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David Lim
Director and Head of Legal, South Asia at Hongkong Land Limited
David Lim: Leading Legal Innovation at Hongkong Land
David Lim is an accomplished corporate lawyer with over 22 years of experience, renowned for his expertise in the real estate sector. As the Director and Head of Legal at Hongkong Land Singapore since 2018, he brings his wealth of knowledge and leadership skills to steer the legal operations in South Asia.1
Extensive Experience in Real Estate Law
David's proficiency in real estate encompasses a wide range of projects, including commercial and residential developments, township expansions, hospitality ventures, resort undertakings, mixed-use complexes, and industrial park initiatives.1 His adeptness extends to various facets within the sector, covering acquisitions, strategic investments, and private equity transactions.1
Adventurous Spirit and Innovative Mindset
David's bold and adventurous nature led him to Vietnam in 2003, where he embraced the challenges of a foreign legal landscape.1 This pivotal move marked the beginning of his immersion into the vibrant real estate industry, culminating in his elevation as a partner at Mayer Brown and subsequently assuming leadership roles in law firms and regions across Southeast Asia.1
As the Director and Head of Legal, David redefines his role by offering strategic legal counsel that aligns with business objectives, identifying growth opportunities, and mitigating risks.1 His focus extends to implementing innovative solutions, leveraging technology for efficiency, and fostering operational excellence.1
Empowering Leadership Style
David's leadership style emphasizes empowering individuals through ownership, encouraging calculated risks, and learning from experiences to foster growth.1 Adaptability and resilience are vital traits in navigating the dynamic environment, which he upholds through leading by example and maintaining high standards in work ethic and ethics.1
Accolades and Recognition
David's achievements have been recognized through his selection as a finalist for the ALB South East Asia Law Awards 2022.3 He has also received certifications from INSEAD Executive Education, including the Jardines INSPIRE Journey - IAD Distinction.2
In summary, David Lim is a highly accomplished corporate lawyer with a proven track record in leading legal innovation and driving growth in the real estate sector. His adventurous spirit, empowering leadership style, and commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset to Hongkong Land.
Highlights
Thanks Sarah Wong and Asian Legal Business for the conversation on the state of the real estate industry in South East Asia. At Hongkong Land Limited, we continue to be committed to putting our customer at the centre of everything that we do; delivering living and working spaces that our customers want and need, to thrive. We are leveraging on technology and AI to do so and at the same time, making sure that what we do to is sustainable and with the future in mind.
The legal team’s role is primarily to partner with business to understand both opportunities and risks, ensuring that potential risks are understood and managed. Too often, we get caught up in identifying risks which are too remote or have an insignificant impact on the business. Our time is best spent on finding creative solutions to enable the business to seize the right opportunities.
Legal eagles by day and cleaners by night, serving others with all our might. Ever so easy to get caught up in the day to day demands of our responsibilities where there are so many issues competing for our attention that we forget those around us who have significantly less. Thanks Yitian Yu for arranging this opportunity for the South Asia legal team at Hongkong Land Limited to work with New Hope Community Services to clean housing for the homeless. Certainly a great way for us to do something to serve those in need. Big shout out to the best cleaning crew in Singapore - Jade Quek, Yitian Yu, Clement Chee and Ong Chia Ying for being so willing to do this over and above your work responsibilities. Totally agree that we receive so much more in return when we give to others.
