Winners in our Midst: Christopher Kwek – Bridging the Gap and Designing the Future

In the world of commercial property, a lease agreement is often seen as a final formality before the real work – the fit-out – begins. But for Christopher Kwek, the relationship between the paperwork and the physical workspace is a single, unified strategy. As both a Commercial Realtor at KW Singapore and the Founder of fit-out company Forward 50, Chris has spent two decades building a unique perspective: he doesn’t just help businesses find a space; he helps them design a future.

This unique dual role – seeing a transaction from strategic negotiation to final, functional execution – is what makes Chris one of the most insightful voices in the thriving Australia-Singapore business community, and the subject of our sixth 'Winners in our Midst' feature.

The Architect of Experience
Chris's journey began more than 20 years ago, deep in the ‘fit-out trenches’ of Singapore’s built environment. He honed his craft delivering interior design and build-out solutions for offices, retail spaces, and commercial hubs. This immersive experience has equipped him with a rare blend of technical know-how, aesthetic sensibility and strategic thinking.

Those two decades of dedication have culminated in his two current complementary roles. At KW Singapore, he advises companies and investors on the complex commercial property market. At Forward 50, his team continues to design and build spaces for clients who understand that a workspace should reflect how the team works, not just how the office looks.

“This overlap gives me a holistic view,” Chris explains. “I see how a lease looks on paper and can imagine how it will actually feel when the lights are on and the team moves in.”

The Shift Upstream: Selling Clarity
Like many successful entrepreneurs, Chris’s trajectory was defined by an ‘Aha!’ moment – a realisation that an industry structure wasn’t always providing the best possible customer service.

He had noticed a recurring problem: clients were only calling him after signing a lease. By then, it was often too late to fix fundamental issues – layout inefficiencies, hidden costs, or a misalignment between the space and the long-term growth plan for the business.

The bold move that changed the game was joining KW Singapore to bridge this gap. Chris recognised he needed to move upstream – to advise clients much earlier in the process.

“While many still see fit-out as the final step in a property transaction, I view it as the beginning,” he says. “A thoughtfully designed and executed space can shape culture, help attract talent, and express brand identity, not just occupy the space between four walls.”

This more rounded approach meant he stopped selling space based on price and size. Instead, he started selling clarity – helping clients cut through market options to align their property strategy with their future needs. This inevitably leads to conversations about expansion potential, which his expertise shines most brightly.
 

Pride and Patience
For Chris, the measure of success isn't the signed contract; it’s the quiet aftermath.

“The privilege of walking into my clients’ offices after handover, and seeing the entire team settled, always makes me really proud of the spaces we find and shape together,” he shares. This genuine curiosity about how people and businesses grow through space is what drives Chris. He loves seeing how the right office can spark energy, shape culture, and bring teams together.

Of course, the journey wasn't without its challenges. Shifting to commercial brokerage meant building a different kind of trust. Clients who knew him as 'the fit-out guy' needed time to see him as a strategic advisor on leases and investments. It was a period that demanded resilience and good messaging – Chris wasn't switching careers; he was simply expanding the ways in which he could add value.

Local Knowledge is Your Foundation
If you have the opportunity to catch Chris over a coffee, you’ll find his primary advice to someone building a business in Singapore is built around the need to be clear on local intricacies.

“Singapore is one of the easiest places to do business, but it’s a fast-moving commercial property market,” he advises. “The difference between a good deal and a great one often lies in the details – lease structure, fit-out allowance, flexibility, and long-term value.”

In essence, the core message is to find someone who can ‘join the dots’ between property strategy, workplace experience, and organisational growth.

Finally, when asked what he wishes he had been told before he started, the answer is simple: patience. “Deals fall through, timing drags and expectations shift, but I’ve learned to keep moving without losing my edge or sense of calm,” he reflects. 

You might experience this steadfast calm for yourself at an upcoming AustCham Singapore event. He’d love to talk to you about your next space – expanding, consolidating, or simply exploring what’s possible. And, under normal circumstances, he would love the conversation to drift towards footy (AFL). However, he is an Eagles fan, so please tread lightly. 

Connect with Chris: Are you an AustCham member thinking about your property strategy or next office space? Are you struggling to align your commercial lease with your company’s culture? Or perhaps you are looking for strategic advice on Singapore’s commercial property market? If so, you can contact Chris at chris@propx24.com .  

Your Story Next? Are you an SME member with a great story to tell? AustCham Singapore is always looking to share the successes of our community. If you would like your business to be considered for a future article in our Winners in our Midst series, please email your interest to members@austcham.org.sg . We look forward to celebrating your achievements!