Fund Management Strategies: Essential Takeaways from Industry Voices

As we approach end of 2024, a heartfelt gratitude to the industry leaders, partners and many selfless friends who have come forward to share their personal experiences and perspective on the asset management industry.

It brings me to reflect about as fund managers, we often end up not selecting deals.

It does not mean it is the end.

We simply missed tons of deals to select a few good deals.

"As we close the door on one season, we open ourselves to new beginnings, new challenges, and new opportunities."– Anonymous

Here's the top 11 lessons:

1. Dr. Joseph Mocanu

Lesson: Rest and Cognitive Balance Are Crucial for Success Dr. Mocanu emphasizes the importance of mental well-being in venture fund management. He advocates for regular "off days" without screens to help manage stress and cognitive overload. The lesson here is that taking time to disconnect and recharge is essential for maintaining clarity and long-term decision-making ability in high-pressure environments.

2. Albert Tseng

Lesson: Impact Investing Can Drive Systemic Change Albert Tseng highlights how impact investing, particularly in the alternative protein sector, can address urgent global challenges such as environmental sustainability and food security. His work with Dao Foods demonstrates that investing in innovative food technologies can not only yield financial returns but also create meaningful, long-lasting societal impact. The lesson is that business can be a powerful force for social and environmental good when aligned with global challenges.

3. Eric Sim

Lesson: Building Relationships Is Just as Important as Building a Business Eric Sim, a leading finance expert, stresses the importance of networking and relationship-building in business. The lesson here is that no matter how great your product or service is, the success of a venture often hinges on the relationships you build with clients, investors, and other stakeholders.

4. Simon Ng

Lesson: Adaptability and Continuous Learning are Key to Success in Fund Management

Simon Ng highlights the importance of agility and adaptability for future leaders in finance. He underscores that the fund management industry is rapidly evolving, and professionals must stay open to learning and adjusting to new circumstances. The ability to quickly learn on the job, stay informed about industry trends like technology, sustainability, and impact investing, and continuously improve skills—especially through certifications like the CFA—is essential for long-term success in this competitive field.

5. Agnes Chen

Lesson: Empathy and Team Connection Fuel Effective Leadership

Agnes Chen emphasizes that effective leadership is rooted in empathy and strong team connections. By understanding and empowering her team, she fosters a culture of trust and clear communication, which drives long-term success. Her approach shows that leadership isn't just about strategy—it's about creating an environment where people feel valued and supported to thrive.

6. Zen Chong

Lesson: Embracing Courage and Creativity in Career Transitions

Zen Chong's career transition from acting to real estate and financial advising highlights the importance of courage and creativity in navigating professional changes. While his initial decision was driven by the need for sustainability and new skill sets, his success in finance was fueled by his ability to creatively structure solutions for clients. This ability to adapt and think outside the box—skills honed through acting—has allowed him to build meaningful, long-term client relationships and thrive in the competitive world of asset management. The key takeaway is that career transitions require both strategic foresight and the ability to leverage existing strengths in new contexts.

7. Loretta Chan

Lesson: Adaptability is Essential in Recruitment

Loretta Chan highlights that adaptability is crucial in recruitment within the ever-changing financial services sector. Recruiters must assess candidates not just for current skills, but also for potential, transferable abilities, and a growth mindset to keep pace with emerging roles and technologies. Flexibility, creativity, and ongoing learning are key to aligning talent with a company's evolving needs and culture.

8. Howard Ching

Lesson: The Power of Accurate Information and Transparency in Bridging Gaps in the Private Fund Ecosystem

Howard Ching emphasizes the importance of providing accurate and objective information to overcome misinformation and regulatory uncertainty in the private fund industry. By ensuring transparency, COPFA helps bridge the information gap between Chinese fund managers and international investors. This enables better decision-making, fosters collaboration, and strengthens trust, ultimately creating a more informed and resilient private fund ecosystem.

These valuable insights from the industry leaders are informative and importance for the understanding of the growth of the asset management in Singapore.

I would like to thank all my 2,208 subscribers for the support and reading of LeaderLens, do leave a comment or pm me to let me know what you prefer to read next!

Mike Sim

I am one of the billions of LinkedIn members online that post on a regular basis, I interview CEOs, entrepreneurs and talks about entrepreneurship in fund management, follow me and comment so we can have more conversation.

????????