Success in Singapore: Key Moments from the 74th FIABCI World Real Estate Congress
Held from May 27 to 31 in Singapore, the 74th FIABCI World Real Estate Congress attracted hundreds of delegates from across the world. This prestigious annual event brought together industry leaders, professionals, and stakeholders to discuss "Real Estate in the New Business Environment."
Opening Ceremony Highlights
The Opening Ceremony was graced by inspiring speeches from Dr. Lim Lan Yuan, President of FIABCI-Singapore; Budiarsa Sastrawinata, FIABCI World President; and Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, and 2nd Minister for Finance and National Development of Singapore. These remarks set the tone for the event, emphasizing the importance of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in the real estate sector.
During Mr. Sastrawinata’s address, chapter representatives were invited on stage for recognition, and outstanding FIABCI officers were awarded the Medal of Honor. Honorees included Abdullah Al Harbi, President of FIABCI-Saudi Arabia and CEO of Eye of Riyadh; Agussurja Widjaja, Vice-President of the Nominations Committee; Felice Tufano, President of FIABCI Europe Region and Vice-President of FIABCI-España; and José Romeu Ferraz Neto, Immediate Past-President of FIABCI-Brasil.
New Partnership with the International Institute of Mediators
A significant highlight of the Congress was the signing of a partnership agreement with the International Institute of Mediators (iiM). This collaboration aims to promote mediation as a means of resolving disputes in business operations, investments, and joint ventures, offering a cost-effective and relationship-preserving alternative to litigation.
Insightful Sessions and Expert Discussions
The Congress featured a series of insightful sessions with high-level speakers from Indonesia, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Australia, Nigeria, Italy, Hong Kong, Germany, Greece, Korea, Switzerland, Belgium, and the United States.
Day 1 focused on:
- Embracing sustainable practices in urban development
- Sharing global best practices to improve quality of life
- Protecting real estate portfolios from climate risks
- Exploring how design impacts happiness in cities
- A deep dive into effective public housing models
- Highlighting the role of land tenure in climate strategies
- Leveraging ESG principles for better work environments
- Fresh perspectives on investment strategies in a dynamic world
- Analyzing the latest trends shaping the market
- Visionary ideas for transformative urban redevelopment
- Strategies for adapting to the new normal
- Navigating the challenges and opportunities in a post-pandemic world
- Future insights into Singapore’s real estate landscape
Day 2 delved into:
- Revolutionizing Industrial Land Use
- Future of Industrial Development
- Real Estate & Property Management: Global Challenges & Trends
- Sustainable & Inclusive Architecture
- Architecture Excellence and the Changing Façade of Design Globally
- Raising Real Estate Valuation Standards
- Future of Real Estate Valuation: The Impact of ESG
- Cyberchat: Understanding Global Valuation Standards
- Transforming Real Estate with PropTech
- Location Intelligence for Real Estate
- Towards a Net-Zero Nation with PropTech
- Leveraging Technology & Big Data Platforms
- Adopting Digital Technology in Real Estate Marketing
- Asia-Pacific Market Outlook
These sessions showcased FIABCI's diverse expertise, gathering professionals from over 40 fields, including architects, developers and constructors, investors, asset and property managers, brokers and real estate agents, PropTech companies, lawyers, notaries, and other experts. Presentation slides will be made available to attendees shortly.
Networking and Cultural Experiences
Participants engaged in various activities, including business networking receptions and social and study tours of Singapore’s notable sites. These experiences offered delegates a chance to explore the city’s cultural and architectural landmarks while exploring the real estate potential of the Garden State.
FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards
A highlight of the Congress was the FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards Ceremony & Gala Dinner at the Gardens by the Bay. This prestigious event celebrated exceptional achievements in the real estate industry. A full list of this year’s winners is available here.
Internal Meetings and Elections
FIABCI’s internal meetings included the Board of Directors Meetings and the General Assembly, where councils, committees, and chapter representatives presented reports and updates. Elections were held, resulting in the appointment of Lily Chang as Vice-President Elect, whose efforts are anticipated to further FIABCI’s mission alongside the Board of Directors for the term 2024-2025.
Looking Ahead: Lagos, Nigeria
The General Assembly concluded with the handover of the FIABCI flag to the Nigerian Chapter, officially announcing Lagos, Nigeria, as the destination for the 75th FIABCI World Real Estate Congress. More details on upcoming global events can be found here.
New Leadership
Ramón Riera Torroba was installed as the FIABCI World President for 2024-2025 during the Farewell Dinner, succeeding Budiarsa Sastrawinata. Mr. Torroba is the first Spanish national to preside over the international federation.
FIABCI offers its sincere congratulations to Mr. Torroba on his appointment as FIABCI World President. We look forward to a productive and successful term under his leadership, supported by the newly elected Board of Directors, Councils, and Committees.
We also wish to express our deepest appreciation to Budiarsa Sastrawinata, who served as the FIABCI World President from 2023 to 2024. His remarkable dedication and contributions have made the past year exceptionally rewarding.
The media gallery for the 74th FIABCI World Real Estate Congress is available here.