If you build it, they will come…. so long as you have good agents!

November 6, 2019

The highlight of all the highlights at #KF Connect 2019 in Manila, Philippines Knight Frank’s APAC conference was Chairman of Alliance Global Group and Billionaire, Dr Andrew Tan’s addition to the famous line by actor, Kevin Costner in the movie about baseball - Field of Dreams. The line is “If you build it, they will come” and Dr Tan’s response, as one of the most successful developer/investors in the Philippines was “so long as you have good agents”. It was delivered to 320 of Knight Frank’s senior leaders who appreciated its humour and immediately understood his deep respect for Rick Santos, Chairman and CEO of Santos Knight Frank.

If you build it, they will come…. so long as you have good agents - Dr Andrew Tan

Rick had already told the audience that in the Philippines that if you have confidence and develop property to meet the needs of the growing market then users will come. He wanted to demonstrate the power of the Philippines economy with GDP at 6.2%, a population of 108 million, growing at 2% pa and a median age of 24. He sees this age advantage for the Philippines as the “special sauce”. He described the power of an active BPO sector (business process outsourcing) which had already transformed many poor families into middle class citizens. He described the Filipino tradition of Shopping and Eating which now meant that many of the new mall developments are 50% food and beverage.

 Dr Tan’s comments were clearly directed towards the successful business relationship and very long friendship he has had with Rick, whose business is now 25 years old with a very strong market share and range of property services.

The conference is over three days, finishing tomorrow but it has brought together many people who have common goals and roles in an international business and it has strengthened the networking opportunities as well as the friendships.