Opin 2.0 sees strong turnout

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 3): Online property forum propertyWTF.com.my held its second Online Property Investors’ Network (Opin 2.0) gathering on July 29 with a 600-strong turnout consisting mainly of property investors and interested public.

“The main objective of Opin is to create opportunities for participants to network, network and network [which we believe] is the new mantra in property investment.

“We find it a more refreshing quote than the trusted adage of location, location and location. As you will still need to network to get to the location itself, and Opin delivers beyond that,” said the founder of the forum, a businessman who prefers to remain anonymous.

Invited speakers at the event were Kam Wei Tsung who spoke on commercial properties; Juanita Chin who focused on Penang; Faizul Ridzuan, the author of the bestseller WTF? 23 Properties By 20, A Story Of What-Where-When To Find?, covered residential properties; and Albert Ho, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur and property investor, spoke about investing in Australia.

Faizul Ridzuan speaking at Opin 2.0

The founder added that the event is unique in offering accessibility as the speakers spark off a topic for continuous discussion that adjourns to the online forum while exclusive threads are created with the participation of the speakers to expand on their talks.

Questions at Opin 2.0 were also directed at the speakers through real-time online postings. After the talks, the audience were treated to a special preview of a new property development in the Klang Valley. A lucky draw also took place.

“We believe that Opin is set to change the landscape of the engagement process in the property market, almost like a new wave that goes beyond to free networking,” said the founder, adding that the event also attracted industry players such as developers, bankers, lawyers, other property seminar organisers and even property investment gurus.

He added that propertyWTF may consider the possibility of working with other parties as long as it benefits the propertyWTF community.

The networking event was inaugurated earlier this year and Opin 2.0 was held in conjunction with the first anniversary of the forum.

The organisers saw a 10-fold increase from the initial event in April. PropertyWtf.com.my is a free forum with about 3,000 active registered members to date.

This article appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on Aug 3, 2012.