-) Take Back Control Of Your Money by Dawn Cher 4. (2) Why Palestine? Reflections From Singapore by Walid Jumblatt Abdullah 5. (3) Elevate Your Assets, Elevate Your Wealth by Kelvin Fong 6. (-) Sabai by Pailin Chongchitnant 7. (-) I nk And Influence: An OB Markers Sequel by Cheong Yip Seng 8. (10) The Last Fools: The Eight Immortals Of Lee Kuan Yew edited by Peh Shing Huei 9. (-) The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins 10. (-) Atomic Habits by James Clear Children's: Jemma Dreams Of Sushi by Mark Chen, Ruo-Ting Goh, illustrated by Cynthia D. Suwito PHOTO: EPIGRAM BOOKS 1. (-) Jemma Dreams Of Sushi by Mark Chen, Ruo-Ting Goh, illustrated by Cynthia D. Suwito 2. (-) Lottie Brooks Vs The Ultra Mean Girls by Katie Kirby 3. (3) The World's Worst Superheroes by David Walliams 4. (10) Powerless by Lauren Roberts 5. (-) Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling 6. (-) The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson 7. (7) A Good Girl's Guide To Murder by Holly Jackson 8. (1) The Day I Forgot My Flag by Neil Johnson, illustrated by Vincent Lee 9. (-) The Koala Who Could Board Book by Rachel Bright 10. (-) I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang
Straits Times
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
The Straits Times Weekly Bestsellers July 26
(From left) Singaporean writer Jemimah Wei's debut novel The Original Daughter, I Am Not Good Enough by Ismail Gafoor and Low Shi Ping, The Day I Forgot My Flag by Neil Johnson, illustrated by Vincent Lee. Fiction: Singaporean writer Jemimah Wei's debut novel The Original Daughter. PHOTO: WEIDENFELD & NICOLSON 1. (2) The Passengers On The Hankyu Line by Hiro Arikawa; translated by Allison Markin Powell 2. (1) The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei 3. (-) Strange Pictures by Uketsu; translated by Jim Rion 4. (5) What God Took Your Legs Away by Wahid Al Mamun 5. (7) Strange Houses by Uketsu; translated by Jim Rion 6. (-) The Dilemmas Of Working Women by Fumio Yamamoto; translated by Brian Bergstrom 7. (-) Homesick by nor 8. (-) The Picture Of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde 9. (9) The Wizard's Bakery by Gu Byeong-mo; translated by Jamie Chang 10. (-) Maybe This Is Love: A Novel by Maria Mahat Non-fiction: I Am Not Good Enough by Ismail Gafoor and Low Shi Ping. PHOTO: FOCUS PUBLISHING 1. (-) I Am Not Good Enough by Ismail Gafoor and Low Shi Ping 2. (1) Why Palestine? Reflections From Singapore by Walid Jumblatt Abdullah 3. (2) Elevate Your Assets, Elevate Your Wealth by Kelvin Fong 4. (-) The First Fools: B-Sides Of Lee Kuan Yew's A-Team edited by Peh Shing Huei 5. (-) The Psychology Of Money by Morgan Housel 6. (-) Revenge Of The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell 7. (7) How Countries Go Broke: The Big Cycle by Ray Dalio 8. (-) From Beirut To Jerusalem: 40th Anniversary Edition by Dr Ang Swee Chai 9. (-) My Father Is Police Lah! by Rowena Hawkins 10. (-) The Last Fools: The Eight Immortals Of Lee Kuan Yew edited by Peh Shing Huei Children's: The Day I Forgot My Flag by Neil Johnson, illustrated by Vincent Lee. PHOTO: EPIGRAM BOOKS 1. (1) The Day I Forgot My Flag by Neil Johnson, illustrated by Vincent Lee 2. (9) Never Thought I'd End Up Here by Ann Liang 3. (4) The World's Worst Superheroes by David Walliams 4. (6) Percy Jackson And The Olympians: Wrath Of The Triple Goddess by Rick Riordan 5. (8) How To Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell 6. (-) Percy Jackson And The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan 7. (-) A Good Girl's Guide To Murder by Holly Jackson 8. (-) We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han 9. (3) Big Jim Begins (Dog Man 13) by Dav Pilkey 10. (-) Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Business Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
PropNex commits more than S$30 million to philanthropic initiatives, funding education
[SINGAPORE] Real estate agency PropNex announced on Tuesday (Jul 15) its commitment of more than S$30 million towards philanthropic initiatives, as well as the launch of PropNex Foundation to fund student education. It will make a landmark contribution of S$6 million to Community Chest (ComChest) over a 12-month period – its largest donation to the charity in the real estate agency's history. This amount comprises voluntary pledges of a portion of sales commissions by PropNex salespersons. PropNex also signed a memorandum of understanding with ComChest to donate S$1.5 million annually from 2025 to 2027. This supports the SG Gives Enhanced Matching Grant, where the government matches up to S$1.50 for every S$1 donated – amounting to at least S$250,000 in matching funds annually. There is a minimum commitment period of three years. The funds will go towards helping beneficiaries under ComChest's programmes – in particular children with special needs, children with physical and sensory challenges, as well as underprivileged youth and families in need. Chew Sutat, chairman of ComChest, said: 'Programmes such as special needs education, student care centres, counselling, financial and social support can provide much-needed assistance to help families achieve stability and resilience.' PropNex has been collaborating with ComChest since 2013, donating more than S$10 million to its programmes. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Ismail Gafoor, executive chairman of PropNex, said: 'Over the years, we have supported vulnerable groups aligned with our values, such as children, families and individuals with special needs, through both financial contributions and volunteer efforts.' The announcements were made as part of PropNex's 25th anniversary celebrations on Thursday. In April this year, PropNex worked with ComChest, Families for Life Council, and the Ministry of Social and Family Development to launch the PropNex Family Zone at Gardens by the Bay. The agency said this is Singapore's first inclusive, family-themed playground that spans more than 64,000 square feet and comprises a community garden, event lawn and upcoming community stage in 2026. The playground incorporates educational and inclusive play elements. PropNex Foundation On Thursday, the real estate agency launched PropNex Foundation to fund student education. The foundation has an initial endowment of S$10 million, and co-founders Gafoor and Alan Lim have pledged to grow the fund to S$25 million over the next 10 years. PropNex Foundation will support underprivileged students and advance educational initiatives. Its beneficiaries are from primary school to university. As a start, the foundation has awarded S$254,000 in the form of PropNex Education Awards to 160 students to help them pursue their educational goals. Primary and secondary students received S$1,000; junior college, Millennia Institute and Institute of Technical Education students received S$2,000; polytechnic students received S$3,000; and students from autonomous universities received S$4,000. To be eligible, applicants' gross monthly household per capita income cannot exceed S$2,000, and gross monthly household income could not exceed S$7,500. 20-year-old Branwenn Tang, a beneficiary from Singapore Polytechnic pursuing a diploma in food science and technology, said she aims to use the funds to kickstart her entrepreneurial journey. Outside of her studies, she is interested in starting a business selling crocheted flowers.
