An evening to remember, a legacy to build

Last Friday, 13 December 2024, the grand ballroom of The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, transformed into a glittering stage for the 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final. Supported by V-ZUG Thailand, this black-tie affair marked the culmination of the 2024 Property Awards series, bringing together over 130 of Asia’s most innovative developers and design practices for a night of exceptional celebration and recognition.

Welcome speeches to spark the night
The event commenced with inspiring speeches by three prominent VIPs, each underscoring the evening’s significance. Mr Jules Kay, General Manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards & Events, thanked all attendees for their contributions to shaping the real estate industry. Mr Jeremy Williams, Managing Director for Marketplaces at PropertyGuru Group, highlighted the platform’s role in fostering innovation and excellence. Mr Thien Duong, Chairperson of the Grand Final Jury and General Director of Group GSA Vietnam, praised the calibre of this year’s finalists, emphasising the rigorous judging process that upholds the programme’s integrity.

Their remarks set a celebratory and reflective tone for the evening, reinforcing that “a PropertyGuru Asia Property Award is truly the must-have prize in the real estate industry.”

Champions among champions
This year’s nominees were no strangers to victory—each finalist in the sixty-nine categories had already triumphed in their respective property markets earlier in the year. The Grand Final served as the ultimate platform to honour their achievements on a regional stage, showcasing the best of the best across Asia’s real estate landscape.

The evening’s proceedings were deftly guided by the dynamic hosting duo, Mr. “Jack” Prinya Ruenprapan and Ms. “Bee” Xoomsai Na Ayudhya, who celebrated the visionaries behind the projects that are transforming cities, communities, and lifestyles.

Crowning glory: The night’s biggest honours
Among the night’s many highlights, the coveted Best Developer in Asia title was awarded to Zhuhai Huafa Properties Co., Ltd. A state-owned real estate leader based in Guangdong Province, China, Zhuhai Huafa has consistently pushed the boundaries of design and innovation since its establishment in 1985. Its impressive portfolio includes high-rise condos with integrated technology, riverside residences, a state-of-the-art mall, and an indoor ski centre—proof of its ambitious and forward-thinking ethos.

Equally momentous was the presentation of the prestigious PropertyGuru Icon Award to Mr. Henry T. Sy, Jr., Chairman of the Board at SM Prime Holdings. This exclusive recognition, awarded by the editorial team of Property Report by PropertyGuru, celebrates an individual whose contributions to real estate transcend commercial success, incorporating sustainability, philanthropy, and a commitment to the betterment of society.

For a full list of winners and their exceptional projects, please visit the official website.

Music meets magic
A mesmerising intermission performance by the internationally acclaimed violin duet, Divo, delighted the audience, with their medley of Coldplay’s “Sky Full of Stars” and Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” providing a dazzling auditory experience that matched the grandeur of the evening.

The stars behind the spotlight
The Grand Final’s success was made possible through the dedicated support of its gold sponsor, V-ZUG Thailand, along with an esteemed roster of partners. PropertyGuru’s official portal, Property Report magazine, and media outlets such as Tatler Asia Homes, Manila Bulletin, and Kompas.com played key roles in amplifying the event’s reach. Meanwhile, the Awards’ official supervisor, HLB, ensured the integrity and transparency of the judging process.

A night of recognition for the pinnacle of real estate 2024
The 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final stood as a testament to the unwavering commitment of Asia’s real estate leaders to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. The event not only celebrated the pinnacle of achievement but also inspired all participants to continue raising the bar for the industry.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].