Curious to find out what goes on at the orientation programme which all new staff from Frasers Centrepoint Singapore attend? Well, we sat down with our new colleague Xu Peijuan, who joined Frasers Centrepoint Singapore as Manager of Group Leasing about four months ago, to find out how she is settling into her new role and her experience at orientation, a programme put together by Frasers Centrepoint Limited.

Q. How was your experience at the orientation programme?

“The session kick-started with some ice-breaker games, including one where we grouped ourselves according to hair lengths, addresses and birth dates. This activity was very meaningful as it encouraged us to communicate effectively and learn more about one another. After the ice-breaker games, we settled down to learn more about the company’s unique values and culture, both of which guide the work we do under the Frasers Centrepoint Limited umbrella.

New staff at the orientation programme, with Peijuan in front row (second from left).

Team building activities, my favourite part of orientation, came right after lunch! We were divided into groups and tasked to solve puzzles – we had lots of fun writing words with raffia strings tied to a marker, and walking blindfolded around the room for a “treasure” hunt.

Teams were tasked to write one of the company’s core values – Responsiveness – using only raffia strings tied to a marker.

Since the orientation, I have happily acquainted myself with many colleagues from other departments and also gained a lunch buddy from the programme itself!”

The orientation concluded with a group tour of Fraser Place and Robertson Walk.

Q. How are you adapting to the culture in Frasers Centrepoint Singapore so far?

“I believe that adaptation takes time. When it comes to a company’s culture, I would like to think that the better you get to know your colleagues, the easier it is for you to fit in.

I am blessed with a team of helpful colleagues here who have been patient with me since day one. Colleagues from other departments have also stepped in to guide and ease me into my new role. This is one of the things I love about our company’s culture.”

The Blindfolded Human Caterpillar game promotes trust and teamwork, two of the company’s core values.

Q. Tell us about your past working experience.

“Before joining Frasers Centrepoint Singapore, I handled retail leasing in a centre management capacity. I was first introduced to the retail sector by a friend who was already in the industry. One of the highlights earlier in my career was being part of a team tasked to launch a new mall as it was a fast-paced and exciting experience. My most recent foray was a mall that housed luxury brands, where I oversaw Commercial, Medical and Retail Leasing. I was exposed to varying types of tenants and had many opportunities to learn and improve.”

Q. What do you love most about working in leasing?

“It all started with a very innocent passion – a love for shopping. I majored in real estate in university and found myself gaining interest in the marketing aspects of the modules I was taking. Fortunately upon graduation, my classmate roped me into the retail department of the company she was then working for.

I was excited to try it out because to me, it comprised the best of both worlds – a combination of the knowledge I learnt and what I was personally interested in.

My first job in retail further piqued my interest in the industry leading me through an exciting journey to where I am right now at Frasers Centrepoint Singapore. Retail is a dynamic industry and even to people outside the industry, one can identify how emerging and evolving brands shape the retail landscape. I remain fascinated with the industry and intend to continue with a career in retail leasing for as long as I can.”

Q. What made you decide to make the switch from mall leasing to group leasing?

“I have always wanted to explore a role in group leasing. Therefore, when the opportunity arose here, I seized it. In my new role, I am motivated by a fresh set of goals to adapt and learn quickly to deliver my best work as Group Leasing Manager.”

Q. You started a family in the past year. Has this changed your career goals?

“My overarching goal has always remained the same – to continuously learn and be exposed to more experiences. However, my journey to continue attaining this has had to be adjusted according to changing life priorities. Now that I am a mother and a daughter-in-law, I have an increased set of responsibilities and have to find a healthy balance between life at work and home.

My motto in life has always been to do my best, wherever life takes me. I always aim to give it my all, to achieve a sense of accomplishment in whatever I am doing.”

Peijuan, all smiles, with her 10-month old daughter in Hong Kong this year.  

Q. What do you do in your spare time or over the weekends?

“Having recently started a family, I look forward to weekends to spend more time with my daughter and the rest of my family, even if it means waking up as early as I do on weekdays. I spend my weekends at home and also exploring different malls together as a family. It is always nice to take a break from a work week and reset with my daughter. She is growing up so quickly that I am afraid I might miss out important milestones if I do not spend enough time with her!”