People in Property: Learn about Industrial Real Estate segment with Ms. Mi Hanh

At Savills, there’s no ceiling to what you can achieve. We believe in nurturing talent, encouraging creativity, and supporting professional growth at every stage of your career. When you join our team, you become part of a community that values your unique insights and empowers you to make a meaningful impact. 

1. Thank you, Ms Mi Hanh, for sharing with us in this month’s blog. Could you tell us about your journey at Savills?

Thank you for inviting me to share in this blog! My journey at Savills began in late 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced me to put my career in the tourism industry on hold. At that time, I was deeply pondering my future career plans, wondering if I wanted to return to the tourism, the field I had dedicated myself to for four years since my university graduation, once the pandemic was over. While I still loved working in tourism for its opportunities to connect and interact with people, I felt the need to adapt to new trends and challenge myself with something new. 

After careful consideration and discussions with friends from various industries, including real estate, I discovered that real estate was a dynamic and promising field. This led me to apply at Savills, starting as an Administrative Officer for the Industrial Services Department. After a year, I was promoted to Business Development & Leasing Coordinator, and most recently, to Consultant of Industrial Services. 

My four-year journey in the department has given me a thorough understanding of its operations and helped me build a wealth of knowledge and valuable connections.

2. Starting in the real estate industry with no prior background, what do you believe has been key to your significant progress?

I wouldn’t say I’ve achieved success at this moment, but I always focus on continuous learning, improvement, and maintaining a positive mindset. 

Moreover, understanding one’s desires, strengths, and weaknesses is crucial. Self-awareness helps us set realistic goals and identify the motivation to persevere towards them. I am grateful for the challenges, failures, and opportunities I’ve encountered. To me, they are all valuable experiences on my journey of exploring the Industrial Real Estate sector and have contributed immensely to my personal and professional growth.

3. For those new to the industry, what is Industrial Real Estate, and what are its future prospects?

When it comes to real estate, people often think of residential and commercial properties, such as houses, apartments, hotels, or shopping malls, as they are more familiar in daily life. However, alongside these, industrial real estate is an equally crucial sector, providing spaces such as factories, warehouses, and logistics centres that are essential for manufacturing, e-commerce or logistics operations. 

In recent years, the industrial real estate industry in Viet Nam has seen robust growth, driven by increasing foreign investment, with two-thirds of foreign capital inflows in Viet Nam directed towards the manufacturing sector. Industrial real estate has become a vital component of the economy, directly supporting manufacturing and distribution activities, and is a sector prioritised by the government for development.

I believe that the industrial real estate sector will continue to grow in the coming years, presenting many opportunities for those seeking to enter the field.

4. During your time as a Consultant of the Industrial Services Department, what achievement are you most proud of?

The achievement I am most proud of is my journey from knowing very little about the industry to becoming a key member of the department and making significant contributions to securing successful deals. Among these accomplishments, one particularly stands out: a major transaction that facilitated a multinational corporation’s manufacturing and business expansion in Northern Viet Nam.  

This project was indeed a significant undertaking with very high standards, requiring close collaboration and in-depth market research about the client’s specific requirements. In my role as an advisory unit connecting the client and the developer, my team and I always strive to deliver the most effective consultation, ensuring seamless cooperation among all parties involved: our client, the developer and the local authorities. 

I am proud of this success, not only because it affirms my capabilities, but also because it contributes to the overall development of the team. It has been a wonderful experience, and I feel genuinely happy about what I have accomplished and contributed to.

5. Your work with international clients often involves discussions outside regular hours due to time zone differences. Does this stress you? How do you balance work and personal life?

The time zone difference has never been a pressure for me; on the contrary, I enjoy it since it makes me feel like a true global citizen. Additionally, the flexible working hours at Savills allow me to proactively manage my daily schedule for maximum efficiency. For example, I can hold online meetings with clients in the US at 10 PM and start work a bit later the next morning. This flexibility makes me feel comfortable and able to balance both my personal life and work effectively. 

Outside of work hours, I maintain a regular schedule of 3-4 dance sessions and 1-2 swimming sessions per week. I also spend at least 30 minutes daily exercising. I feel that I am currently balancing my life and work quite well. 

6. How are you and your team preparing for the growth in Industrial Real Estate?

The industrial real estate market is constantly evolving, and staying up to date with the latest trends and knowledge is crucial. Our Industrial Services Department will continue to diversify and further enhance the quality of our services to deliver the best experiences to our clients.

Savills is an organisation made of extraordinary individuals. Brilliant people who are driven to succeed, hungry to remain at the forefront of their specialism and eager to propel themselves, our clients, and our business forward.  

Working at Savills means joining a company that values sustainability, offering opportunities to contribute to a brighter future. Employees benefit from working with industry experts and continuous training opportunities, all within a supportive and dynamic work environment. If you are seeking a rewarding career with professional development and a focus on well-being, join us and be part of a team that values excellence and innovation.  

Learn more about career opportunities at Savills here: http://sav.li/82q