Ixora Ang, a trailblazer for women’s leadership in real estate

Tropicana Corporation’s Managing Director discusses her approach to redefining leadership and empowering women in the property sector

In a rapidly evolving real estate landscape, few have shown as much leadership and commitment to transformation as Ixora Ang, Managing Director of Tropicana Corporation Berhad. A seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the property industry, Ixora has consistently driven forward-thinking strategies in marketing, business development, and digital platforms. Her approach not only focuses on expanding Tropicana’s footprint across Malaysia, but also on fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for women in real estate. 

Born with a strong academic foundation, Ixora graduated summa cum laude from Chapman University in the United States, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies and Economics. Her academic journey laid the groundwork for what would become a successful career in real estate, where she has since become a key figure in shaping Tropicana’s marketing direction. Her focus on creative marketing strategies has helped position Tropicana as a prominent name in developments across Malaysia, from Klang Valley to Langkawi and Iskandar Malaysia. 

At the core of Ixora’s success is a passion for rethinking how real estate companies engage with their audiences. She has played an instrumental role in developing and implementing Tropicana’s marketing strategies for both residential and commercial projects. These include high-profile developments across various regions, such as Tropicana Metropark, Tropicana Heights, and Tropicana Golf & Country Resort, which have been influential in reshaping the local property market. 

Moreover, Ixora has been a key player in strategising Tropicana’s digital marketing efforts. Recognising the importance of online engagement, she helped the company adapt to changing times by developing a robust digital platform that allows Tropicana to connect with potential buyers and investors more effectively. This focus on innovation and adaptability has been a driving force in maintaining Tropicana’s relevance in a competitive real estate market. 

While her professional achievements have been widely recognised, what sets Ixora apart is her unwavering commitment to empowering others—particularly women—in the real estate sector. In an industry often criticised for its lack of gender diversity in leadership roles, Ixora has consistently been a vocal advocate for women’s growth and success. 

In our conversation at the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit VIP Cocktail Party, where she was honoured as the Power Woman 2024, Ixora shared her thoughts on how women can carve out a space for themselves in leadership roles. 

“At Tropicana Corporation Berhad, one of our key mantras has always been to redefine the art of living,” she said. “This award, as well as this event, is a testament to how Tropicana feels. A huge part of that is to redefine how we work, and that means creating space for women to thrive in the workplace.” 

Ixora’s approach to leadership is rooted in her core values of authenticity, bravery, and collaboration, which she refers to as the ABCS of leadership. 

“Authenticity means bringing our true selves to work,” she explained. “We understand that everyone comes from different walks of life, and they could be mothers, sisters, or friends. It is about embracing and accepting people’s authentic selves in the workplace.” 

She emphasises that bravery is essential for women to take up space in corporate environments. “To be brave enough to lead a team and to groom female talent so they can take their place at the table is crucial,” she shared. Ixora believes that women should not only feel empowered to lead but should also support each other in doing so. Her leadership style encourages a workplace where women feel comfortable, supported, and confident in their abilities. 

More: Breaking ground: Power Women lay the foundation for the real estate industry’s future

Furthermore, Ixora advocates for celebration through collaboration—a practice that fosters teamwork and success for all, especially for women who are often sidelined in decision-making processes. “By collaborating, we not only achieve success but also make sure that success is celebrated together, especially when it comes to empowering women in the workplace,” she added. 

As we celebrate International Women’s Month 2025, themed “Accelerate Action”, Ixora’s leadership journey offers an insightful example of how to combine innovation with inclusivity. Her story is a reminder that progress in real estate—or any industry—is not only about building structures but about creating environments where diverse voices, especially women’s voices, are heard and valued.  

Through her work at Tropicana, Ixora has not only influenced the direction of one of Malaysia’s leading property companies but has also set a benchmark for female leadership in the real estate industry. She continues to inspire the next generation of women leaders who will take on the challenges of tomorrow and drive real change in their communities. 

Ixora’s commitment to redefining the real estate industry is an embodiment of the Accelerate Action theme, pushing for tangible and sustainable changes that benefit not just companies but society as a whole. By leading with authenticity, bravery, and a spirit of collaboration, she is paving the way for more women to take on leadership roles and shape the future of real estate, one project at a time. 

This article was originally published on asiarealestatesummit.com. Write to our editors at [email protected].

Watch her interview, alongside other Power Women 2024, here: