First Asia Connect: Shanghai gathers experts ahead of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards in China

Thought leadership forum delved into timely, relevant issues in real estate and design, in anticipation of December’s celebration in Bangkok

SHANGHAI, China — Organisers of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events held the Chinese edition of their thought leadership forum series in Shanghai last week with experts in real estate and design in attendance.

Jointly organised with HLB International and Sunhold Law Firm, the inaugural “Asia Connect: Shanghai” follows similar events held this year in Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, and the UAE. The event convened academics, architects, and other thought leaders at the Shanghai Tower in Lujiazui, in the lead-up to the 12th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau).

Participants at Asia Connect: Shanghai delved into some of the most relevant, timeliest issues in Chinese property markets. Expert panels discussed the impact of Asian design trends on the property sector as well as the latest innovations in sustainable development and applications of green technology.

Speakers included Chen Chen, partner, Ateliers Jean Nouvel; Gary Cui, head of ESG Services, Colliers China; Min Wei, director and general manager, SPARK China; Stephen Chow, managing director and creative director, CAN Design; Wendy Huang, senior regional director for East China, The Executive Centre; Yejia Zhu, project director, Shanghai Studio, Benoy; and Yu Liang, visiting lecturer, School of Architecture, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University.

Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “A centre of excellence for property development, Shanghai is a fitting backdrop for our thought leadership forum in China. With a resilient luxury market that continually appeals to discerning property seekers, this city exemplifies how China can transform uncertainties into upsides as the country leads the global transition to sustainable energy. Through the latest edition of our Awards for China, we aim to honour developers and design practices alike as they work together to produce new builds and equally impressive asset enhancement and preservation initiatives, especially those in line with ESG standards.”

Fairness, transparency, credibility

For the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau), HLB China and HLB Hodgson Impey Cheng Limited – HLB Hong Kong will supervise the judging process, respectively, holding the Awards to high standards of fairness, transparency, and credibility.

Coco Liu, chief growth officer of HLB International, said: “For over half a century, HLB has been delivering award-winning professional services in audit, tax, and advisory on the sheer strength of our cross-border capabilities and global presence. As a proud partner with the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards since 2021, we help experts look at excellence in real estate development and design through fair, transparent lenses, with an eye toward raising the benchmarks of development and design across China. Through the efforts of our accounting firms and business advisers across the mainland as well as Hong Kong and Macau, we share the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards’ vision of sustainable growth for the property sector, elevating the standards of living, working, and thriving in tomorrow’s cities.”

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Coonie Zhu, senior partner and deputy of Sunhold Law Firm, said: “We are glad to partner with HLB as it continues to uphold the integrity of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards in Mainland China. The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards’ adherence to fairness and relentless pursuit of transparency complements Sunhold’s own culture of honesty and diligence, which has been integral to our experience of providing multi-sector, comprehensive, and one-stop legal solutions to clients. Rooted in Shanghai with an aim to connect local expertise with global reach, our growing service network mirrors the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards’ international expansion, providing a widely respected platform for the achievements of developers across Asia Pacific.”

The Best in Asia

Winners of the 2025 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau) may advance to the 20th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final in Bangkok, Thailand where they will compete against peers for the chance to win coveted “Best in Asia” titles. An exclusive luncheon will be held on the same day to honour outstanding developers and design practices in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. Key dates for this year’s edition are:

• 19 September 2025 – Entries Close
• 13-17 October 2025 – Site Inspections (Hong Kong and Macau)
• 1 October 2025 – Final Judging (Mainland China)
• 21 October 2025 – Final Judging (Hong Kong and Macau)
• 12 December 2025 – International Luncheon and Awards Ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand
• 12 December 2025 – Regional Grand Final Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation in Bangkok, Thailand

Established in 2015, the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau) are part of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series. Marking its 20th edition in 2025, the series boasts an expanded presence spanning 13 property markets, including the Middle East.

The 12th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau) are supported by official partner Anjuke; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; official publicity partner Molihua Media Group (MMG); media partners China Daily, China.com, Mingtiandi, and The Standard; and official supervisor HLB.

For more information, email [email protected] or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com.