enCity’s Co-founder and CEO, Dzung Do Nguyen shared his perspective at panel discussion “Future of Work – a Next Generation Way of Working”, organised by ULI – a global organization specialising in real estate research, with regional offices in Washington D.C., Hong Kong, and London. This event was part of the two-day REImagine 2024 program, attracting regional industry experts and leaders.
Mr. Dzung, together with other panelists, have explored the emerging approaches, trends and innovative practices that define the next generation’s approach to work.
As real estate leadership in Southeast Asia transitions to the next generation, the region is poised for a transformative shift in how work is conducted. Digital transformation in enhancing productivity, supported by the concepts of remote and hybrid work models. New demands are emerging and being addressed in a rapidly evolving market.
The key factors influencing work trends in Southeast Asia, including corporate culture, living space, internet speed, and commute time, stated Mr. Dzung. Specifically, the trend of working from home is more prevalent in Singapore due to larger average living spaces and faster internet connections compared to Ho Chi Minh City and Jakarta. In Jakarta, due to long commute times, the trend of working in co-working spaces in the suburbs is popular, while freelancers and creatives primarily use co-working spaces in Ho Chi Minh City due to the current corporate culture still valuing traditional workspaces.

At the urban scale, he also emphasised the integration of green spaces into employment hubs, citing the current Ho Chi Minh City masterplan project that enCity is working on. Promoting diverse land use within these centers aims to enhance vibrancy and reduce the division between living and working spaces.
Sai Gon’s strong coffee culture: many people find it difficult to work from home due to poor home internet and limited amenities, compared to the dedicated workspaces offered by cafes
Another highlight activity during this program was the Study Tour led by enCity’s Design Director, Arch. Marco Buinhas. Alongside leading real estate experts, Mr. Marco has contributed real-world insights into urban design and the Vietnamese real estate market, while also continuously learning from our participating partners.
At Metropole The Opera, Marco offered insights into the real estate legal framework to help international experts better understand the local context. The tour then continued to the next destination at the Hall Mark Office, where enCity’s experts and partners delved deeper into real estate products with A+ standards. enCity team then provided valuable insights into the potential and value of the last stop – Sala urban area, answering questions and offering additional information for participants.
Wrapping the 2-day sequence of activities, enCity views this event not only as an opportunity to contribute our expertise but also as a chance to learn and exchange experiences with the international real estate community, aiming for sustainable values in urban development.


VI