Wasan Khongchantr

Lecturer in real estate market in Thailand, to Chulalongkorn University (RECU), Thammasat University (MRE, MIRED, APTU), Prince of Songkla University (RE-PSU), Bank of Thailand, Real Estate Information Center (REIC) and financial institutions.
Columnist and Interviewer to real estate magazines, newspapers, media such as Thansettakij, Prachachat, Nation, Post Today, Thai TV.9, Condo Guide, Builder News, etc.
The author of the book “Prime & Risky Location for Real Estate Investment in Thailand”

Koji Tsutsui

Koji Tsutsui worked under Tadao Ando on projects such as housing for the Great Hanshin Earthquake, museums and schools (1995-2001). 

After leaving Tadao Ando’s office, he establishes Koji Tsutsui Architect & Associates in 2004. 

He has been designing numerous projects around the world and adopts local cultures and building technologies into his design to create a new generation of lasting sustainable architecture. 

While receiving numerous awards and publications over the years, his office was selected as one of the top emerging architecture offices in the world by Architectural Record Design Vanguard in 2011.  

He also taught architectural design at the University of California, Berkeley as a visiting associate professor. 

Brett Hudson

With over 35 years of experience, Brett specialises in complex mixed-use, cultural, and civic projects, including galleries, libraries, courthouses, universities, and urban precincts. His expertise spans conceptual design, spatial planning, visioning, and design leadership. A collaborative and consultative approach is central to his work, fostering culturally inclusive outcomes and strong stakeholder engagement. Brett leads Peddle Thorp’s Queensland practice, overseeing a team of more than 40 architects and designers delivering progressive, sustainable, and award-winning projects across Australia, the Pacific, China, and Indonesia. He is a strong advocate for design merit in architecture, championing quality outcomes through leadership, mentoring, and industry involvement. His approach is defined by a commitment to design excellence and trusted, long-term client relationships. 

Shona Leppӓnen-Gibson

Shona has a keen interest in leadership development, international relations, and strategic issues and a strong commitment to fostering relations with the ASEAN region, Europe and elsewhere. A long-time business and civic leader and an active contributor to Queensland’s international business community, Shona is involved in numerous business, industry, and non-profit organisations. She is the General Manager of the Australian Leadership Skills Centre, specialising in training and development, alongside her roles as General Manager and Principal Consultant at Paradigm Infinitum, and President of the Australia Malaysia Business Council Queensland and Co-Chairman of the Nordic Forum, and leadership roles in several other organisations.  

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.  

Nicha Assarattanakul

Nicha Assarattanakul is a seasoned real estate professional with a proven track record in business development, strategic planning, asset repositioning, and project development across Thailand’s office, retail, and mixed-use sectors. She has played a pivotal role in transforming commercial properties, shaping environments that respond to evolving business needs and market dynamics.

Her portfolio spans a wide range of high-impact projects, including workplace transformations, office relocations, and change management initiatives, guiding organizations through complex transitions while enhancing operational efficiency and employee experience. In the retail and mixed-use space, Nicha has contributed to strategic planning and design development, supporting both private developers and corporate clients.

She currently serves as an Associate Director at Conexus Studio Company Limited, an award-winning design-and-build consultancy recognized for its innovative approach to workplace and commercial environments.

Zino Helmlinger

With over 18 years of retail expertise, Zino leads CBRE’s retail operations across six offices in China.

He specializes in market entry strategies, flagship searches, and consulting for brands, landlords, and government entities. Under his leadership, CBRE has delivered high-profile projects like OTB flagships, LV Villas, Supreme, Zara’s largest Asia store, and positioned top assets such as JC Plaza, Zhangyuan, and Universal Beijing Resort.

Previously, Zino spent a decade client-side, managing retail expansion across seven countries and opening over 100 stores in Asia. This dual experience gives him a unique edge in safeguarding client interests and delivering innovative solutions that transform urban spaces.

Frankie Liang

Frankie Liang founded WAD in 2017 as China’s first private luxury residence design and construction consultancy platform. He serves as Executive Chairman of both the “WAD World Young Designers Conference” and “WAD Luxury Residence Design and Construction Summit”. His notable initiatives include curating the 70th Anniversary Chinese Art & Design Achievement Exhibition at UN Headquarters (2015), establishing the biennial China-US Design Summit and annual China-Europe Design Summit, and leading the 2018 UN Chinese Art & Design Summit. Through his premium consultancy platform, Frankie has been instrumental in globalizing Chinese design by connecting top-tier international resources and establishing industry benchmarks.

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.

Saravanan Sugumaran

Saravanan is the co-founder and heads MORROW Intelligence (MI), the urban advisory arm of MORROW. He is a seasoned policy analyst, experienced in applying innovative and quantitative research methods to address and achieve cities’ development goals in the face of modern urban and socioeconomic challenges. MI is also a contributor of Bloomberg’s New Economy Coalition, focused on mapping and formulating solutions for urgent problems at the city-level.

He previously served as Senior Assistant Director in Singapore’s Centre for Liveable Cities, Ministry of National Development, during which he led the indices team to review and benchmark the pandemic’s impact on Singapore’s development objectives and liveability framework.

Saravanan has helped in the construction of the Safe Cities, Soft Power and Good Governance Indexes, while also authoring reports on digital diplomacy and financial governance mechanisms. He has been an invited speaker for Bloomberg at the World Economic Forum 2024 and 2025, as well as the Bloomberg New Economy Forum 2023.

He read his Master’s in Public Policy from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore as a Li-Ka Shing Scholar, where he was also awarded the Raffles Fellowship (2017).

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 Oehme

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.

''
Connect with us
Affiliated Sites
About
Awards
Spotlight
Newsroom
Media
Affiliated Sites
About
Awards
Spotlight
Newsroom
Media