In profile: Knight Frank's Asian markets and commercial sales director Dominic Ong

Knight Frank's Dominic Ong says the three key ingredients to his job are building trust, building relationships, and market knowledge.

Agent: Dominic Ong

Position: Asian Markets & Commercial Sales Director

Company: Knight Frank

Office location: Sydney

How long have you been in the industry?

I have been in the property industry for over 12 years, including nine years in New Zealand and three years in Australia.

What’s happening in the area you specialise in?

I specialise in High Net Worth Private (HNWP) Asian investors and that market is currently extremely active. Knight Frank has recently formed a specialist Asian Markets division which targets High Net Worth Individuals from Asia, particularly China, with an aim of capitalising on the recent changes to the Significant Investment Visa (SIV) and the predicted influx of Asian capital into the Sydney and Australian marketplace. Knight Frank has a large network of Asian Market specialists both within Australia and the region – it’s a rapidly growing team.

Describe the most interesting property you have sold

I was brought on board to sell a five-floor property in Auckland which had been vacant for five years. The property was abandoned, like a run-down “ghost house”. The building was missing its roof and was flooded with dirty, putrid smelling knee-deep water. I ended up selling it to the very first buyer and it has now been refurbished and brought back to life.

What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?

Three key ingredients include building trust, building relationships, and market knowledge.

What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?

Having lunch with my clients and building relationships with them.

Where would you invest a spare $750,000?

On a shop in Sydney which also has accommodation above it.

Which football team do you support?

I am a huge MU (Manchester United) fan!

What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?

It’s a public transport app called ‘Tripview’ – I highly recommend it.

How do you use social media?

I regularly use ‘WeChat’ to keep in touch with my family and friends. It allows you to text voice messages, make video calls in your pocket and it has a function where you can invite others for chat via QR code.