As Southeast Asia’s PropTech Leader, we constantly seek ways to innovate and advance the real estate industry. Central to our efforts are people like Sunil Tiwari, Senior Technical Program Manager, who plays a crucial role in turning “chaos” into structured innovation.

The Attraction of PropTech

For Sunil, the decision to join us was multifaceted. “I received strong references from my colleagues who said PropertyGuru is the kind of place you can grow in your career and work alongside some really, really talented minds in the space,” he explains. These opportunities to grow and collaborate were a significant draw.

But it wasn’t just about the work environment. Sunil was also excited about the opportunity to dive deep into the PropTech business. “I was excited to learn more about how technology is transforming the industry, especially in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), and Augmented Reality (AR),” he says. PropertyGuru offered him the chance to explore cutting-edge technologies and drive meaningful changes in the PropTech landscape.

The Chaos Coordinator

Sunil describes his role as a “chaos coordinator” and “connector of dots.” This apt description encapsulates the complexity of his position, which involves bridging the gap between technical, product, design, and business perspectives. “It’s crucial to understand the mindset of technical teams, product managers, and business stakeholders to effectively coordinate and deliver successful programs,” he notes.

Working closely with cross-functional teams, Sunil ensures that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with our overall objectives. This role requires a unique blend of technical knowledge, communication skills, and strategic thinking.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

At PropertyGuru, innovation is more than just a buzzword—it’s a core part of the company’s DNA. “We have a strong focus on innovation and experimentation,” Sunil explains. “We encourage our teams to explore new ideas, challenge existing processes, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

This culture of innovation is supported through various initiatives:

1. Protected Innovation Time: The company allocates dedicated time within project cycles for experimentation and learning, allowing team members to work on proof of concepts and explore emerging technologies.
2. Hackathons and Innovation Forums: Regular events provide platforms for employees to showcase their ideas and collaborate with colleagues from different departments.
3. Leadership Support: The leadership team plays a crucial role in supporting these initiatives, providing necessary resources and guidance to turn ideas into reality.
4. Internal Learning Opportunities: PropertyGuru offers training sessions and knowledge-sharing forums where employees can discuss emerging technologies and their potential applications.

Navigating the Future of PropTech

Sunil is particularly excited about the future of PropTech and the role technology will play in revolutionising the real estate industry. “I believe that AI, ML, IoT, and other emerging technologies will play a significant role in driving this transformation,” he says.

Some key trends Sunil is following include:

• AI and ML for personalised customer interactions and predictive maintenance
• IoT and smart homes for enhanced tenant experiences
• Fractional investing as a new model of property ownership

“At PropertyGuru, I’m thrilled to be part of a company that is at the forefront of this change, constantly pushing the boundaries and exploring new possibilities,” Sunil enthuses. “As a technical program manager, I have the unique opportunity to shape the future of PropTech and make a meaningful impact on the industry as a whole.”

Overcoming Challenges and Avoiding Burnout

The role of a program manager comes with its fair share of challenges. “Program managers face constant demands and pressure from various stakeholders as we are at the centre of complex programs, coordinating multiple moving parts and ensuring that everything runs smoothly,” Sunil admits.

To cope with these challenges and avoid burnout, Sunil has developed several strategies:

1. Taking regular breaks
2. Chunking work into smaller, manageable tasks
3. Seeking support from leadership and engineering teams
4. Practicing patience and embracing continuous learning

“It’s crucial to be patient with oneself and embrace continuous learning, as each project brings new opportunities for growth and development,” he advises.

Advice for Aspiring PropTech Professionals

For those looking to make their mark in the PropTech industry, Tiwari offers some valuable advice: “Don’t be afraid to take the initiative and proactively find opportunities for improvement and innovation. Most importantly, remember that growth and satisfaction come from embracing challenges and learning from both successes and failures.”

He emphasises the importance of a growth mindset, noting that at PropertyGuru, “We love people who embrace a growth mindset and are open to continuous learning.”

Conclusion

As the PropTech industry continues to evolve, the role of technical program managers like Sunil is critical. By bridging the gap between various stakeholders, fostering a culture of innovation, and navigating the complexities of emerging technologies, these professionals are shaping the future of real estate.

At PropertyGuru, the commitment to innovation, coupled with a supportive work environment, creates an ideal setting for talented individuals to thrive and make a significant impact. As Tiwari’s experience demonstrates, it’s an exciting time to be in PropTech, with endless opportunities to learn, grow, and transform an entire industry.