PropertyGuru Week 2025 recently took centre stage in Bangkok, serving as a powerful showcase of the milestones and achievements currently shaping the Asia-Pacific property market. Hosted at the prestigious The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, the week-long series of events offered a sophisticated backdrop for the region’s most influential real estate leaders to connect and celebrate.
The week’s proceedings kicked off on 11 December with the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit (ARES 2025). As the 11th edition of this flagship thought-leadership platform, the Summit acted as a prelude to the week’s festivities. This year’s theme, “Trusted Marketplaces and Thriving Communities,” guided a full day of expert-led talks, panel discussions, and keynote presentations.
ARES 2025 drew a diverse crowd of over 400 delegates, all eager to explore the evolving intersection of property, technology, and design. From macroeconomic outlooks to the “wellness edge” in urban development, the Summit set the tone for a week dedicated to transparency, innovation, and the future of resilient Asian cities.
ARES 2025: Leading the Dialogue on Innovation and Resilience
Opening Keynote: Syetarn Hansakul of The Economist Intelligence Corporate Network delivering a high-level briefing on the 2026 economic outlook for Southeast Asia.
Design Spotlight: Simon Mitchell, co-founder of Sybarite Architects, explores “The Power of Place” through landmark projects like SKP Wuhan.
The Brand Premium: Moderator Bill Barnett (C9 Hotelworks) leads a powerhouse panel on branded residences featuring leaders from Six Senses, Nobu Hospitality, Marriott International, and The Ascott Limited.
Rethinking Equity: Dr. Nai Jia Lee (PropertyGuru Group) moderates a diverse discussion on real estate equity with experts from UN-Habitat, MilikiRumah, SIEA, and Anton in Japan Media.
Resilient Cities: Ambassador Chantale Wong joins industry leaders from IFC, Tajara, and Cryptomind to analyse urban resilience in the digital economy.
AI & Security: CyberAI founder Duncan James Simpson takes the stage to discuss the critical role of data security in an increasingly AI-driven property market.
The Wellness Edge: A vibrant exchange on community well-being featuring insights from Knight Frank, Sukosol Hotels, and wellness influencers.
Closing Inspiration: Two-time Olympic gold medallist Panipak “Tennis” Wongpattanakit closes the summit with a powerful keynote on the parallels between athletic resilience and community building.
The day’s insights paved the way for an evening of networking and celebration at the Kandhavas Place VIP afterparty. The spotlight shone brightly on the ARES Power Women of 2025, an elite group of leaders honoured for their impact on the industry. The 2025 cohort featured Ambassador Chantale Wong, Marine Novita, hospitality icon Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, and renowned architect Ar. (Dr.) Serina Hijjas.
Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, also shared some insightful words.
Over the years, ARES has evolved into a definitive platform for progress, steadfastly advocating for innovation, green building, and climate action. By championing gender equity and sustainability, the Summit does more than just showcase breakthrough technologies and emerging leaders; it serves as a vital architect of the industry’s future, fostering the essential conversations on proptech and urban evolution that drive the region forward.
Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: The “Best in Asia” Crowned at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final 2025
Following the high-level dialogues of the Summit, the week’s festivities reached a spectacular crescendo with the 20th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final. This milestone event, held at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, served as the grand culmination of a year-long journey across 13 diverse property markets.
Celebrating two decades of defining excellence in real estate, the 2025 Grand Final distinguished the region’s most sublime achievements in development and design. With over 90 categories honouring the “Best in Asia,” the ceremony showcased finalists who had triumphed in their respective local gala events. Each winner was selected for their alignment with PropertyGuru’s core vision: powering communities to live, work, and thrive in the sustainable, future-ready cities of tomorrow.
Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China
The golden statuette for Best Developer (Asia) was claimed by Hong Kong’s Henderson Land Development Company Limited. Their ultra-luxurious joint venture with New World Development Company Limited, The Legacy – 8 Castle Road, Mid Levels, secured a double victory across both development and design categories.
Further representing the Chinese special administrative regions, Properties Sub F, Limited (a joint venture of Hongkong Land Group and Shun Tak Development Limited) was recognised for the One Central Macau Revamp. Design innovation from Mainland China also took centre stage, with prestigious wins for leading practices including Benoy, CAN Design, J&A Design, and Lead8.
Malaysia: The Night’s Leading Nation
With an impressive haul of 17 Best in Asia titles, Malaysia emerged as the top-performing nation. JLand Group was crowned Best Industrial Developer (Asia) for its landmark Bandar Dato’ Onn township, while MTD Properties and Faire Development earned distinctions as Best Affordable Residential Developer (Asia) and Best Breakthrough Developer (Asia), respectively.
The Malaysian honours reflected a sophisticated focus on connectivity, sustainability, and multi-generational living. A diverse group of victors bolstered the nation’s success, including Armani Group, Astaka Kimlun Sdn Bhd, City Motors Group, Exal (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Gunung Impian Development Sdn Bhd, IIB Land Sdn. Bhd., Malton Berhad, Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS), Platinum Victory, R&F Development Sdn Bhd, Sime Darby Property, and TRX City Sdn Bhd.
Indonesia: Urban Prowess
Indonesia followed closely with 15 wins, showcasing the archipelago’s prowess in creating integrated communities. Paramount Land was named Best Township Developer (Asia), while Sinar Mas Land triumphed for its visionary BSD City and Grand Wisata townships. Sinar Mas Land also scored a joint win with Hongkong Land for Botanic Villa at NavaPark.
PT. Putragaya Wahana was hailed as Best Commercial Developer (Asia), driven by the success of the Thamrin Nine superblock, home to Indonesia’s tallest skyscrapers. Other high benchmarks were set by Summarecon Group, Masgroup, Mandiri Land, and Triniti Land, particularly in the realms of eco-conscious and high-end hospitality.
Vietnam: A Force for Sustainability
Vietnam proved a formidable force with 14 wins, led by CapitaLand Development (Vietnam), which secured the title of Best Sustainable Developer (Asia) — and multiple honours for the projects Orchard Grand, Orchard Mansion, The Fullton, and The Orchard. Gamuda Land Vietnam was honoured as Best Community Developer (Asia), reinforced by projects such as Central Park and Springville.
Nomura Real Estate Vietnam further solidified its regional standing, being crowned Best International Partner Developer (Asia) while also earning specific accolades for its The Komorebi project. The nation’s formidable performance was rounded out by Ecopark Founder and KD Investment Joint Stock Company, whose innovative projects ensured their places among Vietnam’s most elite awardees.
Singapore: Modern Sophistication
Singapore developers maintained their high-standing reputation with 11 wins, headlined by UOL Group Limited being named Best Residential Developer (Asia). The collaborative project Parktown Residence — a joint venture between CapitaLand Development, UOL Group Limited, and Singapore Land Group Limited — secured a trio of awards. Furthermore, Upperhouse at Orchard Boulevard earned a joint victory for UOL Group Limited and Singapore Land Group Limited.
IOI Properties Singapore also enjoyed a successful night, achieving three wins for its landmark projects IOI Central Boulevard Towers and W Residences Marina View. The city-state’s commitment to quality was further underscored by honours for Allgreen Properties and The Assembly Place, both of whom were recognised for their contributions to real estate excellence.
The Philippines: Luxury and Connectivity
Developers from the Philippines demonstrated their regional influence by capturing 10 Best in Asia titles. Robinsons Land emerged as a primary victor with four accolades, including the prestigious Best Luxury Developer (Asia) award. Its winning portfolio included The Mall | NUSTAR, The Victor at Bridgetowne, and work.able GBF Center 1.
The group’s hospitality arm, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, was named Best Hospitality Developer (Asia), while its subsidiary RLC Residences triumphed with Sync and The Residences at The Westin Manila. The Philippines’ diverse growth was further highlighted by winning developments from Aboitiz Economic Estates, Aboitiz Land, Inc., and FIESTA Communities Incorporated, all of which showcased significant advancements in industrial development and housing connectivity.
Thailand: Architectural Mastery and Iconic Leadership
Thailand developers captured seven Best in Asia wins, spearheaded by Reignwood Group, which secured the Best Luxury Mega Township Development (Asia) title for its ambitious Reignwood Park. The nation’s success highlighted a blend of technical innovation and architectural mastery, exemplified by the luxurious residential and coastal projects of AP (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Pruksa Real Estate Public Company Limited, Triya, and Tropical Life Real Estate Co., Ltd. Furthermore, Thailand’s reputation as a world-class retail hub was cemented by Lead8, who was honoured for the design of Parade at One Bangkok.
A standout moment of the ceremony was the presentation of the PropertyGuru Icon Award to Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman of The Mall Group. A former Thailand Real Estate Personality of the Year (2017), she was recognised by the editorial team of Property Report by PropertyGuru for her legendary contributions to mixed-use and retail landscapes, most notably the multi-award-winning EM District in Bangkok.
PropertyGuru Icon Award WINNER
Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman, The Mall Group
Australia, Japan, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East
The Grand Final also celebrated exceptional projects from across the broader region and beyond.
Australia: Eterno Property Group showcased the continent’s enduring appeal with victories for Munro House and The Newlands, while Eve Residences by Homecorp was recognised for its breathtaking coastal views.
Japan: Jean Yip Developments triumphed with JY Suites Tsutenkaku, named Best Affordable Condo Development (Asia), while Curiosity earned the Best Hospitality Interior Design (Asia) award for the Four Seasons Hotel Osaka.
Best Affordable Condo Development (Asia) WINNER
JY Suites Tsutenkaku by Jean Yip Developments
Sri Lanka: Home Lands Group of Companies was distinguished as the Best Lifestyle Developer (Asia), and Urbanspace Interiors Pvt Ltd. took home the trophy for Best Condo Interior Design for the Pentara Model Apartment.
Middle East: Representing the United Arab Emirates, Chedi Hospitality secured the Best Branded Residential Development (Asia) title for its flagship project, The Chedi Private Residences, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.
Best Branded Residential Development (Asia)
The Chedi Private Residences, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates by Chedi Hospitality
The Architects of Excellence
The integrity of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards is upheld by a distinguished panel of industry leaders, serving as the head judges for their respective markets. This include Thien Duong; Ajai A Kapoor, CEO, 360 degrees – Real Estate Services (India); Cyndy Tan Jarabata, president of TAJARA Leisure & Hospitality Group Inc. (Philippines); Doddy A. Tjahjadi, managing director, PTI Architects (Indonesia); Eddie Guillemette, CEO, Midori no Ki (Japan); Datuk Ar. Ezumi Harzani Ismail, president, Malaysian Institute of Architects: 2020-2022 (Malaysia); Ivan Lam, executive director, international business, Charter Keck Cramer (Australia); Ken Ip, chairman, Asia MarTech Society (Mainland China); Dr. Nirmal De Silva, director and CEO, Paramount Realty (Sri Lanka); Paul Tse, president, Macao Association of Building Contractors and Developers (Hong Kong and Macau); Roy Ling, CEO, board director, and adjunct professor, FollowTrade (Singapore); and Suphin Mechuchep, strategic real estate advisor (Thailand).
HLB, the global network of independent professional accounting firms and business advisers, upheld the integrity of the awards. Paul Ashburn of HLB International Real Estate Group and Sakanphon Fueangwong of HLB Thailand oversaw the selection process.
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