I recently attended an interview with Mah Sing’s HR department for the Building Manager position, and I must say it was a disappointing experience, especially coming from someone with over 8 years of experience in building and facilities management.
During the interview, I was told the role was on a contract basis, which I was willing to consider. However, when I asked about the possibility of renewal, the HR personnel bluntly responded that it would "depend on whether the committee likes you or not" and emphasized that we are expected to receive positive feedback from residents.
This statement deeply concerned me. It reflects a lack of understanding of a Building Manager’s actual role, which includes enforcing by-laws, handling defaulters, issuing notices, and even taking cases to the Tribunal when necessary. These duties are not always “popular” with residents, but they are essential for maintaining proper governance and property standards.
The fact that job security is based on being “liked” rather than professional performance and compliance with the Strata Management Act is a red flag for any serious property professional.
This experience has convinced me not to apply for any roles within Mah Sing in the future, and I strongly urge the company to better equip their HR team with a clear understanding of operational roles, especially those that involve statutory and legal responsibilities.