The multi-sector real estate industry faces critical challenges in balancing growth with sustainability and resilience. Industry leaders from around the globe convened to explore innovative strategies to ensure long-term impact while meeting the needs of evolving communities.
At The PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit, a Leaders Panel moderated by Marco Lobregat, Asia Editor and International Director for Synergy Media Specialists, brought together experts including Stephen Pimbley, Founding Partner of Spark Architects; Cyndy Tan Jarabata, President of TAJARA Leisure and Hospitality Group; Hang Dang, Managing Director of CBRE Vietnam; and Rita Chow, founder and chief business officer of Sunshine PR. The panel delved into multi-sector resilience and sustainable development challenges, exploring ways to foster thriving communities through innovative approaches and cross-sector collaboration.
Stephen Pimbley emphasized the pressing need to address carbon emissions in construction. Advocating for refurbishment over new builds, Pimbley suggested shifting the focus to “donut economics” — an approach that prioritizes sustainable resource usage over unbridled expansion. “We build too much and demolish too much,” he warned. “Refurbishing existing structures is key to reducing our carbon footprint.”
Cyndy Tan Jarabata highlighted the challenges in tourism development, particularly in archipelagic regions vulnerable to climate change. She called for collaborative solutions, emphasizing the importance of transparent information sharing among developers to address climate threats effectively.
In Vietnam and China, sustainability is becoming a priority. Hang Dang noted that 30% of office buildings in major cities now incorporate sustainable features, while Rita Chow highlighted how ESG metrics are reshaping the financial dynamics of real estate. “Green buildings are more than a trend,” Chow explained, “they are fundamental to the industry’s future resilience and financing.”
