In a dazzling celebration of architectural excellence and real estate innovation, the 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final transformed Bangkok’s prestigious Athenee Hotel into a gathering of Asia’s most influential property developers and design visionaries. Held on Friday the 13th of December, the event, marked the culmination of the 2024 awards series, showcased an impressive array of groundbreaking projects that are reshaping Asia’s urban landscape.
In a historic first, Mainland China’s Zhuhai Huafa Properties Co., Ltd. claimed the coveted Best Developer in Asia title, highlighting China’s growing influence in regional real estate excellence. This achievement was part of an impressive showing by Chinese developers and design firms, with standout projects including the innovative MixC Changchun and the sophisticated K11 Shanghai on Huaihai Middle Road.
Developers from Hong Kong and Macau also excelled with four winning titles. Winners included China Resources Land (Overseas) Limited and Poly Property (Hong Kong) Co., Limited, winning for PANO HARBOUR; Lek Hang Group for Hotel Central Macau; Lofter Group Limited for 1 Ki Lung Street; and New Orient Group for San Tung Fong Commerical Inn North Wing (Former LokKok Restaurant Building).
The Philippines emerged as the evening’s most decorated nation, securing an impressive 12 accolades. Federal Land, Inc. demonstrated its commanding presence in the luxury sector, earning the prestigious Best Luxury Developer (Asia) title. The developer’s Riverpark project exemplified the high standards that have become synonymous with Filipino luxury real estate. Meanwhile, Federal Land NRE Global, Inc. was recognized as Best Breakthrough Developer (Asia), signaling the market’s dynamic evolution.
Malaysia’s property sector showcased its diversity and innovation with 11 wins spread across various categories. Notable victories included Bangsar Heights Pavilion’s Quayside JBCC and Triterra Sdn Bhd’s The MET Corporate Towers, both representing the nation’s commitment to creating world-class developments that blend functionality with aesthetic excellence.
Indonesia’s property landscape was celebrated with eight significant wins, with Paramount Land leading the charge as Best Township Developer (Asia). Sinar Mas Land’s multiple victories for projects including BSD City and the Biomedical Campus demonstrated Indonesia’s capability to deliver large-scale, sustainable developments that set new benchmarks for urban planning.
Singapore maintained its reputation for excellence with eight awards, including UOL Group Limited’s double victory as Best Sustainable Developer (Asia) and Best Hospitality Developer (Asia). The city-state’s winners reflected its unwavering commitment to sustainable development and innovative design, particularly evident in projects like Meyer Blue and the Pan Pacific Orchard.
Australia also garnered seven wins, three of which went to BLVD by OSK Property. Other champions included BHC Property, winning for Mercer; FY Property, Kooringa Group, MA Financial, CPDM for Chatswood Garden; Golden Sedayu for Burswood Point; and Jean Yip Developments for Elements at Carousel.
Thailand’s presence was marked by four significant wins, with Sansiri Public Company Limited earning accolades for BuGaan Pattanakarn and Narasiri Phahol-Watcharapol. These developments exemplify Thailand’s growing sophistication in luxury real estate and its ability to create projects that resonate with discerning international buyers.
In a notable expansion of the awards’ scope, Saudi Arabia made its debut appearance at the Grand Final, with Oud Real-Estate Development Company securing the Best Mixed Use Developer (Asia) title, signaling the Middle East’s integration into Asia’s property landscape.
The awards also recognized excellence in sustainable development and community building, with Vietnam’s Phu Long Real Estates Corporation named Best Community Developer (Asia). This acknowledgment underscores the growing importance of creating developments that foster social connectivity while maintaining environmental responsibility.
This year’s PUBLISHER’S CHOICE PropertyGuru Icon Award went to Henry T. Sy, Jr. the Executive Director/ & Chairman of the Board, SM Prime Holdings Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SM Development Corporation Henry, the son of legendary Filipino retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr., has continued his father’s remarkable legacy while forging his own path in Philippine real estate development. As Chairman of SM Prime Holdings, one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, he oversees an empire that began with a humble shoe store in 1958 and has evolved into a conglomerate spanning retail, residential, commercial, and hospitality developments. Under his leadership, SM Prime has transformed the Philippine landscape with its flagship Mall of Asia complex and numerous other super-regional malls. The company’s residential arm, SM Development Corporation (SMDC), has become a dominant force in the Philippine condominium market, particularly in metro Manila, with its focus on affordable luxury developments.
Currently, SM Prime Holdings continues to expand its portfolio with innovative mixed-use developments, including the prestigious The Estate Makati, while maintaining its position as the Philippines’ largest shopping mall developer and operator with over 80 malls across the country and in China. The company’s commitment to sustainable development and community building has earned it numerous accolades, with recent projects incorporating green building principles and smart city technologies, reflecting Henry T. Sy Jr.’s vision of creating world-class developments that enhance urban living while preserving environmental resources.
Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “The 2024 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series included many first-time accolades. We celebrated the strengths of emerging and established property markets, expanding to new regions and revisiting the region’s leading real estate destinations. We also honoured individuals—industry legends and rising stars poised to change the game. Through the People’s Choice Awards, we engaged with property buyers, giving them a platform to support developers who share their aspirations and values.
The judging process, overseen by HLB under Paul Ashburn’s supervision, ensured transparency and credibility, with an independent panel of experts from participating markets evaluating entries based on stringent criteria. This rigorous selection process has helped establish the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards as the region’s most respected real estate awards platform.
As Asia’s property sector continues to evolve, the awards highlight a clear trend toward sustainable, community-focused developments that prioritize innovation and quality of life. The winning projects showcase how developers are responding to changing consumer preferences, environmental concerns, and the need for more integrated living solutions.
The success of this year’s awards demonstrates that despite global economic challenges, Asia’s property sector remains dynamic and forward-thinking. From luxury residential developments to sustainable townships, the winning projects represent the gold standard in real estate development, setting new benchmarks for excellence across the region.