Supaluck Umpujh named the 2025 PropertyGuru Icon for her retail legacy

Celebrating a visionary whose influence reshaped Thailand’s retail landscape

The PropertyGuru Icon Award is the Publisher’s Choice distinction presented by the editors of Property Report by PropertyGuru. Reserved for one outstanding leader selected from more than 70 past Real Estate Personality of the Year honourees across 15 markets, the title recognises individuals whose contributions continue to influence the region’s built environment and communities.

This year, the honour is bestowed on Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman of The Mall Group, a driving force in Thailand’s transformation into one of Asia’s most competitive retail destinations. Her leadership has propelled decades of innovative developments that set new standards for experiential and lifestyle-driven retail.

A visionary behind Thailand’s world-class retail destinations

Khun Supaluck’s career spans more than four decades, beginning in 1982 when she joined the family business under the guidance of her late father, Khun Supachai Umpujh. The Mall Group’s early setbacks, including the closure of its first mall, shaped her relentless commitment to pioneering concepts and elevating consumer experiences. As she has shared, success demands innovation, inspiration, and a team driven to win.

Under her stewardship, The Mall Group delivered a series of significant milestones from the late 1980s through the 1990s, expanding across Bangkok and key provinces. In 1997, she launched The Emporium, Thailand’s first world-class luxury retail and entertainment complex. This marked a turning point for the country’s position in global retail.

Her ambition continued with the development of Siam Paragon, which opened in 2005 and emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent retail and entertainment destinations. Most recently, she completed the EM District trilogy encompassing Emporium, EmQuartier and Emsphere, reinforcing Bangkok’s position as a premier lifestyle hub. Today, she leads the creation of Bangkok Mall, set to become the largest all-in-one shopping and entertainment complex in Asia.

Leadership recognised on the world stage

Khun Supaluck’s strategic vision and uncompromising pursuit of excellence have earned her widespread recognition. Her accolades include the “Outstanding Businesswoman” award, Mahidol University Outstanding Alumni Award, Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World honour, and multiple international distinctions such as the French Legion of Honor (Chevalier) and Italy’s Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia.

In 2024, she was inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame, acknowledging her lifetime contributions to retail innovation. In 2025, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Pioneering Excellence in Lifestyle Retail Destinations from the RLC Global Forum, further cementing her influence on integrated lifestyle developments worldwide.

Why she is the 2025 PropertyGuru Icon

Khun Supaluck exemplifies the spirit of the PropertyGuru Icon Award:

• a legacy of shaping cities through destination-driven developments
• an unwavering commitment to innovation and international collaboration
• leadership that inspires a new generation of creators and business leaders

Her work has not only elevated Thailand’s retail landscape but also strengthened global industry ties and positioned Bangkok as a benchmark for lifestyle-oriented urban experiences.

Presentation of the honour

The 2025 PropertyGuru Icon Award will be formally conferred on 12 December 2025 at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, during the 20th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, where the programme celebrates two decades of recognising influential leaders who have shaped the future of real estate.

The livestream will commence from 17:00 (GMT +7) on AsiaPropertyAwards.com/tv-podcast, Facebook, or YouTube.

Gynen Kyra Toriano, Senior Digital Content Manager at PropertyGuru, wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].