Developers refurbish POGOs into coworking spaces, and other stories

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For PropertyGuru’s news roundup, the total ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) is pushing developers to refurbish them into coworking spaces. In other news, five-year-old Darwin lives in a specially designed room equipped with air filtration systems, anti-dust curtains, and other protective measures at his home in Bangkok’s Bang Bon area. Lastly, the pace of technological innovation is set to accelerate in 2025, with artificial intelligence (AI) expected to continue taking centre stage.

Coworking spaces are the trend after Manila’s POGO ban — IWG

Multinational office space provider International Working Group Plc (IWG) expects to boost its coworking spaces next year amid a total ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). In an interview with BusinessWorld, IWG Country Manager for the Philippines Lars Wittig said the ban could push developers to refurbish vacated POGO spaces to cater to different office needs, including coworking spaces. “The developers and landlords are right now affected by the POGOs being discontinued in the Philippines,” he said. “So, there is a higher degree of urgency to reinvent your buildings so that you can attract more or different types of workspace requirements.”

Life in a dust-free zone in Bangkok

“I want there to be less dust so I won’t get sick again,” said Surakrit Kiatchaipipat, or “Darwin”, with enthusiasm to Bangkok Post. “Then I can go to school and play outside.” Darwin, a lively five-year-old, spoke from a specially designed room equipped with air filtration systems, anti-dust curtains, and other protective measures at his home in Bangkok’s Bang Bon area. From November to February, Bangkok and many parts of Thailand face a PM2.5 air pollution crisis. These fine particles are hazardous to adults but especially dangerous to children. Darwin is one of the children affected. His symptoms began to appear between the ages of two and three. After multiple hospital visits, he was diagnosed with a dust allergy that left him particularly vulnerable.

Trends: Future of technology

As 2025 begins, the pace of technological innovation is set to accelerate, with artificial intelligence (AI) expected to continue taking centre stage. From the enterprise adoption of generative AI (Gen AI) to groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology, education and sustainability, The Edge Malaysia reports on some key trends that are set to shape the world in 2025 and beyond. The world is entering an era where technology not only accelerates business growth but also addresses some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. If people can responsibly leverage these trends, 2025 will become a year of transformative progress, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].

 

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