Nguyen Hoai An

Ms. An Nguyen is currently a Senior Director at CBRE Vietnam, and Head of CBRE Hanoi Office, with a main focus on Consultancy, Investment, Research and Valuation Advisory.

With 15 years of experience in the real estate industry, Ms. An represents a number of local and international clients with interests in Hanoi and Vietnam’s northern area. She has led numerous projects that provide feasibility studies, highest and best use studies, and other investment consultancy for investors, developers, and other real estate users across the sectors of residential, commercial, industrial and hospitality.

Ms. An is also a frequent media speaker representing CBRE in Hanoi. She is a member of the RICS and holds an MBA from the University of Wisconsin—Madison.

Tuan Pham

Tuan Pham is a visionary real estate leader with 16+ years of experience in Vietnam’s commercial sector. As Director and Head of Avison Young Vietnam’s Hanoi Office, he drives strategic growth and market expansion. Previously, he played a key role in managing sales and operations at Daeha Complex and honed his expertise in commercial leasing through roles at Colliers, JLL, and Cushman & Wakefield. With a background in engineering, leasing, and management, he blends technical knowledge with sustainable practices. Committed to innovation and sustainability, Tuan leverages his experience and local partnerships to shape Vietnam’s real estate market, focusing on practical solutions that drive long-term growth.

Amelia (Dan) Tian

Amelia (Dan) Tian is an accomplished business owner and executive with over 20 years of experience in the strata and body corporate management industry. She has successfully managed multiple strata businesses, including one with over 100 years of history, excelling in operations, financial management, business development, and strategic leadership. Amelia has provided consultancy services to multiple branches of a listed strata company, optimising operations and driving growth. With expertise in compliance, human resources, and risk management, she leads teams to achieve operational efficiency and business success. Amelia holds advanced degrees in HR, Accounting, and an MBA, alongside various professional certifications. 

IDr Tay Ei Ling

IDr Tay Ei Ling is a passionate and experienced Interior Designer with over 20 years in the industry. As the Creative Director of Youngblood, she has shaped the design landscape with her innovative approach, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. Serving as the Honorary Secretary of the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID), she plays a pivotal role in promoting the profession and fostering a supportive design community. IDr Tay’s design philosophy, “Design for People,” underscores her commitment to creating spaces that enhance the well-being and experience of individuals. She is dedicated to cultivating a healthy, collaborative design community, where creativity and sustainability thrive.

Ar. Sarly Adre Sarkum

Ar. Sarly Adre Sarkum is an architectural futurist, sustainability advocate, and design activist. He currently leads [SA]² or Sarly Adre Sarkum Architecture Sdn. Bhd., a hybrid architectural design firm. The firm integrates cutting-edge architectural design solutions with a research-based, explorative approach to address complex integrated design challenges. It has won several international competitions and has represented Malaysia in numerous world-class exhibitions.

He is a Past President of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) and the Malaysia Green Building Council (MalaysiaGBC), which operates under the World Green Building Council. Currently, he serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Green Building Index (GBI) rating tool, following many years of service on its Board of Directors. He is also a board member of the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) and a member of the Panel of Experts for the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), advising the Minister of Housing and Local Government. Additionally, he was the editor-in-chief of Architecture Malaysia, the premier architectural journal of the Malaysian Institute of Architects.

Ar. Sarly holds two degrees in architecture—one from the University of Liverpool, UK, and the other from Universiti Sains Malaysia. From 2019 to 2024, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia’s top-ranked university, appointed him as an Associate Professor (Industry). He currently serves as an industry expert for Universiti Malaya and as an industry advisor for Taylor’s College. He is also an executive committee member for the development of Malaysia’s built environment carbon measuring tool, the Malaysia Carbon Score, under MalaysiaGBC, and co-chairs the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Committee for PAM.

Dato’ Sri Zohari Haji Akob

Dato’ Sri Zohari bin Akob is a distinguished Malaysian public servant known for his significant contributions to the field of economic and social infrastructure. As a former Secretary General of the Ministry of Works Malaysia, Zohari played a vital role in shaping policies and initiatives that drive the country’s infrastructure development. Holding a Master of Economic and Postgraduate Diploma in Economic from University of Leicester, UK, Zohari leverages his academic foundation to address complex economic challenges within Malaysian context. His expertise was particularly instrumental in the establishment of the PublicPrivate Partnership Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department in 2009. This Unit was tasked with overseeing privatization and PPP projects, fostering collaboration between the government and the private sector to enhance efficiency and service delivery in various sectors. Currently, Zohari leads two prominent non-governmental organization, Malaysian Association of Facility Management (MAFM) and Malaysian Service Providers Confederation (MSPC). Under his leadership, MAFM promotes competency and standards within the industry, contributing to the growth of facility management as a professional discipline in Malaysia. Through MSPC, he aims to enhance the visibility and competitiveness of Malaysian service providers on the international stage, encouraging collaborations, innovations, and service excellence. Zohari continuously contributes to the nation through various engagements advising both Government and Corporate leaders. His ongoing efforts continue to inspire many within the industry and contribute to the country’s economic development.

Prof PMgr Dr. Ting Kien Hwa

Professor Dr. Ting Kien Hwa is currently the Professor of Real Estate, Faculty of Built Environment, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), Kuala Lumpur.

 

Previously, he was the Professor of Property Investment, Centre of Studies for Real Estate Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia and Visiting Professor of Real Estate Investment with Henry Business School, University of Reading Malaysia. Prof. Ting is a chartered surveyor and a registered valuer, registered estate agent, registered property manager with Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers (BoVAEP). Prof. Ting was an assessor for professional membership of RICS, member of Property Management Committee and CPD Committee of BoVAEP, external examiner for local degrees (Imperia College and TAR UC) and masters real estate programme (Universiti Malaya).

 

Prof. Ting was the Editor of The Malaysian Surveyor and Founding Editor of International Surveying Research Journal of RISM (2011-2016). He is currently the Founding Editor and Editor-in-Chief of The Property Manager, professional journal of Malaysian Institute of Property and Facility Managers (MIPFM). He is also an Editorial Board member of several local and international refereed real estate journals.

 

Prof. Dr. Ting is a member of the Standards Setting Committee of International Land Measurement Standards (ILMS – supported by United Nation-FAO) for due diligence of land transactions and also International Property Measurement Standards (IPMS – supported by World Bank)) for measuring international real estate.

 

Prof. Dr. Ting is currently the Deputy President of the Malaysian Institute of Property and Facilities Managers (MIPFM), member of Asia Public Real Estate Association (APREA), Board member of the Pacific Rim Real Estate Society, RICS Malaysia Board member (2012-2016), member of the NAPREC Expert Panel (INSPEN) and Council member and Editor-in-Chief of the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (2011-2016).

 

Prof. Dr Ting has been the Head of Research, Rahim & Co. Chartered Surveyors, a consultant to C H Williams, Talhar & Wong (WTW), Raine & Horne International Zaki & Partners (RHIZP) and Irhamy & Co. Chartered Surveyors. He completed the property market study for Kuala Lumpur International Financial District, the predecessor of Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), Malaysia.

 

Prof. Dr Ting is an established speaker and has been invited by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Management Boards of TA Global Bhd, Lembaga Kemajuan Pahang Tenggara and Sarawak State Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) on various real estate topics.

 

Prof. Ting is the PhD External Examiner for University of New South Wales (UNSW), Western Sydney University, Queensland University of Technology, Australia and Lincoln University, New Zealand on thesis related to real estate investment trusts and property investment. He teaches property portfolio management, real estate investment analysis and real estate economics in the Master in Property Investment program of UiTM and also various subjects in the Master of Science in Property and Facilities Management of TAR UMT.

Ir. Prof. Dr. Jeffrey Chiang Choong Luin

Ir. Prof. Dr. Jeffrey Chiang Choong Luin is an accomplished structural engineer and academic with extensive experience in civil engineering. Currently serving as the President of The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) for the 2024-2026 session, he has held numerous leadership roles within the institution, including IEM Deputy President (2022-2024), Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, and Vice-President.

Ir. Prof. Dr Jeffrey is also a Professor of Civil Engineering at SEGi University’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & IT. He has previously held prominent academic positions such as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment at SEGi University and Associate Professor at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman.

In addition to his academic and institutional roles, Prof. Jeffrey has significant industry experience, including serving as a structural engineer at ARUP Jururunding Sdn Bhd and a senior lecturer at Sepang Institute of Technology. He is an expert in concrete structures and has chaired key technical committees such as the Standards Malaysia Technical Committee for Concrete Structures Design (EC2), IEM’s Earthquake Design and Wind Load Design Committees.

His distinguished career reflects a commitment to advancing civil engineering and shaping the future of the profession.

Paul D. Volodarsky

Paul is the regional head of the real estate practice group and the regional head of the hospitality sector. His practice focuses on corporate structuring for real estate investment, hotel management agreement negotiation and drafting, industrial and retail property acquisitions, and construction contracts.  He has advised individual buyers, developers, and investment groups on real estate investment throughout Southeast Asia with a focus on the industrial and hospitality sectors. While advising clients, his focus is to understand their investment goals and to identify creative solutions to achieve the desired outcome. 

Chelsea Elise Perino

Chelsea Perino is a dynamic marketing strategist known for her innovative approach to brand development and the future of work. With a background in digital marketing and a passion for storytelling, she has worked across the US, Africa and Asia on global brands such as Samsung and Pernod Ricard, driving growth through creative campaigns and strategic partnerships. Chelsea is also a sought-after speaker, sharing her insights on women empowerment and workplace experience and the importance of authentic branding. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys mentoring young women in business and advocating for sustainable practices in the industry. She holds multiple board roles, is an adjunct professor, and published author. 

James A. Kaplan

James has 37 years of global hotel and resort development and acquisition experience with a primary focus in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions. His extensive development and transactional experience, as well as legal background, has served him well in planning, coordinating and executing hotel developments and strategic acquisitions. 

James is CEO of Destination Capital which is a private equity firm focused on acquiring and repositioning distressed four-star hotels supported by IFC and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for its efforts in sustainability and ESG. James is active in educational philanthropy and advises public companies and family offices around the world when called upon for his hotel and leisure expertise. 

James is a graduate of  the University of California Berkeley with a BA in Political Science/Asian Political Systems and Golden Gate School of Law in San Francisco with a Juris Doctor degree emphasizing real estate law. James is a member of the California Bar (currently inactive) and the Thai Institute of Directors (IOD) and he resides in Bangkok Thailand. 

Emma Foster

Emma Fosters’ experience spans across Australia Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. Her understanding and knowledge about the Australian market and her creative design energy brings great resolve to a wide range of projects including commercial workplaces, hospitality fit-outs, including along with small, medium and large-scale residential developments. Emma’s experience has proven her as a leader in creating co-living space in Australia working along side UKO.  She has a wealth of experience a proven market leader from the initial conceptual design, through to marketing and project delivery. 

Stephen Oehem

Stephen supports some of the most progressive people, organisations & challenging initiatives globally. With a focus on value management & sustainability he is engaged by multinationals, SME’s, government entities, sovereign wealth funds, & civil society organisations internationally. 

He was on the Project Board of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and has been engaged with many other notable and iconic real estate projects in the region and around the world. 

A longstanding sustainability advocate, Stephen has been involved in the development of sustainability systems, tools & their application(s) as well as the formation & development of ‘green’ organisations, councils; & numerous sustainability initiatives worldwide including, most recently, COP28 UAE in 2023. 

Sam Issa

Sam is passionate about the use of technology to deliver better real estate and consulting services. Pioneering the use of BIM and 5D Digital City Technology in Dubai he has extensive experience in bringing in new technology into real estate organisations. This experience spans back over 20 years when architectural offices transferred from tracing paper, pen and drawing boards to CAD. With a history of successfully delivering many projects Sam can apply his management expertise at any time in the property lifecycle and at any scale of project. He has designed and delivered building renovations, residential refurbishments, new residential buildings. Managed full design and construction teams, overseen the construction of community buildings, hotels, high rise commercial and residential towers, Managed fitting out and provision of facilities management for some of largest international corporates and Airports around the world. He is regularly requested to advise governments on various real estate matters.

Imad Damrah

Imad has a vast experience in managing and delivering assignments in the field of real estate advisory i.e., feasibility studies, market research, best use studies, business plan, financial modeling and business valuation. He also has extensive experience in real estate and hospitality sector feasibility studies covering some of the biggest projects in Saudi Arabia including: five star hotels, furnished apartments, residential resorts, commercial malls, residential cities, office towers, commercial complexes, land use, e-real estate, and real estate financing. 

As the Managing Director at Colliers Saudi Arabia, Imad’s responsibilities now revolve around providing investment and development advisory in the form of feasibility studies and market reports, for a wide range of institutional and individual clients within the Kingdom.  

Zhenru Goy

Goy Zhenru is the principal architect of Goy Architects. Established in 2015, her studio works with various conservation, residential and hospitality projects in Singapore and the region. Her team of architects and designers based in Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand allows the studio to work closely with regional craftspeople to create unique material palettes for their projects. The team believes in intimacy in traditional ways of making that are authentic to humanity’s way of life and rituals. 
 
Goy Architects’ work has been widely recognised and featured in prestigious publications such as Vogue, Dwell, Habitus, Design Anthology, Singapore Business Times, Tatler, and Channel News Asia Luxury. Their project, Sukasantai Farmstay, a 12-room retreat at the foot of Mt Gede, Indonesia, has been particularly acclaimed. This naturally ventilated retreat not only offers a unique experience to its guests but also promotes organic farming and wellness. In 2020, it was honoured with the “Best of the Best” In INDE awards and the Singapore Institute of Architects Design Awards (Special Categories), further cementing the studio’s reputation for excellence. 
 
Currently, her studio is refurbishing one of the world’s highest-placed hotels, Hotel Everest View, located 3880 above sea level within the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal.  

Catherine Tan

Based in Brisbane in Australia, Catherine Tan is a passionate and qualified Interior Designer and former registered Architect who has pursued a creative career which combines her passion and skills in people-orientated design and hospitality. She prides herself on exceeding client objectives with a practical sensibility to create refined, functional, and memorable spaces. With over 13 years of global experience, Catherine has been involved in leading multi-disciplinary design teams in Australia and the Middle East. Her extensive portfolio includes single and multi-residential residential spaces, retail banking, award-winning hospitality venues, large scale workplaces, base building upgrades, healthcare environments and complex five-star international hotels.  

With eight years as a former successful café owner and operator, Catherine also has an intimate understanding of the nuances of the hospitality industry. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Catherine is also a working parent balancing the demands of a young family with her career. This unique perspective infuses each project to ensure that every space created is not only extraordinary, but also practical and operationally sound. 

Karen Kong

Karen is an experienced finance professional with vast experience in all sectors of the banking industry, from the grassroots level to senior management. Possessing adaptive communication styles, combined with sound negotiation and influencing skills, her unique value proposition resides in her knowledge of the property and real estate market across an expansive 20-year career.  As the leader of the Property Lending team at Bendigo Bank, she oversees business strategy, drive strategic customer outcomes, and has responsibility for quality and profitability of the property book. Outside of work, she co-chairs the Asian Australian Foundation Women’s Chapter ‘The Gathering Circle’.

Michelle Tay

Michelle Tay serves as Group Executive Director, AFSL Responsible Manager, and Head of Portfolio Solutions at The SILC Group, where she oversees financial management, regulatory compliance, and operational risk within the business spanning across a range of bespoke structures and asset classes including property, debt, and private equity. With extensive experience in banking and finance, particularly in syndicated corporate financing and structured transactions, Michelle brings a grounded approach to her role. During her tenure at Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, she managed diverse portfolios across industries and geographies, fostering a deep understanding of market dynamics and commercial acumen. Michelle’s qualifications from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, CPA Australia, and Monash University reflect her dedication to continuous learning. As Chairwoman of the SILC Philanthropic Foundation and a member of esteemed organizations, Michelle quietly champions community impact and ethical governance, striving to make a positive difference in the world.

Ms. Janice Chin

Janice, Director for Capital Markets in JLL Appraisal & Property Services Sdn. Bhd. (FKA Appraisal (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd). She is overseeing the commercial team within JLL Malaysia with a focus on office, retail, and hotel segments, predominantly provide divestment and investment advisory services to range of occupiers, investors, owners and developers.

Janice started her career in 20024 with YTL, and later joined a homegrown public listed hospitality company, The Nomad Group Bhd., overseeing strategic planning and hotel asset investments for the group. She joined JLL in 2014 and have successfully concluded real estate transaction straddling across various asset classes including commercial office buildings, retail mall, commercial land, industrial land and industrial properties.

Adjunct Professor IDr Joe WH Chan

Adjunct Professor IDr Joe WH Chan is Principal of Design Tone Interior Practice, a multi-genre interior design practice based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Joe has 25 years of experience in the interior design profession and besides practicing, Joe also lectures in colleges and universities and is an Adjunct Professor for Taylor’s University.

In addition, he is also panellist for Council of Architectural Accreditation & Education, with Board of Architects Malaysia

Currently he is the Vice-President of Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID) and Executive Board Member of International Federation of Interior Architects / Designers.

Ir Ashwin Thurairajah

Ir. Ashwin Thurairajah is a Professional Engineer and Executive Director of GreenRE (Green Real Estate). He joined GreenRE in 2017 and has been spearheading the push for sustainable development in Malaysia through green building certification.

 

He has over 17 years of experience in engineering spanning building services, oil & gas and sustainable real estate gathered through several local and international roles. Ir. Ashwin was part of the drafting committee for the upcoming Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA) and is also in the technical committee for Malaysian Standards pertaining to energy efficiency in buildings.

 

He holds a Degree in Electrical Engineering and Management with Masters from Imperial College, London.

Freek Jansen

Freek Jansen is Branch Manager of Dewan Architects + Engineers for the Vietnam Studio and in charge of the Southeast Asian region. He holds a master’s degree in architecture from Technical University in Delft, Netherlands and has more than 10 years of experience in the Southeast Asia market in general. With his extensive skills, knowledge, accumulated experiences and as Branch Manager, Freek Jansen has his role in developing and managing the team to bring constant quality to all Clients, as well as combining his international knowledge and local culture to strengthen the quality offerings. Over his career, Freek has overseen projects in various regions in Southeast Asia, and his portfolio includes a diverse range of projects, with notable knowledge in hospitality.

Carlo Rufino

With over 20 years of diverse experience, Carlo Rufino serves as Co-Managing Director at NEO in Bonifacio Global City, Metro Manila, Philippines, driving innovation and asset management. Additionally, he holds a position as Real Estate Developer at Digital Edge DC, contributing to the establishment of the Philippines’ largest Telco Neutral Data Center.  

 

Carlo also serves as President of Makati Cinema Square Condominium Corporation, overseeing operations for nearly 12 years, and as Managing Director at RHL Properties and Development Corporation for over 16 years, demonstrating extensive expertise in property management.  

 

His proficiency extends to selling real estate and managing transactions, with notable achievements including pioneering wireless internet services with NOW Corporation and receiving recognition like the Philippine Marketing Excellence Award during his tenure at Mobius.ph.  

 

With a robust skill set in real estate, technology, and telecommunications, Carlo drives innovation in his current roles, poised to shape the future of the Philippine digital and real estate industries. 

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