JLL launches first proptech forum at innovfest unbound 2018

SHANGHAI, 28 May 2018 – Real estate consultancy JLL today announced it will host 'Proptech Unleashed, the first-ever proptech forum at innovfest unbound, Southeast Asia's largest innovation festival. Held on 6 June 2018 at Singapore's Sands Expo & Convention Centre, the half-day event will gather thought leaders and rising start-ups to explore how proptech – the convergence of real estate and technology – is changing the way people live, work and play.

"JLL is thrilled to bring together some of the brightest minds in technology and real estate, including entrepreneurs, investors and corporates, to discuss how we can collaborate to transform the world of real estate," says Albert Ovidi, COO at JLL Asia Pacific. "Innovfest unbound is an ideal platform to showcase how we are driving proptech innovation for our clients and we're excited to tell that story to the wider business and start-up community in Asia."

According to research by JLL, tech-enabled real estate tools have helped some cities in Asia Pacific become smarter and more efficient, although many face challenges such as underdeveloped infrastructure, innovation bottlenecks and a shortage of tech talent. 

JLL's 'Proptech Unleashed' will examine these challenges, starting with a panel focused on smart cities that will explore how tech advancements will create new urban spaces while enhancing connectivity. This is followed by an exchange of ideas between business executives and start-up founders on the feasibility of implementing an innovative work culture in large corporations.

The line-up of speakers for this forum includes:

• Albert Ovidi, COO, JLL Asia Pacific
  
• Chris Fossick, Managing Director, JLL Singapore and Southeast Asia
  
• George Thomas, CIO, JLL Asia Pacific
  
• Charles Reed Anderson, IoT Advisory Services
  
• Chirayu Wadka, Partner at SeedPlus
  
• Steve Melhuish, Co-founder of PropertyGuru
  
• Cindy Chiow, Head of Business Development and Strategy for Airbus Aerial
  
• Rhonda Wong, CEO, Ohmyhome
  
• Darius Cheung, CEO, 99.co
  
• Grace Sai, Co-Founder, Found
  
• Barbara Guerpillon, Head, Unilever Foundry
  
• Paul Burmester, Head of Innovation & Partnerships, Singtel Innov8

"We are particularly excited to have JLL host a Proptech forum this year," says Daniel Seal, founder and CEO of Unbound. "As a leader in the world of proptech, their session will lend greater insight into tomorrow's smart cities and corporate innovation, and enhance the experience for visitors looking to celebrate digital disruption at innovfest unbound 2018."

JLL is committed to cultivating next-generation proptech start-ups and promoting Asia Pacific as a hub of technology innovation for real estate. In January 2018, JLL led a US$3.8 million Series A funding for Indian start-up Foyr, and sponsored Hood Disrupt, Southeast Asia's first proptech hackathon in 2017.

Follow @JLLAsiaPacific and @unboundglobal for latest updates from JLL at innovfest unbound Singapore 2018. Please refer to the programme agenda here.

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JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. Our vision is to reimagine the world of real estate, creating rewarding opportunities and amazing spaces where people can achieve their ambitions. In doing so, we will build a better tomorrow for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with nearly 300 corporate offices, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of 83,500 as of March 31, 2018. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com