Shaping the future of real estate in SEA: Reflections on WiredScore’s launch in the Philippines and our vision for 2025

Posted:

1 / 22 / 2025

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As I reflect on my first three months as WiredScore’s Head of Southeast Asia, I’m struck by the immense potential and appetite for change I’ve witnessed across the region. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Philippines, a country poised to redefine its commercial real estate sector through the power of resilient digital infrastructure.

Our entry into the Philippines this past November marked a pivotal milestone for WiredScore and for the country’s real estate industry. This expansion signifies more than just our growing footprint in Southeast Asia; it’s a response to the growing demand for smarter and better connected buildings that anticipate and meet the expectations of modern occupiers.

The reception from the Philippines real estate community has been nothing short of inspiring. Industry leaders are embracing the opportunity to differentiate their assets in a competitive marketplace. We’ve seen major players like NEO, Daiichi Properties, Menarco Development Corporation, Arthaland Corporation, and Araneta City take decisive action by committing their flagship buildings to WiredScore and SmartScore certifications.

These early adopters understand that superior digital connectivity is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a “must-have” for occupiers and investors alike. Buildings like Menarco Tower, Neo 5, 6 and 7 which achieved WiredScore Platinum certification, and Savya Financial Center, which earned WiredScore Gold, are setting new benchmarks for excellence. Their ambition is setting the stage for others to follow, and we’re seeing more developers express interest in certification as a key differentiator for 2025.

Panel discussion at WiredScore’s launch in the Philippines, in November 2024.

Lessons learned from our launch

Our entry into the Philippines provided valuable lessons on how to effectively introduce a certification system into a rapidly evolving market.
 
Here are three of my key takeaways:

  1. Real estate transformation is a team effort. Our partnerships with forward-thinking developers and property managers have accelerated the adoption of WiredScore’s standards. The trust and openness of industry leaders have been instrumental in showcasing the value of digital connectivity.
  1. While the appetite for connectivity is strong, many stakeholders need clarity on how certifications drive long-term value. Through workshops and collaborative events, we’ve been able to highlight the tangible benefits – from future-proofing buildings against technological obsolescence to enhancing occupier retention.
  1. The pace of change in the Philippines is rapid. Developers want to act quickly to seize a competitive edge, which places pressure on all of us to move fast. We’ve adapted our processes to meet this demand and have prioritized speed-to-certification as a key operational focus for 2025.

Setting our vision for 2025

Looking ahead, I’m filled with optimism for what’s to come in 2025. Our mission in the Philippines extends beyond certifying individual buildings – it’s about raising the industry’s collective standards for what “great” looks like. In my role, I am also focused on driving similar impact in Singapore and Thailand, two other key markets under my remit. Each of these countries presents unique opportunities for transformation and growth, and our regional approach allows us to leverage best practices across borders.

 
Here’s what’s on the horizon:

  • Expansion of certified properties: Our goal is to significantly increase the number of WiredScore and SmartScore-certified buildings in Metro Manila and beyond. With more stakeholders recognizing the competitive advantage of certification, I’m confident we’ll achieve this. 
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  • Driving awareness and education: We’re committed to continuing our engagement with developers, investors, and occupiers. Through targeted workshops and industry events, we’ll deepen the understanding of what it means to be “digitally connected” in today’s world. 
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  • Showcasing local success stories: Nothing drives change like success. We’ll continue to highlight the achievements of our certified partners to inspire others to follow suit.

Looking ahead to 2025

As we step into 2025, I invite developers, asset owners, and industry leaders to join us in shaping the future of smart, connected buildings. The demand for enhanced digital connectivity is growing rapidly, and those who act now will be best equipped to meet the evolving needs of future tenants and investors.

At WiredScore, our mission goes beyond certification – we’re driving progress toward more resilient and future-ready cities. The momentum in the Philippines underscores a clear appetite for this transformation. It’s an exciting moment for the industry, and I’m looking forward to what the year ahead will bring.

For those ready to raise the bar for their buildings, the message is clear: The future won’t wait. Let’s get started.

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