The 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, held on 13 December 2024 at The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok, showcased the pinnacle of real estate innovation and excellence across Asia. Developers and design practices from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau were among the standout winners, reinforcing their positions as leaders in the real estate and architectural sectors.
Mainland China Dominates with Cutting-Edge Developments
Zhuhai Huafa Properties Co., Ltd. emerged as the Best Developer (Asia), a prestigious accolade that highlighted the company’s groundbreaking contributions to the industry. Their projects, such as Shenzhen Huafa Snow World and Xi’an Huafa Lijun ‧Center Glorious, won additional awards earlier in the day at the 11th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau).
Other notable winners from Mainland China included Lead8, recognized for MixC Changchun, which won Best Retail Development (Asia), and K11 Shanghai, Huaihai Middle Road, which claimed Best Mixed Use Architectural Design (Asia). These projects reflect China’s growing emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and aesthetic excellence.
Jiang & Associates Creative Design also made waves by winning Best Mega Scale Office Interior Design (Asia) for the ALIBABA BEIJING CHAOYANG SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PARK, demonstrating the nation’s strides in crafting functional yet visually stunning office spaces.
Hong Kong and Macau: A Showcase of Luxury and Heritage
Developers from Hong Kong and Macau also shone brightly at the awards. PANO HARBOUR, developed by China Resources Land (Overseas) Limited and Poly Property (Hong Kong) Co., Limited, won Best Luxury Waterfront Condo Development (Asia). This recognition underscores Hong Kong and Macau’s expertise in blending luxury living with innovative waterfront designs.
Lofter Group Limited was another key player, taking home the Best Connectivity Condo Development (Asia) award for 1 Ki Lung Street. The group was also named Best Boutique Developer (Hong Kong and Macau), solidifying its reputation for excellence in niche markets.
In the realm of heritage, New Orient Group received the Best Heritage Interior Design (Asia) award for its San Tung Fong Commercial Inn North Wing, while Lek Hang Group earned Best Heritage Development (Asia) for the Hotel Central Macau. These awards reflect a growing emphasis on preserving cultural and historical significance while meeting modern design standards.
Driving Innovation Through Collaboration
The Grand Final emphasized the growing role of sustainability, innovation, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles in real estate. Jules Kay, General Manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, noted, “The real estate achievements in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau showcase properties that offer a glimpse into the cities of tomorrow. Developers are leading the way in adopting green technologies and sustainable designs.”
This commitment to sustainability was further echoed by Ken Ip, Chairperson of the Asia MarTech Society, who stated, “China’s real estate sector is setting global benchmarks in ESG and innovative development, reflecting its ambition to align with the international community’s focus on sustainable practices.”
Diverse Panels and Rigorous Judging
The awards’ credibility is anchored in its rigorous judging process, overseen by independent panels of experts from participating regions. In Mainland China, judges included renowned professionals such as Coco Lin, Principal at B+H Consulting International Inc., and James Woo, Co-Head of Valuation and Advisory Services at Colliers. Similarly, the Hong Kong and Macau panel featured industry leaders such as Paul Tse, President of the Macao Association of Building Contractors and Developers, and Bernie Devine, Senior Regional Director at Yardi Systems, Inc.
The Grand Final jury was composed of leading experts from various countries, ensuring impartiality and a well-rounded evaluation process. The judging process was meticulously supervised by HLB International, a global network of professional accounting firms.
A Platform for Industry Recognition and Collaboration
The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards has grown into the region’s most prestigious real estate recognition program since its inception in 2005. By providing a platform for developers, architects, and designers to showcase their work, the awards have fostered innovation and collaboration across Asia’s property markets.
This year’s awards highlighted cutting-edge trends such as smart home integration, green building designs, and adaptive reuse of heritage properties. Developers are increasingly incorporating advanced technologies like VR/AR, AI, and sustainable building materials into their projects, setting new benchmarks for the industry.
The Road Ahead: Encouraging Sustainable and Inclusive Development
As Asia continues to urbanize at an unprecedented rate, the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards aim to encourage sustainable and inclusive growth in real estate. Paul Tse, one of the panel chairs, emphasized, “This year’s awards celebrate not only forward-looking developments but also the preservation and revitalization of culturally significant properties. It is a testament to the industry’s commitment to creating a better future.”
The success of the 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final underscores the importance of recognizing excellence and fostering innovation in real estate. The event also sets the stage for greater international collaboration, paving the way for sustainable urban development across Asia.
