Rusmin Lawin, a distinguished global entrepreneur and real estate leader with over 25 years of industry experience, serves as the President of FIABCI Asia Pacific and a board member of FIABCI International. In these roles, Mr. Lawin plays a pivotal part in shaping regional real estate policies and practices.
In this exclusive interview, we explore Mr. Lawin’s remarkable career trajectory from his early mentorship under the esteemed Dr. Ciputra and his current involvement in developing Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara.
- What early experiences or mentors helped ignite your passion for the real estate industry?
I began my real estate journey a quarter-century ago, rising from regional to national and now international prominence, inspired by the late Dr. Ciputra, a visionary mentor who recognized my potential.
As President of Real Estate Indonesia’s Northern Sumatra chapter, I was lucky to meet the late Dr. Ciputra, the Legend of Indonesia real estate. His guidance led me to greater involvement in FIABCI, the world’s leading real estate federation, founded in the aftermath of World War II and formalized in Paris in 1951.
Dr. Ciputra, the architect of Real Estate Indonesia’s integration into FIABCI, discerned in me a unique talent for forging international connections. This foresight has culminated in my current role as a board member and President of the Asian Pacific region, a position I will hold until 2026.
- Could you share some pivotal moments in your career that have defined your journey in real estate?
As a distinguished envoy for the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), I’ve been privileged to represent our organization at the United Nations’ prestigious venues in New York, Vienna, and Geneva. This pivotal role has allowed me to forge crucial partnerships with UN-Habitat and ECOSOC, establishing FIABCI as a key constituent in global urban development dialogues.
As FIABCI’s representative to the U.N. in Vienna (2020-2021) and Geneva (2021-2022), I strengthened ties between Asia, the Pacific, and the U.S., focusing on leveraging the potential of Asian diaspora communities on the U.S. West Coast.
In a serendipitous turn of events amid the global pandemic, Indonesia’s Minister of National Development Planning handpicked me to spearhead a high-level delegation. Our mission was to engage with investors across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the USA, and Europe, gathering insights to shape the structure and investment framework for Indonesia’s ambitious new capital, Nusantara.
This endeavor built upon my earlier involvement with the project’s nascent stages in 2018-2022, where I represented the Real Estate Indonesia Association in supporting the Ministry’s visionary plans. The prestigious Burj CEO Award in Dubai recognized my contributions to this monumental undertaking.
Furthermore, during the height of the pandemic (2021-2022), I traveled to 34 countries to promote investment opportunities in Nusantara. This herculean effort earned me a place in the Indonesia World Records Museum.
- As FIABCI’s U.N. representative in Geneva, how do you plan to influence global real estate policies and drive change?
My role encompasses absorbing and disseminating information on sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. Drawing inspiration from models such as the United Nations initiatives in Geneva, I strive to propagate the ethos of green development throughout Asia.
The UNECE Committee on Urban Development, Housing, and Land Management is our primary partner in tackling global challenges within the housing sector. Together, we are addressing critical issues such as sustainability and green housing, affordable housing solutions, access to clean water, and managing urban sprawl, among others.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), established by ECOSOC in 1947, is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. Its primary mission is to promote pan-European economic integration. While UNECE is predominantly focused on Europe, there are significant opportunities to explore collaboration in Asia, particularly through pilot projects, funding initiatives, and the exchange of expertise and technology.
The pervasive influence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles has moved beyond a mere trend and evolved into an integral aspect of contemporary lifestyles. My mission involves inculcating these values into Asian society.
In tandem with promoting sustainability, I champion real estate as a cornerstone of prudent investment strategies. Real estate remains one of the most resilient and time-tested portfolios, rivaling even precious metals in its stability. I ardently advocate for property ownership as a crucial stepping stone for socioeconomic advancement, particularly for those aspiring to rise from lower to middle-income brackets.
Contrary to the notion popularized by certain tech moguls that home ownership is superfluous, I believe real estate assets play a pivotal role in facilitating upward mobility.
- What are the most significant trends and challenges in Asia’s real estate and infrastructure sectors?
In my work across Asia, I’ve seen infrastructure and real estate as inseparable partners in urban development. It’s a simple truth: where good roads, utilities, and public services go, homes and businesses soon follow.
My primary focus has been on Southeast Asia, a region of ten diverse countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Myanmar, brimming with potential.
The challenge lies not merely in physical construction but in crafting viable financial models. We draw inspiration from established markets such as the United States and the United Kingdom, adapting their public-private partnership frameworks to suit our unique context.
I propose evolving this model to include a fourth critical element: the populace. This “Four P” approach—Public, Private, Partnership, and People—places citizens at the core of urban planning and ensures that developments are not only economically viable but also socially beneficial.
The ultimate measure of a development’s success is its positive impact on the community it serves.
- As a global entrepreneur, how do you stay informed about diverse global real estate markets and regulations?
While overseeing real estate development across Asia, I’ve identified a critical need for regulatory harmonization, particularly within the ASEAN framework. This initiative aims to establish a unified code of real estate practices, emulating the European Union’s successful model.
The proximity of ASEAN nations provides an ideal testing ground for this endeavor. By standardizing regulations, we can foster a more transparent and predictable investment climate, which is crucial for attracting both domestic and international capital.
Our approach would be methodical, beginning with ASEAN member states before considering broader implementation. The goal is to create a robust system that protects investors while promoting regional economic growth.
