Butler’s Jonathan Lam reimagines property management with AI

Lam is particularly excited about the evolution of AI, especially AI agents, to enhance Butler’s operations. “Gen Z and Gen Alpha are seeking experiences. With hardware becoming increasingly similar across developers, the software, which is the living experience it could provide, becomes the key differentiator. That’s where we come into play, helping our clients stay ahead of the competition.” 

He notes that while much of the conversation in property technology has long centred around hardware—such as cleaning and security robots—the technology has now matured. However, software remains an underexplored frontier, despite its immense potential. “There hasn’t been enough focus on software, probably because it’s difficult to explain and comprehend. We should talk more about it in the future of real estate,” Lam says.

Below, we ask Lam a round of quick-fire questions to understand what makes him tick.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Jonathan Lam (JL): I enjoy photography because it’s like freezing a moment in time. I’ve also become interested in wellness content and hitting the gym. It helps with discipline and encourages me to outperform my old self, which is essential for an entrepreneur.

What is your biggest corporate pet peeve?

JL: Ghosting people. It’s so unprofessional.

What’s an unusual housekeeping request Butler has received?

JL: During Covid-19, a resident asked the receptionist to open their mailbox and read their letters aloud on the phone, as they couldn’t return to Hong Kong due to travel restrictions.

What are the biggest pros and cons of being an entrepreneur?

JL: The biggest pro is the constant learning and growth mindset. Every day is different—one moment you’re handling HR, the next it’s accounting, fundraising and marketing. The downsides are the risk and instability, unlike a typical job with a clear career path and the ability to plan your life straightforwardly.

This article is part of Founder Stories, a series dedicated to discovering the untold stories and challenges of today’s entrepreneurs on their climb to the top. Meet more Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow 2024 from the Real Estate & Hospitality and Technology sectors. 

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