IQI WA’s Lily Chong, winner of REIWA’s Top Salesperson Residential Project Marketing Award in 2022 and 2024, shares insights into her journey from a rural town in Malaysia to economics tutor and property investor, and today making headlines as one of WA’s most successful real estate agents. Despite no prior industry knowledge and English as a second language, she has become a powerhouse in the WA project marketing sector.
Her team at IQI WA was also recognised among the Top 5 in the Top Office Residential Project Marketing category at this year’s reiwa.com Awards.
Q: How did you decide to pursue a real estate career?
Lily: After obtaining a bachelor's degree in economics and marketing at Curtin University, I started as an economics tutor in 1998 and later moved into procurement, working for Otto and Tchibo in Hong Kong. After moving back to Australia in 2008, my desire to secure financial freedom for retirement inspired me to shift into real estate.
Since then, I’ve worked on numerous off-the-plan projects in both eastern states and WA under another agency. I eventually established my own real estate consultancy Trident Property Partners 10 years ago, specialising in project sales and marketing for residential and commercial developments, before partnering with IQI WA in 2019 to establish its first branch in Australia.
Q: Where were you born?
Lily: I was born in a small town in Sabah, Malaysia where cows and horses still roam the streets at night.
Q: Where was your first sale?
Lily: My first sale was a $525,000 off-the-plan apartment at Queens Riverside in East Perth in 2011. I sold 12 units within six months, which was a great achievement for a newcomer. There’s even a building named Lily, which we used to joke was named after me as I was the top performer at the time!
Q: What has been your greatest success?
Lily: Being recognised as one of the top agents early in my career was a highlight. Now, my greatest success is leading my agency to be one of the top 5 in WA and expanding internationally through our partnership with IQI Global. While the local market is performing well, we see immense potential in the global market.
I’m proud to share that in 2023, our Australia team was recognised as the best performing team within our Global Group.
Q: Three things you love about your job?
Lily: Building lasting relationships, creativity in marketing projects and navigating the ever-changing real estate landscape to deliver successful outcomes for clients.
Q: Would you recommend real estate as a career?
Lily: Yes, definitely, especially for those who are results driven and enjoy working with people. The industry provides excellent opportunities for personal growth and financial rewards. I am a good example: despite having no prior knowledge of the industry and English as my second language, this hasn’t stopped me from achieving greater goals – both as a person and financially. My advice: build strong relationships, be patient, stay informed and always prioritise integrity.
Q: Who are your real estate heroes?
Lily: I admire Tim Gurner and Tony Fini for their visionary approaches to property development, especially projects like Gurner's Elysium Fields – Luxury Wellness Residences in Melbourne.
Q: What would you be doing if you weren't in real estate?
Lily: I would likely be in finance or business consulting. I have a passion for helping people achieve financial independence, so working in a field that supports individuals in building wealth would align with my values.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
Lily: Ensuring each project reaches its full potential and achieving a 100% settlement success rate.
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