Have
you ever savoured a favourite meal or browsed a beloved shop on campus and
wondered how these services were engaged? Behind the vibrant dining and retail
landscape at NUS is the dedicated Leasing team from Campus Services (CS). These
professionals play a key role in thoughtfully shaping a diverse and dynamic
retail environment that enhances the everyday experience of the university
community.
The
CS Leasing team acts as strategic curators, thoughtfully crafting a vibrant
ecosystem of cafes, restaurants, and retail outlets that elevates the campus
experience. Their role goes beyond traditional leasing — it requires a deep
understanding of community demographics, shifting curriculum trends, and the
broader vision for a dynamic, future-ready campus.
“Through
careful selection and seamless integration of diverse tenants, we orchestrate a
rich tapestry of offerings that reflect the varied needs and preferences of
students, faculty, and staff — ultimately nurturing a thriving, inclusive, and
engaging campus community,” shared Ms Jeslin Pang, Head of Retail Dining Services,
Sports & UTown Management (RDSU). She also manages event space leasing at
the Shaw Foundation Alumni House.
Teamwork, smiles, and a shared commitment to excellence – the Retail and Dining Services team is making every moment count! (From left to right: Mr Sng Jin Soon, Ms Jeslin Pang, Ms Yeo Chin Hoon, Mr Ahmad Edi Bin Nawer, Ms Joanna Kher, Ms Ariyl Ang, Ms Zhong Ziqian, Mr Jackson Tan and Ms Angeline Kho).
Balancing
quality with affordability, the CS Leasing team actively collaborates with
tenants to keep food prices competitive. Guided by campus data, market
research, and strategic engagement with potential partners, they have
successfully introduced a wide range of dining options on campus —
demonstrating a clear commitment to enriching campus life while responding to
the diverse tastes and preferences of students, staff and even alumni.
The
CS Leasing team places a strong emphasis on cultivating collaborative,
long-term relationships with tenants. Beyond overseeing day-to-day operations,
they actively foster partnerships through joint promotions, campus bazaars, and
other shared initiatives that resonate with students’ interests and campus
culture. Guided by the belief that tenants are vital contributors to the campus
ecosystem, the team maintains regular engagement and open channels of
communication to ensure mutual growth and alignment.
The Prosperity Bazaar, held at the Terrace on 2 February 2024, was the first post-COVID-19 market event held in an NUS canteen
Bringing
popular dining brands and options to campus is a strategic and collaborative
effort – one that starts with proactive outreach to retailers and is supported
by compelling presentations on the benefits of campus locations. From site
assessments to menu planning and pricing discussions, the process is thorough
and guided by a commitment to quality and variety. By blending well-known
international names with standout local favourites, the CS Leasing team curates
a diverse dining scene. A community referral programme also invites the NUS
community to suggest and connect with potential vendors—ensuring the campus
menu continues to evolve with flavour and inclusivity.
Their
commitment to a vibrant dining scene is reflected in their close collaboration
with the NUS Students’ Union (NUSSU) and regular collection of student
feedback, ensuring that vendors and retailers stay responsive to evolving
tastes and campus needs.
Shreeya
Chhabra, a third-year student from the Faculty
of Science and the
Deputy Welfare Secretary of NUSSU, said, "We are grateful to have
participated in the Leasing team’s tender interviews for dining and retail
spaces, which enabled us to represent student voices and contribute to creating
a more diverse and inclusive campus environment. The Leasing team’s openness to
student perspectives has been invaluable in shaping spaces that better serve
the NUS community."
The
team’s positive strides in creating a more enjoyable dining experience are
evident from recent student surveys that show a strong 90 per cent satisfaction
rate with the variety and quality of on-campus food and beverage options. While
encouraged by this feedback, the CS Leasing team remains committed to
listening, adapting and continuously improving to meet the evolving needs of
the campus community.