When you think “CEO of a leading co-living company,” what image pops into your mind? A suit-clad executive quoting from the latest business bestseller? Well, Jonathan Wong, APAC CEO of Habyt, is here to blow that stereotype out of the water.
During our chat for Rently Stories, Jonathan shared his take on co-living, the rental market, and, yes, a few surprises that had us grinning ear to ear.
Forget Business Books—Pass the Dragons
Jonathan isn’t the type to recommend you read "How to Win Friends and Influence People." In fact, he’s never read a business book. Instead, he devours science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary fiction. “Pick up Isaac Asimov or Brandon Sanderson,” he said, as casually as recommending your next Netflix binge. The reason? These imaginative works expand his creativity and force him to think bigger—both literally and figuratively.
As he put it, “Science fiction like Larry Niven’s forces you to think in orders of magnitude beyond the ordinary. It’s a practice I apply to my life, my work, and even the future of Habyt.”
Co-Living: A High-Tech Throwback
Co-living, according to Jonathan, isn’t some shiny, futuristic innovation. It’s a rebranded spin on the age-old concept of flat-sharing. What’s new is how technology makes finding your dream roomie—or dream pad—seamless.
“Co-living isn’t about revolutionizing the idea of shared spaces,” he explained. “It’s about simplifying the process. With tech, we’re bridging the gap between traditional real estate and the modern hospitality experience.”
This blend of old and new is precisely where Habyt shines. Their spaces are designed to feel like home—not a cookie-cutter template but a blank canvas for your personality. “Home is where you recharge,” Jonathan said. “And we aim to make our spaces a sanctuary.”
The Great Rental Adventure
Jonathan’s global experience in cities like Shanghai, London, and Singapore gives him a unique perspective on the universal woes of renting. “It’s tough everywhere,” he admitted. “But Singapore? It’s a unique beast.”
From fake listings to endless agent negotiations, renting in Singapore can feel like running a gauntlet. Habyt is here to change that by offering fully managed, tech-enabled spaces that take the stress out of finding a home.
Wait, Did He Say Missing Person?
Every job comes with its share of curveballs, but few can top the time Habyt had to assist in a missing person case. A tenant disappeared for two weeks, leaving friends and family frantic. The twist? The person had been on a “cyber sabbatical” at a gaming café, living and breathing video games for a fortnight.
“It was surreal,” Jonathan said with a laugh. “The stress we felt turned into relief when they emerged from the darkness.”
Co-Living Myths: Busted
The notion that co-living is driving up rental prices? Jonathan tackled this head-on. While some units may seem pricier, he argued, the overall impact is minimal since co-living still represents less than 1% of residential transactions in Singapore. Plus, by maximizing underutilized spaces like living rooms, co-living offers budget-friendly alternatives in prime locations.
2050: Renting Made Seamless
When asked about the future of renting, Jonathan’s vision was bold. Imagine finding, booking, and moving into a place within hours instead of weeks. With AI and blockchain in play, he envisions an Uber-like experience for real estate, where proof of personhood ensures secure, lightning-fast transactions.
A Quick Laugh to Close
We ended our chat on a playful note, challenging Jonathan to keep a straight face during a game of “Hold My Beer” while hearing ridiculous rental stories. From landlords who replaced blinds with sunglasses to neighbors who party non-stop, it was a fittingly hilarious end to a rich and varied conversation.
Jonathan Wong reminds us that the future of co-living isn’t just about technology—it’s about blending innovation with humanity. If you’re curious about Habyt’s approach, check out their website or explore their properties on Rently.sg.
