FORWARD MARCH

Disruption is revolutionising the property industry. Turning industry pain points into potential, these four proptech pioneers are among those renovating the face of real estate in Asia

- LIAM ARAN BARNES

Technology has become intrinsic to the real estate sector in a way few could once have imagined. For decades, the property sector was steeped in traditional practices and slow to adopt new ways of doing things. Industry norms barely shifted. But with the advent of online real estate portals in the early 2000s, the recent supercharged commercialisation of mixed reality hardware and software, and the rise in artificial intelligence and data analysis, the sector is now benefitting more than most from bleeding-edge tech.

From humane recruitment platforms and next-gen visualisation software to the latest laser projection technology and data-driven property portals, a growing number of disruptors and innovators in Asia are remoulding how construction companies, interior designers, consumers, and real estate developers, to name a few, now operate.

With technology moving at an exhilarating pace, these new norms will also inevitably be challenged and transformed. But for now, at least, here are four of the most innovative proptech pioneers who are helping to create the near future of real estate in Asia and beyond.

STEFAN RAFAEL, CO-FOUNDER AND HEAD OF TECHNOLOGY AT ONE TO ONE DISPLAYS

Tale behind the tech

A death in the family and divorce aside, moving house often tops the list of most stressful life events. So, imagine the sleepless nights and racked nerves when starting from scratch.

This was the reality encountered by Stefan and Marian Rafael as they spent countless hours renovating and building homes: a passion of theirs that also carried its fair share of stresses.