Terry KS The 2025 PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit concluded in Bangkok with the ARES Power Women event, recognising four influential female leaders driving inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready urban development across Asia. The celebration underscored the growing role of women in shaping trusted marketplaces and thriving communities.
THAILAND, 15 JANUARY 2026 – The 2025 PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit (ARES) wrapped up in Bangkok with a high-profile VIP Party at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, spotlighting the rising influence of women in shaping the future of Asia’s cities. Held as part of PropertyGuru Week, the ARES Power Women event brought together leaders from public service, technology, hospitality, and sustainable design to reflect on the summit’s theme, Trusted Marketplaces and Thriving Communities.
Hosted by Tina Ryan, the event celebrated four ARES Power Women 2025 recipients whose work has left a measurable impact on communities and urban development across the region.
Among the honourees was Ambassador Chantale Wong, recognised for her pioneering career in international development and public service. As the first openly LGBTQ person of colour to serve as a US Ambassador, she played a pivotal role in expanding the lending capacity of the Asian Development Bank during her tenure as US Executive Director, directing funding towards sustainable infrastructure projects that improved livelihoods across Asia. Her long-standing commitment to representation and empowerment has also helped open new pathways for Asian Pacific Americans in public service.
Indonesia’s growing proptech sector was represented by Marine Novita, founder of MilikiRumah.com. By leveraging artificial intelligence to enable rent-to-own housing models, Novita is addressing systemic barriers in Indonesia’s property market and broadening access to homeownership. Her work reflects a new generation of female-led entrepreneurship that uses technology to create inclusive and practical solutions in real estate.
Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi was honoured for her leadership in Thailand’s hospitality industry, where she represents multigenerational excellence while advancing her own advocacy. As executive vice president of The Sukosol Hotels & The Siam and honorary president of the Thai Hotels Association, she has become a prominent industry voice. Her efforts to enhance safety and experiences for female travellers were highlighted as part of her contribution to strengthening Thailand’s global hospitality reputation.
Rounding out the honourees was Ar. (Dr.) Serina Hijjas, a leading figure in Malaysia’s sustainable architecture movement. As principal director of HIJJAS Architects + Planners and president of the Malaysia Green Building Council, she has been instrumental in embedding national green building standards into the country’s built environment. Her portfolio includes landmark developments such as Menara Telekom and the Securities Commission Headquarters, reflecting her commitment to integrating design excellence with environmental responsibility.
ARES 2025 was supported by Sybarite Architects and a wide network of regional and international media partners, reinforcing its role as a key platform for dialogue and recognition within Asia’s real estate and built environment ecosystem.