General Session
Opening Address
Opening Keynote: David Hanson, “Father of Sophia”
Asia’s Growth: Global Impact, Geopolitics, and Economic Decoupling
Asia's remarkable growth over the past decades has been fuelled by globalisation and demographic dividends, which have also supported a rising middle class. This session aims to explore the implications of the global geopolitical situation and an aging population on Asia’s future growth and the real estate sector.
Moderator:
James McGregor, Chairman, APCO’s greater China region
Sustainability & Decarbonisation: Tough Questions, Hard Choices
As financial constraints tighten and geopolitical uncertainties grow, how can the real estate industry sustain its commitment to decarbonisation? This session confronts the difficult trade-offs between financial viability and long-term environmental responsibility. Where do sustainability initiatives create real value, and where do they fall short? What should the industry prioritise when balancing economic pressures with climate commitments? Are current sustainability targets realistic, or are they being sidelined as "too hard to achieve"? Industry leaders will engage in a frank discussion on the future of sustainability in an era of competing priorities.
ULI Hines Student Competition Asia Pacific
Housing in Asia: How Does It Feel to Live Here?
“The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” – Maya Angelou
A home is more than just a physical space; it’s an emotion, a state of mind, and a place in time. For those of us involved in providing homes for families, it’s easy to overlook the deeper question: How does it feel to live here?
As Asia’s cities drive global growth, they must evolve to meet shifting needs. Climate change, demographic shifts, and social isolation are reshaping how and where people live, yet housing remains rigid, often unaffordable, and disconnected from daily life.
This session will introduce ULI’s Home Attainability Index 2025 followed by a panel that will explore innovative solutions to create housing that is user-centric, flexible, inclusive, and climate-resilient. How can we design communities that truly feel like home?
From Bricks to Brains: How AI Is Redefining Real Estate Value Creation
Artificial intelligence is transforming real estate by enhancing efficiency, asset management, and investment strategies. Beyond the buzz, AI is already driving impact through predictive analytics, operational automation, and risk assessment—turning vast, complex data into actionable insights. While the industry has been slow to adapt, AI is streamlining decision-making, optimizing property valuations, and improving tenant experiences. Yet, alongside these benefits come challenges, from implementation hurdles to ethical considerations and potential overhype.
Rather than an end in itself, AI is a powerful tool that helps real estate professionals work smarter, not harder. The key lies in identifying where AI can create the biggest opportunities and how to integrate it effectively. As the industry embraces this technology, the question isn’t just about what AI can do today, the panelists question how we can shape it to be even more intelligent, responsible, and impactful for the future.
ULI Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence
Widely recognised as one of the real estate industry's most prestigious competitions, this year’s winners represent the highest standards of development practice in the region’s private, public, and non-profit sectors. Meet the outstanding winners of the 2025 ULI Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence and celebrate their exemplary work which will inspire our industry.
Fields, Fans, and Future Cities: The Intersection of Sports and Development
Sports and entertainment play a crucial role in shaping vibrant, livable cities. This session examines the impact of sports infrastructure through data-driven insights, successful case studies, and the perspective of athletes. Experts will discuss how integrating entertainment into communities enhances the urban experience and why these developments matter for real estate professionals. Is investing in sports and entertainment just good business, or does it create lasting value for communities?
