The 10th edition of the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit (ARES), the thought leadership initiative of the PropertyGuru Group, brought together industry experts and visionaries to explore the key trends shaping the real estate sector. Topics ranged from technology and design to business development, economics, and beyond.
Themed “Shaping the Aspirations of Future Cities,” ARES 2024 drew over 300 delegates and approximately 30 speakers. Their insights were presented through talks, keynotes, and panel discussions, all structured around three core themes: Building Future Communities; Powering Innovative Businesses; and Embracing Shared Prosperity.
Jules Kay, General Manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, framed the significance of the gathering by noting: “Cities act as a canvas for the real estate sector. This 10th summit gave us an inspiring overview of urban living ideals, offering invaluable learnings on how residents and businesses will shape built environments in the years to come. The collaboration and dialogue during PropertyGuru Week created a genuine milestone for real estate in Asia.”
In his welcoming remarks, Hari V Krishnan, CEO and Managing Director of PropertyGuru Group, underscored the importance of aligning real estate with the aspirations of urban dwellers. “We strive to empower communities to live, work, and prosper in tomorrow’s cities,” he said. “This year’s summit brought together leading minds from Asia and beyond, examining how thoughtfully designed, environmentally responsible spaces will support the needs of upcoming generations, both residentially and commercially. We leave feeling more inspired than ever.”
Expert keynotes set the tone for the Summit. Returning this year, Sumana Rajarethnam, Director for South-East Asia at The Economist Intelligence Corporate Network, delivered a data-driven presentation on Asia’s economy, sharing future growth and challenges. Pop superstar, actor, and creator Golf Pichaya Nitipaisalkul offered a more personal perspective, describing how city life has influenced his quest for the perfect home. Meanwhile, Stephen Oehme, Summit Chairperson, sustainability advocate, and Managing Director of Quantum, addressed the global outlook for the Asia Pacific region.
Several panel discussions brought together influential voices on critical industry issues. Dr Nai Jia Lee, Head of Real Estate Intelligence at PropertyGuru Group, led one on defining future homes, joined by Anton Wormann (creator of “Anton in Japan”), David Chong of REHDA Institute (Malaysia), and Muhammad Adhiguna Sosiawan of Mas Group (Indonesia). Another panel, moderated by Bill Barnett, Founder and Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks, explored trends in branded residences and featured prominent speakers including Gianfranco Bianchi of The One Atelier, Leanne Reddie of GHM Hotels, Penny Trinh of Marriott International, and Saowarin Chanprakaisi of The Ascott Limited.
Showcasing the impact of culture and community on urban spaces, another conversation involved Wendy McEwan of PropertyGuru Group, digital creator Alex Bentley, Chelsea Perino of The Executive Centre, Kristin Thorsteins of Portman Investments, and Michael Jones of Pain-Free Me Studio. A separate session focused on designing for impact, hosted by SPARK Architects Founder Stephen Pimbley with panellists Colin Chee of Never Too Small, Jessica Bianca Sy of SMDC, Patrick Keane of Enter Projects Asia, and Shao-wei Huang of Zaha Hadid Architects. In the concluding session, David Johnson of Delivering Asia moderated a discussion on how giga-cities in the Middle East are integrating culture and innovation, with insights from James A. Kaplan of Destination Capital, Khalid Otain of HLB Middle East, and Stephen Oehme.
Serving as an anchor event of PropertyGuru Week, ARES 2024 was hosted by international events and podcast personality Tina Ryan, followed by the ARES VIP Cocktail Party where five ‘Power Women’ were celebrated for exemplifying diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within real estate and adjacent fields. Further emphasising its DEI commitment, the Summit also provided delegates with gifts produced by women and families supported by Dao Ethical Gifts.
ARES 2024 led into the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards International Luncheon on 13 December, also held at The Athenee Hotel. This luncheon showcased the inaugural PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards for the Middle East, in addition to recent accolades for Cambodia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, India, Japan, and Sri Lanka. PropertyGuru Week concluded with a series of presentations by Anton Love at Cinema Oasis Bangkok, rounding off a pivotal gathering for the region’s real estate community.
