Global Property Expo Singapore: A New Era for Real Estate in APAC
This week, Singapore became the epicenter of global real estate dialogue with the launch of the first-ever Global Property Expo, hosted at the iconic Sands Expo & Convention Centre. Organized by JLL, this landmark event has set a new benchmark for how we convene thought leaders, developers, investors, and innovators under one roof to explore the future of property across Asia-Pacific and beyond.
As someone fortunate enough to be part of this inaugural edition, both as a participant and moderator, I can confidently say that this event is more than a summit. It is a signal: APAC has now a leading global property conversation.
A Regional Wake-Up Call
From the very first keynote by Adam Challis (Global Director, Strategic Insights, JLL), the message was clear: urbanization, technology, and demographic shifts are reshaping our cities, and the APAC region is at the forefront. With 70% of the world’s population expected to live in cities by 2050, the urgency to rethink housing, infrastructure, and investment models has never been greater.
In markets like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, we are witnessing a transformation, driven by connectivity, sustainability, and digital innovation. Developers like Tropicana, Selo Group, and Mouana are designing living spaces that are not only livable but also globally attractive, socially conscious, and technologically advanced.
Impact Investing: A Personal Highlight
I had the privilege of moderating one of the most anticipated sessions of the day:
“Social Impact Without Missing ROI for Developers and Investors.”
Joined by Adam Challis (JLL), Freya Watson (JLL Australia), and Ixora Ang (Tropicana), we explored the evolving philosophy of property development, one that does not treat social responsibility and profitability as opposites. On the contrary, it is increasingly clear that impact-driven projects can deliver superior long-term returns, build community value, and enhance brand equity.
The dialogue was rich with real-world case studies and frameworks that developers and investors across APAC can begin applying immediately.
More Than Luxury and Citizenship
Throughout the day, panels and spotlight sessions reflected the diversity of investor motivations today.
• Daniel Peros of Luxury Portfolio International reframed the concept of luxury, arguing that wellness, sustainability, and personalization now define high-end living more than location or price.
• Rory McDaid of Henley & Partners delivered a compelling overview of how property continues to serve as a strategic tool for citizenship and global mobility.
• And Marciano Birjmohun led two vibrant sessions, profiling the mindset of today’s younger, globally mobile investor, and uncovering how cities like Bali and Bangkok are transforming into world-class residential hubs.
Portugal on the Map
While APAC was the natural focus, I was proud to see Portugal represented with energy and ambition, through Casaiberia, myself and Fabio Lopes, and our colleagues at JLL Portugal. The interest in European lifestyle destinations remains strong, and we had excellent conversations with international buyers curious about Portugal’s stability, lifestyle, and residency options.
Looking Forward
This expo is more than a showcase; it is a platform for change. From cross-border connectivity to PropTech solutions like those presented by MetaProp, INTRIC Technologies, and Proplens AI, the real estate industry is clearly entering a new era of digitization, collaboration, and value-driven growth.
For APAC, this means an exciting challenge: to harness these global insights and apply them locally. To build cities that are not just scalable, but sustainable. To invest not just in buildings, but in communities.
And for all of us in the industry, the Global Property Expo is a strong reminder that the future is not being predicted, it is being built.
 
NEWS, Real Estate