Rethinking AI

Simon Yu works as an Associate Director at CBRE, the world’s leading commercial real estate services and investment firm, Simon has demonstrated exceptional skills in real estate investment advisory, transaction management, and market intelligence.

What sets Simon apart is his unwavering passion for bridging the worlds of property and technology. In 2019, he co-founded the PropTech Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the application of innovative technologies in the real estate industry. As the Co-Founder and President, Simon has been instrumental in building a thriving ecosystem for PropTech startups, corporates, and industry professionals, driving the digital transformation of the Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area real estate markets.

Through educational initiatives, collaborative events, and thought leadership, Simon has been at the forefront of advancing the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, data analytics, and sustainable building solutions. His vision is to make real estate more efficient, sustainable, and smart for the long run, benefiting all stakeholders, from developers and investors to end-users.

Simon’s exceptional performance at CBRE has been recognized with his promotion to Associate Director in the Capital Markets team in 2022. Under his guidance, he has brokered and closed over HK$8.5 billion (US$1 billion) in real estate transactions, showcasing his ability to navigate complex deals and deliver successful outcomes for his clients.

Beyond his professional achievements, Simon is a strong advocate for Canadian culture and education. As the President of the Alumni Association of his alma mater, Western University, in Hong Kong, he organizes social and fundraising events to reconnect alumni and promote the university’s legacy. Simon has also been active in bridging the West and East, facilitating talent exchange initiatives between Canada, Hong Kong, and mainland China, as well as supporting start-up integration.

Recently, Simon was invited to be the co-chair of the Property Committee at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, further solidifying his role as a bridge-builder between the two regions. With his remarkable accomplishments, passion for innovation, community engagement, and cultural exchange, Simon is a rising leader poised to make a lasting impact in the real estate industry, driving the digital and sustainable transformation of the sector.

Anthony, the Founder and CEO of EDGE AI, brings over 15 years of cross-industry experience and a unique background in internal and strategic management consulting. He is committed to leveraging the latest generative AI technologies in both business and daily life, helping companies significantly boost productivity, efficiency, and creativity.

Anthony’s workshops and AI assessment tools have received widespread acclaim throughout the region, serving top financial services companies in Hong Kong, China, and Southeast Asia.

With over thousands participants, his initiatives have delivered exceptional transformational results, including a 30% increase in productivity and efficiency through the correct application of generative AI.

At EDGE AI, our commitment to sustainability is rooted in the belief that AI can be a powerful force for positive change. Our goals for 2024-2025 are focused on three key areas:

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

1. Empowering and Upskilling AI Talent: We aim to significantly enhance the AI skillset across various sectors in Hong Kong. By offering advanced training programs and workshops, we will empower individuals and organizations to harness the full potential of AI, ensuring that the workforce is well-equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

2. Transforming Hong Kong into a Smart AI City: We are dedicated to helping Hong Kong achieve its vision of becoming a leading smart AI city. Through strategic partnerships and innovative projects, EDGE AI will work towards integrating AI technologies across urban infrastructure, improving efficiency, and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.

3. Driving Sustainable Business Growth through AI Adoption: Our goal is to assist businesses in fully embracing AI as a catalyst for sustainable growth. By providing tailored AI solutions and strategic guidance, we will help companies innovate, optimize operations, and reduce their environmental impact, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient economy.

Paul Chen is a trusted advisor to global investors and managers of alternative investments. For over 20+ years, Paul has helped clients formulate and execute their digital transformation strategy to enhance returns across real estate, private equity, and credit. Most recently, Paul has been helping his clients navigate the emerging AI landscape.

Paul is the Managing Director of Radiant PropTech, a digital transformation consultancy. Paul is also the Co-Founder of Asia PropTech, a proptech ecosystem based in Asia Pacific. He has been an advisor to investment technology startups, the regional chair for a real estate blockchain assocation, and a mentor at technology accelerator programs.

Paul has a BA in Economics from UC Berkeley and received his MBA from the University of North Carolina.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

1. Recycling as a part of every inhabitant’s DNA (not recycle only when it’s convenient).
2. Adopt technologies that can make a real difference in reducing carbon footprints of real assets.