As Asia moves toward 2026, the region’s real estate landscape continues to navigate financial vulnerabilities, rising construction and borrowing costs, and sharply diverging performance across markets. At the same time, broader geopolitical currents, including the evolving balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region and unresolved intra-ASEAN territorial disputes, add further complexity for investors and policymakers.
These conditions set the stage for the 11th PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit (ARES) 2025, returning to Bangkok on December 11 under the timely theme “Trusted Marketplaces, Thriving Communities.” Serving as the premier gathering point of PropertyGuru Week 2025, the summit brings together global and regional leaders to confront a central question: How can Asia build transparent, reliable marketplaces that support not only economic growth but stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient communities?
Bridges will once again be on the ground in Bangkok to cover the ideas and insights shaping the future of the region’s built environment.
Why Attend ARES 2025: Highlights From This Year’s Speakers
This year’s summit convenes economists, designers, policymakers, technologists, and cultural voices in a multidisciplinary roster that reflects the expanded ecosystem of modern real estate. Below are several featured speakers whose expertise demonstrates what attendees can expect to gain from the summit.
Strategic foresight: Navigating the 2026 economic landscape
Syetarn Hansakul, Senior Analyst for Asia, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)
Hansakul, who leads ASEAN analysis and oversees forecasts for Japan, Thailand, and Cambodia at EIU, will deliver a forward-looking assessment of the region’s economic climate. Her insights will help decision-makers prepare for shifting monetary conditions, regulatory changes, and structural risks.
Future trend insights: How design, wellness, and culture reshape markets
Dr. Tan Tee Khoon (TK), Executive Council Member, SIEA / Managing Director Corporate Affairs & Head, Knight Frank Property Network
Dr. Tan’s session explores how consumer expectations around design, branding, and wellness, coupled with cultural identity, are redefining asset value and influencing purchasing behaviour. His leadership in professional development for more than 16,000 real estate practitioners brings sharp relevance to the conversation.
This year’s summit convenes economists, designers, policymakers, technologists, and cultural voices in a multidisciplinary roster that reflects the expanded ecosystem of modern real estate.
Impact & ethics: AI, proptech, and the architecture of trust
Duncan James Simpson, Director of Cyber, CyberAI / Television & Social Media Personality
Simpson brings nearly two decades of experience in cybersecurity and AI-enabled digital risk management. He will examine how technology can strengthen trust—from transaction security to platform reliability, and how public perception shapes the ethics of digital innovation in real estate.
Urban development analysis: Building equitable, resilient cities
Ambassador Chantale Y.M. Wong, Former U.S. Executive Director, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Ambassador Wong will discuss the intersection of equity, climate resilience, and affordability in shaping Asia’s future cities. Their tenure at ADB, which included expanding lending capacity by USD100 billion while maintaining the institution’s AAA credit rating, reflects the scale of their policy and development insight.
Networking & collaboration: Connecting leaders across the region
More than 450 senior executives, creators, investors, and innovators will participate in PropertyGuru Week. Among them: Anton Wormann, Christine Li, Diep Do, Dino Sukosol Clapp, Dr. Jing Yu, Jael Fischer, Kevin D. W. Tai, Ladyy Claire, Lee Lin, and Panipak “Tennis” Wongpattanakit, a diverse mix representing the convergence of real estate with hospitality, culture, wellness, and digital influence.
See the full speaker lineup at: https://www.asiarealestatesummit.com/speakers
Honouring Women Shaping Asia’s Built Environment
Immediately following the summit, PropertyGuru will host the ARES VIP Party: Celebrating Power Women, an invitation-only gathering recognising outstanding women whose leadership continues to positively influence the property and urban development sectors.
The 2025 ARES Power Women Honourees include: Ambassador Chantale Wong, Marine Novita, Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, and Ar. (Dr.) Serina Hijjas, each a trailblazer in governance, sustainability, hospitality, innovation, and community-building.
Their recognition highlights ARES’ ongoing mission to amplify women’s voices and leadership across the region.
A Landmark Celebration: Awards, Creators, and Community
The energy continues into Dec. 12 with the Asia Property Awards International Luncheon, presenting country awards for Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, the Middle East, and Sri Lanka. The luncheon sets the stage for the 20th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final Gala Dinner, the culminating celebration of a year-long awards cycle spanning Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia, South Asia, and the Middle East.
The head judges from all participating markets will gather as part of the international jury determining this year’s “Best in Asia” winners across the Developer, Development, and Design categories. The milestone anniversary will also honour Supaluck Umpujh, chairwoman of The Mall Group and visionary behind Thailand’s Em District, with the prestigious PropertyGuru Icon Award. A special performance by Thai pop diva Jiew will headline the evening.
PropertyGuru Week concludes on Dec. 13 with Creator Spotlight, where Kevin D. W. Tai will lead a session on trust-led storytelling and authentic personal branding. Drawing from his multi-platform career, Kevin will share how creators and professionals alike can cultivate meaningful engagement and build loyal, trust-based communities—a skill increasingly relevant across industries, including real estate.
A Week of Insight, Celebration, and Collaboration
The PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit (ARES 2025) will take place on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at Crystal Hall, The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the program officially opening at 10 a.m. General admission is free, ensuring accessibility for professionals across sectors—from real estate and finance to design, technology, and hospitality.
Attendees may secure their admission by registering via the official event portal: https://www.zipeventapp.com/e/PropertyGuru-Asia-Real-Estate-Summit-2025-ARES2025
For those seeking a more elevated experience, VIP tickets provide exclusive networking access and premium seating. Additional event information, including session details and the full speaker lineup, is available at: https://www.asiarealestatesummit.com
PropertyGuru Week promises four days of rich dialogue, collaboration, and celebration: a vital gathering at a time when trust, transparency, and community are reshaping the future of real estate across Asia. See you at ARES 2025.
