A survey by the Business Families Institute at SMU and UOB revealed that more than 8 in 10 business families in Indonesia and Thailand were confident that prices of local commercial properties would rise, while their Singaporean and Chinese counterparts were less optimistic with only 4 in 10 believing real estate prices would increase this year. SMU Vice President (Business Development & External Relations) and Associate Professor of Finance Annie Koh observed that while many felt that prices of commercial real estates in Singapore had already peaked, the potential of such properties in Indonesia and Thailand was still regarded as promising, as capital gains could be made from the property markets in these two countries. The survey also found that nearly seven in 10 Asian business families held the view that Asia’s economic performance would impact on their businesses the most. Associate Prof Koh said this result was hardly surprising, given the natural affinity Asian business families would have for investing in the region.