MIPPM president: Property managers should also use mobile apps

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 3): Property management companies should also consider using mobile applications instead of just relying on computer software as the applications can make their work smoother, said Malaysian Institute of Professional Property Managers (MIPPM) president Sarkunan Subramaniam.

“For example, if there are complaints by the residents, they can just snap a picture, send it to the property manager and explain the issue faced, and subsequently the property manager can send his team of technicians to rectify the problem via the mobile application. Once the rectification is completed, they can take another picture and send it to the property manager, without the hassle of going through the computer software,” he told reporters at the pre-event media conference for the second annual MIPPM Property Management conference themed “Proptech: Driving the Future of Property Management”.

The theme of the conference this year also reflects MIPPM’s goal to help property managers embrace technology to overcome challenges faced in their daily work.

Sarkunan stressed that companies that do not tap technology will be left behind by the younger generation of property owners and residents.

He also warned property managers that they had to understand the inherent risks posed by technology in areas such as personal security and privacy.

"For property managers, they have to store and protect intimate data such as the tenant's or owner’s personal information. There is a need to educate property managers on the importance of safeguarding these data and how they can go about embracing technology safely,” he said.

Meanwhile, organising chairman Adzman Shah Mohd Ariffin who was also present at the media conference, cited advancements in technology that can benefit the real estate sector in general.

“Websites such as EdgeProp.my can give you past transactions and listings with just a click,” he said.

He also noted that “property technology” has been a popular phrase in recent years along with disruptive technology, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and smart cities.

“When it comes to technology, it can enhance the work of property managers in many ways, and this conference, which will being in speakers from all over the world who are pioneers in property technology will present real life applications of technology in the everyday work process of property managers,” he added.

MIPPM’s conference, which will be held on Nov 29 at the Connexion Conference and Event Centre at Bangsar South, will feature three sessions and a forum.

The first session is entitled “Enhancing Property Management Using Technology”, while the second session is  “Strata Management Made Easy by Technology”.

The final session is called “Future of Property Management”, and will be followed by a forum moderated by Sarkunan on the challenges in implementing property technology in property management.

EdgeProp.my is the official media partner of the conference.