Through the power of data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, we are transforming the way we work and the services we offer to meet and build the future of Southeast Asia’s property market. Senior Engineering Manager, Suvro Banerjee explains…

Our transformation at PropertyGuru is not just about adopting new technologies; it’s about reimagining the entire property ecosystem—from valuation to recommendations, from agent pricing to sustainability—tackling pressing issues in real estate with a data-first approach.

The Evolution of PropTech in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia’s property market is undergoing a significant shift – rapid urbanisation, increasing disposable incomes, and changing lifestyle preferences. The demand for innovative property solutions has never been higher. For Suvro Banerjee, Senior Engineering Manager for Data Science, the attraction is clear:

“I did my engineering degree and then followed with a master’s in econometrics. So, my passion has always been to understand data, crunch data, and try to find patterns. And PropTech being a big sector, I mean, if I just look at the sheer size of it, it’s almost four times the world economy together,” Suvro explains. 

“Working here, at one of Southeast Asia’s PropTech leaders, gives me a chance to work with different problem statements and use my skills to find meaningful solutions.”

This rapid growth and changing consumer behaviour present both challenges and opportunities. At PropertyGuru, we are positioning ourselves to capitalise on these trends by investing heavily in data science and AI capabilities.

Solving Real-World Problems with Data Science

At the heart of our transformation is a commitment to addressing real-world problems through our vast data resources and technical expertise.

“We’re trying to create an efficient marketplace where buyers, sellers, and different developers can come together and they can operate in a very inclusive manner,” Suvro notes. “The challenges are the same — but there are nuances across markets.”

Challenge #1: Automated Property Valuation Modelling

PropertyGuru has developed an automated valuation model that incorporates a wide range of data points and uses machine learning algorithms. This system aims to provide more accurate and dynamic property valuations, benefiting all stakeholders in the property ecosystem.

Challenge #2: AI-Powered Image Moderation

The company has developed an Artificial Intelligence Moderation Engine (AIME) using deep learning techniques. This system moderates millions of images quarterly, significantly reducing the burden on human moderators and improving listing quality.

Challenge #3: Creating Actionable Insights from Unstructured Data

By structuring and analysing vast amounts of unstructured data from property listings, PropertyGuru generates valuable insights for all stakeholders in the property ecosystem, making the data more searchable and useful.

The GenAI Revolution

We are actively working to integrate cutting-edge capabilities across our platform. Suvro reveals,

“We are creating different capabilities for Generative AI use, which are solving real use cases. For example, we have a huge amount of data; we are using these models to convert it into market insights and giving it to end users through conversational AI.”

This AI shift is not about staying current. It’s about reimagining how property search, valuation, and transactions can be conducted. Imagine a future where property seekers can describe their ideal home in natural language, and an AI system can instantly provide tailored recommendations and insights.

Navigating Cultural Diversity in Tech Innovation

One of Southeast Asia’s unique challenges—and opportunities—is its incredible cultural diversity. PropertyGuru has turned this challenge into a strength by fostering a collaborative, multicultural work environment.

“Diversity is important for a lot of reasons,” Suvro notes. “Firstly, in terms of solving problems, diverse skill sets help you solve diverse problems better and faster. Secondly, working with a diverse team is great for learning from each other. Third, it creates a very good bonhomie between people from different places. which makes work fun.”

By focusing on solving real-world problems, embracing cutting-edge technologies, and fostering a culture of innovation, we are working to position PropertyGuru at the forefront of the PropTech revolution in Southeast Asia.

“I love to work for a company where I learn something new every day, and I get a space to express myself through my work, through my interactions,” Suvro reflects. This sentiment encapsulates PropertyGuru’s approach to innovation and growth, driving the company’s transformation from a simple listing platform to a comprehensive PropTech powerhouse.