SMU and PropertyGuru sign MOU to harness data for insights and research on Asia’s urban development

This partnership will nurture skilled talent needed to address the complexities of the region's rapidly developing cities

By the SMU Corporate Communications team

16 Aug 2024

Singapore Management University (SMU) and PropertyGuru Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on talent development, research, data sharing, and mutual resource and knowledge sharing pertaining to Asian urbanisms. Signed yesterday (15 Aug 2024), this strategic partnership will focus on leveraging data to deepen insights into the changing urban landscape in Singapore and the rest of Southeast Asia.

Through research collaboration, data sharing, and education - including capstone projects and internships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students in Singapore and the region - this partnership will equip future talent with the skills needed to address the complexities of the region's rapidly developing cities. The collaboration will leverage the expertise of both parties to generate data-informed insights with real-world applications. Together with PropertyGuru, SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business's Real Estate Track and SMU Urban Institute will play pivotal roles in deepening student capabilities and producing new knowledge in real estate and urban development.

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"As we navigate the complexities of rapid urban expansion in Asia, the urgency to address the ensuing urban challenges has never been greater. SMU's partnership with PropertyGuru exemplifies our strategic initiative to harness the full potential of industry collaborations. This MoU is a significant step towards engaging diverse expertise within SMU to address the critical urban challenges of our time," said Professor Sun Sun Lim, Vice President for Partnerships & Engagement at SMU.

Echoing this sentiment, Ms Shyn Yee Ho-Strangas, Managing Director (Data and Software Solutions) at PropertyGuru and an alumna from SMU's pioneer batch, emphasised the importance of this partnership. She said, "Beyond landscape and infrastructure challenges, urbanisation is also increasingly influenced by social, climate and demographic dynamics. At the heart of this transformation, PropertyGuru recognises the pivotal role data, sentiments and insights play, and we are excited to be partnering with SMU to advance Asia's urban aspirations."

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The power of bridging education and industry was further highlighted at SMU's IndustryConnect event which took place after the MOU signing. Co-organised by SMU's Office of Alumni Relations and Office of Industry Engagement, the panel discussion was themed 'Redefining Urban Living in Singapore'. It was moderated by SMU's Associate Professor of Economics Li Jing and featured Assistant Professor of Urban Studies (Education) Aidan Wong; PropertyGuru's Head of Real Estate Intelligence (Data and Software Solutions), Dr Lee Nai Jia; and SMU Alumni and City Developments Ltd's Assistant Vice President (Group Investments) Joel Boh.

The panel explored the challenges and future visions for Singapore's 'Live, Work, Play, and Learn' urban framework, drawing on personal experiences and exploring the balance between commercial viability and community needs in urban development.

Dr Lee of PropertyGuru observed, "PropertyGuru's ability to forecast growth of economic segments and consumer sentiments, ahead of actual transactions and reporting, provides a unique perspective on the issues facing Singapore's real estate sector, allowing for more responsive and informed decision-making."

Assoc Prof Li Jing elaborated, "As the country continues to evolve, key challenges such as how to better integrate live, work, and play, and harmonise different groups of residents have emerged. This has led to calls for collaboration between government, industry, and academia to develop potential solutions. By leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we can drive meaningful impact, and create a more thriving and liveable society."

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