Last Saturday, over 100 attended the Year of the Pig Property Strategies Seminar.
It is the quality rather than the quantity that we value more. We all know the difference between a paid neutral property seminar and a free sales-pitch talk: You attract participants with completely different background, experience and discernment.
Our attendees know exactly what they can expect out of this seminar. Just like the way they know what they are looking for in properties. Same as previous years, they all arrived punctually so we could all start on time at 10.30 a.m.
Many came with their property questions to ask at the roundtable discussion session. When the speakers or moderators gave an insightful answer, they were inspired and followed with more intriguing questions. With knowledgeable speakers and inquisitive learners, it benefited everyone in the discussion group.
The event was originally targeted to end at 2 p.m. But the 1-hour roundtable discussion session lasted from 12.30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Some participants (especially the ones in Ku Swee Yong’s group) would rather missed the buffet lunch and remained seated throughout to participate in the discussions.
When the exchange of knowledge and ideas has left so much food for thought, who cares about the food on the table?
Because of organizing this seminar, I had to go back to work on my email every evening during my family year-end vacation. I also had to put aside my favorite jobs of blogging and making youtube videos. And a week before the event, there were still many logistics to be fixed and administrative things to be done.
You know what is the funniest part? On the event day, I couldn’t help but envy all the attendees.
They didn’t have to worry about or take care of things such as early morning preparation, registration, emceeing, presenting, catering, etc. At one point of time, I just imagined myself paying $49 or $69 to someone who organized this, then sat back and learned from all the sessions. Then I wouldn’t miss a single thing that the speakers presented or any insightful knowledge shared in the discussion group I wish to join.
That’s why I was grateful that we managed to record all the presentations. I had the chance to review the parts I missed and learned new things. As they said, the more you know, the more you don’t know. Admit that there is still so much to learn and you are able to learn a lot more.
For instance, I may know it is the end of en bloc sale for residential projects. But Ku Swee Yong came up with solid figures and sound arguments to support it.
I may know there is going to be serious supply-demand imbalance in the housing market. But Mr Ku supported the statement with his research figures in household income, employment, foreign population and vacancy rate.
I may know the danger of putting all the eggs in aging HDB flats. But Swee Yong elaborated further in terms of how, when and how much the flats can depreciate over time.
Another speaker Michael Cho did explain to me before how US and China are actively using Proptech and Big Data in the real estate industry. These countries are much more advanced compared with Singapore. It was very useful to hear him sharing what these companies are currently doing in the industry. Hopefully, our market can catch up in some ways some day.
His presentation was also very informative in sharing how auto-valuation compare with human surveyors, and why collection of some data sets are critical to make better property purchase decisions.
It has been three years since Tan Wee Kwang spoke in our seminars since the Property Defects Inspection 101 Seminar in February 2016. Due to changes in cost and technology, it’s time he gave an update on workmanship and building quality for all the recently TOP projects they inspect every day.
I like the way Wee Kwang exposed the tricks and traps of all sorts of common developer defects. Instead of being upset or rebuking the wrong parties, he managed to drive home his points in an humorous way.
I am happy that I have organized this seminar. Click here to see photos taken at the event and you’ll know why.
If you miss the event, you can watch the speaker videos and download the presentation slides by paying a small fee (member $49, non-member $69).
You can watch the previews of all the four presentations below.
2019 Property Risks and Opportunities (Ku Swee Yong, CEO, International Property Advisor)
Singapore Residential Market- Reflections and Resolutions (Vina Ip, Blogger, PropertySoul.com)
PropTech Ready To Benefit Home Buyers and Investors (Michael Cho, Founder, UrbanZoom)
Update on Building Quality of Singapore Residential Projects (Tan Wee Kwang, Founder, Absolute Inspection)
Now watch the full videos with slides here.
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