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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
Dr Keow is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of the Built Environment within the College of Design and Engineering in the National University of Singapore. Having more than 30 years of industry and teaching experience in the fields of construction, facilities management, and information technologies (IT) and systems. He had previously served in several major local organizations such as the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Housing & Development Board (HDB), and the Ministry of Finance. He is also a Fellow with the Singapore Institute of Building Ltd.
Jackson has nearly 20 years of experience gained across multiple sectors including education, sports, transport, commercial, mixed use, and multi-residential including build to rent, build to sell, co-living, aged care and retirement living.Prior to joining CCN , Jackson was involved in the delivery of the WA first 6 Star Green Star Green Skills building for the Central Institute of Technology; and the redevelopment of Perth’s Forrest Place which was awarded the Australia’s Great Place Award by Planning institute of Australia (PIA) in 2014.Since joining the practice in 2014, Jackson has contributed to the delivery of four primary school campuses under the WA first Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement for the Department of Education; RAAFA’s Cirrus Apartments and Clubhouse which received the finalist nomination in the 2023 PCA National Retirement Living awards; and Rosewood Aged Care in West Perth which was awarded the UDIA WA 2022 Seniors Living Development of the year and subsequently received the UDIA National Awards for Excellence for Seniors Living in the following year.Jackson has led design of multiple build-to-rent projects. He was one of the keynote speakers at the PCA Future of Residential Conference in 2022; and has also delivered a presentation on Build-to-Rent as part of the PCA Academy Course in the same year. He holds a role as Architectural Advisory/Project Engineer (PE) for the PTA on a number of infrastructure projects including the Canning Bridge Train Station Upgrades project, Mandurah multi-storey car park project and the Public Transport Operations Control Centre (PTOCC).Jackson is currently a member of several Local Authority Design Review Panels including the City of Stirling, the City of Canning, City of Joondalup, City of Melville, Town of Cambridge and South West Design Review Panel. He is a member of the Property Council Australia (WA) Residential Committee whilst maintaining his role as a sessional tutor and thesis supervisor at the Curtin School of Design and the Built Environment for the past four years.
Sumi is the Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer at The Headland, Phuket, a luxury ocean front branded development set within the exclusive Cape Yamu Peninsula on Phuket’s East Coast.
She is also Senior Advisor to the board of the Phuket Hotels Association, where she has been the Executive Director since its inception in 2016.
As a seasoned marketing and management professional, she specialises in project and business development. After studying in Malaysia, Sumi obtained her undergraduate degree in Business Administration, majoring in Management & Marketing in the USA.
Sumi spent her formative career in Sydney, Australia working for IDP Education (co-owner of IELTS), a semi-government owned international leader in student recruitment agency where she held roles such as Client Business Manager and Global Brand Manager before being seconded to IDP China where she took over as Senior Manager for Sales and Operations based in Beijing and Shanghai respectively.
Qualified Economist (holding Bachelor & Master Degrees in Economics), and a 30 year Banking & Finance Professional in Sydney, Australia, across Corporate & Business Banking, Investment Funds Management, Retail Banking, and currently Self-Employment as a Business & Finance Consultant.
During his career he has worked with some of the largest and most successful Property Developers, and Property Investors in Australia.
He is a practioner of his learning and experience and is a successful property investor, and is passionate about helping everyday Australians secure their financial futures through building and creating personal wealth through Property Investment.
Ar. Ivy Koh, Dy. COO of SJ architecture, at Surbana Jurong Pte Ltd, one of the largest Asia-based global urban and infrastructure consultancies.
With 15 years of architectural experience and a member of Board of Architects, she has been involved in a myriad of projects of various scales from Urban Planning, private residential, industrial to mixed-use developments. Ivy has also been serving as a Council Member of Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) since 2022.
Driven by a passion for design and the built environment, Ivy’s design sensibilities have largely been shaped by her years of practicing in Singapore for one of the largest architectural practices in Asia, as well as a developer’s in-house design manager in Abu Dhabi, UAE. In the pursuit of humanistic and sustainable design, she is interested in how architecture can shape the way people use spaces, influence people’s behaviour and providing opportunities for chance encounters, discoveries and surprises.
Ivy recently led the completion of SJ Campus, in collaboration with Safdie Architects. Apart from that, she is also the lead Architect for Temasek Shophouse which was awarded the URA Conservation Heritage Award 2019, shortlisted for the President Design Awards 2021 and exhibited at the Venice Architectural Biennale 2020. During the pandemic, she has also led the design and completion of Connect@Changi, a world’s first business exchange facility in 14 weeks.
Ravi is an experienced real estate industry professional. He has performed in cross-dimensional work functions and leadership, in which he played pivotal roles in asset management of multi-asset class projects with a focus on revenues & profitability. He closely continues to work with key real estate stakeholders viz. occupiers, investors, developers and government; encompassing office, retail, residential, land & industrial asset-class’.
On the principle side, Mr. Ravi Ahuja has associated with L&T Realty leading their Commercial (Office & Retail) Business & Leasing. He had worked with the Brigade Group as their Chief Operating Officer – Commercial and Industrial (SBU’s). Mr. Ahuja is well networked in the real estate industry and brings with him a rich experience of over 25 years, this includes senior leadership roles in leading teams for multi-disciplinary transactions & advisory for occupiers, investors, corporates, top developers and Government encompassing primary asset classes of office, residential, industrial / warehousing and land. He is passionate about residential markets and has domain expertise in commercial (asset management), land acquisitions and investment sales.
Before joining L&T Realty, he was associated with Colliers International as Senior Executive Director and was responsible for leading & overseeing the growth and profitability for Mumbai City and Office Leasing, land & Investment sales across the country. He was one of the core members to consolidate and grow the tenant representation business across the country.
Prior to that, he was associated with Cushman & Wakefield as Managing Director – Mumbai and Managing Director – Office & Investment Sales, India. He served at Cushman & Wakefield for 18 years, contributed as a member of the executive board for Cushman & Wakefield in India, responsible for developing business strategy, initiatives and programs for the company across the country.
Ravi is widely regarded as a thought leader in the India Real Estate Space.
Trang has more than 20 years of experience in Project Management, Marketing and Property Asset Management. She’s passionate about helping people find solutions for their projects in terms of business plans, design concept ideas and implementations.
Trang is the Director of SIIC (Sapphire Indochina Investment Consulting Co., Ltd.), a Consulting company focused on Investment, Retail services and Property Management. Some of her prior roles include Senior Retail Manager in CBRE; Manager of Project Management Department in Big C Vietnam, one of biggest supermarket channel in Vietnam.
Trang, since 2019 is playing the role in Judging Panel of Asia Property Awards, a region’s largest and most respected Real Estate Awards.
Trang holds a Master degree of Project Management from Nantes University – France. She involved directly over 40 projects in Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.
Sidhartha Talwar is a Principal and one of the co-founders of Studio Lotus, a New Delhi-based award-winning multi-disciplinary design practice. Talwar oversees the Architecture & Master Planning initiatives, and has spearheaded the design of several of the studio’s globally acclaimed projects — including Krushi Bhawan in Bhubaneswar (High Commendation in the Office Buildings category at the World Architecture Festival 2019; Supreme Winner at Surface Design Awards 2020). His work is underpinned by a focus on Environmental Planning, Sustainable Thinking and Modular Construction Methodologies.
Currently as Partner, Asian Markets in Winning Commercial Australia, specialized in Marketing & Sales management in property segments of interior furniture & fixtures, building materials specification and supply in residential and commercial developments.
Professional experiences in the global markets previously working for BlueScope and SMEG with proven records and networks spanning Asia-Pacific and Europe. In Australia, specified and delivered over 200 residential projects for more than 25,000 units, especially in luxury property markets across the country including numerous landmarks such as One Circular Quay Sydney, Opera Residences Sydney, One Sydney Harbour, Elizabeth Quay Developments Perth, and many more with regional price records.
