Breaking ground: Power Women lay the foundation for the real estate industry’s future
• 4 min. read
Bangkok, Thailand – On December 12, 2024, the annual “Celebrating Power Women in Real Estate” event capped off the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit (ARES) with an inspiring celebration of women who are shattering glass ceilings and laying the groundwork for the industry’s future. Sponsored by PropertyGuru For Business, the exclusive cocktail party brought together some of the brightest minds and most influential leaders in real estate.
The VIP Cocktail Party, held at the luxurious Kandhavas Place at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, highlighted the accomplishments of five extraordinary women who have revolutionised the industry through their vision, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements.
A showcase of women who lead the way
Dora Chng (Singapore)
As the Residential Director at GuocoLand, Ms. Chng has raised the roof on what luxury living means in Singapore. With nearly two decades of experience, she has driven the success of award-winning projects like Wallich Residence and Martin Modern, creating towering achievements in the region’s real estate landscape.
Ixora Ang (Malaysia)
A leading lady of Malaysian real estate, Ms. Ang serves as the Managing Director for Marketing & Sales and Business Development at Tropicana Corporation. With over a decade of experience, she has built bridges across borders, bringing innovation to property markets from Klang Valley to Langkawi. Her next-generation strategies are a blueprint for the future of real estate in Malaysia.
Jessica Bianca “Jica” T. Sy (Philippines)
Ms. Sy, VP & Head of Design, Innovation, and Strategy at SMDC, has been building resilience into the blueprint of Philippine real estate. Her work in integrating disaster risk reduction into property development has weathered storms and inspired progress. She is a key voice for resilience at the United Nations Leaders’ Roundtables on Resilient Infrastructure Systems, proving that her designs for change go beyond aesthetics.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Kessara Thanyalakpark (Thailand)
Dr. Kessara, Managing Director of Sena Development Public Company Limited, has been a shining light in sustainable innovation, pioneering solar-powered real estate solutions in Thailand. With her unwavering focus on renewable energy, she has powered up the future of real estate while maintaining a commitment to high-quality housing. Her legacy was solidified when she was named the 2022 Thailand Real Estate Personality of the Year.
Vivin Harsanto (Indonesia)
As Senior Director / Head of Advisory of JLL Indonesia, Ms. Harsanto has been a cornerstone of expertise for over 23 years. Her leadership in consulting has cemented her position as a key figure in Indonesian real estate. She also serves as the Chairperson of the independent panel of judges for the PropertyGuru Indonesia Property Awards, where she helps raise the bar for industry excellence.
Celebrating women who build the future
Throughout the evening, honourees and attendees celebrated the bricks-and-mortar accomplishments of these extraordinary women. The event also served as a blueprint for empowerment, showcasing how diversity and inclusion are reshaping the industry for the better.
As the night came to a close, one message echoed across the room: women are not just shaping the cities of tomorrow, they are leading the charge.
The 2024 PropertyGuru ARES VIP Cocktail Party proved to be more than just a celebration—it was a reminder that the future of real estate is being built by bold, brilliant, and unstoppable women.