For Shermaine Tan, the journey into the Built Environment sector began not with blueprints or construction sites, but with deep, meaningful conversations with a relative who lived and breathed the dynamic world of Facilities Management (FM). These stories, rich with challenges and triumphs, lit a spark in Shermaine. She realised that the Built Environment wasn't just about buildings; it was about shaping the places where people live, work, and grow.
Motivated by a desire to contribute meaningfully to communities and the environment, Shermaine pursued Built Environment studies at both polytechnic and university levels. Her passion for sustainability and innovation found a natural home in this field, and her ambition led her to CBRE, a global leader known for empowering talent and shaping future cities.
"Joining CBRE is not just about advancing my career," Shermaine shares, "it's about being part of a community dedicated to creating spaces that enhance the quality of life for everyone." Today, Shermaine stands not only as a Facilities Manager but as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of built environment professionals.
Dynamic Days and Ever-Changing Challenges
Shermaine's mornings start with structure and focus, such as reviewing schedules, prioritising tasks, and clearing urgent communications. But in facilities management, predictability ends there. "No two days are ever the same," she says. Some mornings pull her straight into resolving operational hurdles or managing tough conversations with tenants, contractors, and colleagues. This fluidity demands resilience, sharp problem-solving, and a keen human touch.
Shermaine having weekly updates with her Associate Director on the operational plans for the upcoming week.
Her core responsibilities weave together operational excellence, safety compliance, people management, and client relationship-building. Whether she's attending high-level meetings, scrutinising data reports, or conducting hands-on facility walkthroughs, Shermaine is constantly balancing strategic oversight with ground realities.
Yet amidst the busy days, it's teamwork that fuels her passion most. "Collaborative problem-solving is the best part of my job," she says. "Bringing diverse minds together to find better ways to operate, that's where real innovation happens."
Innovation at the Heart of Facilities Management
In a sector often seen as traditional, Shermaine is embracing the future head-on. She and her team are harnessing the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart FM technologies to revolutionise operations. Sensors track energy usage and maintenance needs, feeding live data into comprehensive dashboards that empower data-driven decision-making.
CBRE's proprietary SI7 technology also plays a vital role. By digitising workflows and integrating processes into a single dashboard, Shermaine's team achieves a real-time, unified view of operations, enhancing efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness across their portfolios.
Shermaine running through the integrated dashboard sharing real-time information to improve efficiency.
"At CBRE, we believe in the synergy of people, processes, and technology," Shermaine notes. "Technology isn't here to replace us; it's here to enable us to work smarter and deliver greater value."
Recent projects have brought her even closer to her passion for sustainability. Tailoring green initiatives to specific sites, rather than applying one-size-fits-all solutions, has proven both challenging and rewarding. "The journey to operational excellence is different for every stakeholder, and that's what makes it so fulfilling," she says.
Looking ahead, Shermaine sees an industry on the cusp of a transformation. With innovative technologies and sustainable practices rapidly redefining the Built Environment, she believes there has never been a more exciting time to be in Facilities Management.
"Many still hold outdated perceptions about our industry," she says. "But this is a field rich with opportunity for fresh perspectives and bold innovations."
Her advice to aspiring FM professionals is simple yet powerful: "Be open, be daring, and be the change that challenges traditional norms."
Shermaine's story is a vivid reminder that Facilities Management is not just about maintaining spaces, it's about creating environments where people and communities can truly thrive. Through passion, innovation, and collaboration, she is helping to shape a smarter, more sustainable future one building at a time.