Humble and upright character
REAL Estate Agents Licensing Board chairman Dr Abdul Hassan is no stranger to the real estate sector in Fiji. Dr Hassan often states the real estate sector is an important component of an economy of a nation where a large percentage of a country's wealth is invested. He has contributed immensely to the development of the sector.
Name: Dr Abdul Hassan Age: 68 years
Current occupation or current role: Real estate valuer, chairperson for Real Estate Licensing Board and chairperson for Valuers Registration Board of Fiji
Please tell us a little about yourself (where you from and just a bit about your family background)?
I am from Nadroga and I was born in a farming community in Bemana, Sigatoka Valley. My parents were involved in farming, focusing on vegetable farming. They relocated to Nasinu after leased land went into native reserve.
How would you describe yourself?
A humble person with an upright character and conduct. Hardworking with good time management for different activities I have to undertake.
Tell us a little about the work you do?
By profession I am a real estate valuer, involved in the valuation of real estate properties. I was an academic for almost 20 years at the University of the South Pacific, teaching real estate courses. I left USP at the end of 2018 and in the final three years at USP I acted as the Head of the School of Land Management and Development
When did you become the chairman of REALB? 2015
What schools did you attend and feel free to describe your academic achievements with us?
I attended a primary school in a rural setting in Sigatoka Valley (Bemana Indian School) before moving to Nadi to complete high school education. After high school, I joined Fiji College of Agriculture to complete a Diploma. In those days it was not difficult to seek employment, so after completing my Diploma in Tropical Agriculture I joined the Ministry of Lands in the Valuation Section as a senior technical assistant. In the 1970s Land Management degree was not offered at USP so we had to enrol on in-house courses and training offered by the ministry to become a professional valuer. In 1978 I become a registered valuer and worked in the public sector for 16 years. I was very keen to undertake research in the real estate sector so joined the University of the South Pacific in 1999 after completing Post Graduate Diploma in Land Management. With industry experience, I used to share my practical experience with the students in the lecture rooms. I believe not too many lectures come with such experience and background to teach at tertiary institution. While still teaching at the university I completed my Masters in 2003 and PhD in 2014.
Please tell us a little about being the chairman of the board, especially dealing with the real estate industry in Fiji?
Being the chairman of the REALB is not an easy task. I must deal with so many people with different level of education and social backgrounds. Several agents have no respect for the board and continue to write lengthy emails to higher authorities particularly framing up allegations against the chairman. They very little realise the board is operating under the Act and all decisions are taken as provided under the provisions of the Act. Some agents are keen on writing on trivial issues to the board which I am sure can be resolved by themselves. In recent years we ave been having an uphill battle with illegal activities by the bogus agents and on unprofessional conduct by the agents. However, the number cases are decreasing now and with the revision of the Act more stringent measures can be taken against these illegal activities.
Have you always seen yourself working in the real estate industry or did you have other plans in mind before becoming the chairman and how did it all change for you?
A large part of my life was spent in the real estate sector and I wish to continue with this in future. For your information, many of my former students in Land Management degree are working in different public and private sectors whom I meet quite often. I get so delighted to see them holding such positions. I am always ready to assist them when they seek my advice on land issues.
Who inspires you the most in life?
When I enrolled at the University of the South Pacific to complete Post Graduate Diploma, I met the Head of School of Land Management and Development, Dr Spike Boydell. During this period, he inspired me to complete my Masters and PhD. He was very keen to see locals to upgrade their education and excel in professional development. Through his advice and mentoring I was able to complete my academic qualification.
What do you like to do in your spare time when you're not running the board?
Currently, we do not have local textbooks on real estate courses taught at the tertiary institutions. This is an ongoing problem for the students, and I have experienced this when teaching at USP. I wish to write real estate textbooks that will be relevant to our local situations.
How would you describe the real estate industry?
Real estate is an important component of an economy of a nation where a large percentage of a country's wealth is invested. An active market in the real estate sector is a good indicator of the progress of a country. There is a need for a paradigm shift as we can no longer define ourselves through the narrow scope of being a real estate sector or as a real estate agent. The agents are national economic actors and contribute and play a huge role in investments and business
What is one advice that you often give people at REALB or to people you've met over the years?
My advice to real estate agents is to resolve many challenges associated with the real estate through dialogues, understanding, patience and wisdom. They must create an environment of professionalism, expertise, integrity, and quality in the real estate industry.
If you weren't the chairman of REALB right now, what would you be?
I would be a professional valuer actively involved in the property valuation and property market research.
What would be a pet peeve for you?
I expect people to be sincere in their dealings, transparent and efficient. It is very annoying to see if someone undertakes to fulfil certain obligations, but fails.
Any advice to people who want to maybe become a chairman of a prominent organisation in the future or work in the real estate industry?
To be a chairman of an organisation one must be a team player. One must take a collective decision on matters after consulting with all board members. He/she must be a person who can take criticism from individuals and the public. A chairman should have knowledge and experience on the issues he/ she is expected to deal in the Board and must have a strategy to achieve the goal of an organisation.