Asset and wealth management, a topic some people may find dry and confusing, comes to life at the 8th Distinguished Alumni Forum.

What are the major trends in Singapore's financial industry? What can we learn from millionaires? Why is wealth management important? Does TOTO count as investment? All these and more were answered by our prominent alumni at the 8th Distinguished Alumni Forum on 25 April.

The forum session titled "Asset/Wealth Management – The Industry and You" attracted a full house to the auditorium at NTU's one-north campus. Graced by Guest of Honour Mr Anthony Teo, Secretary to the University, the forum was chaired by alumnus Sarjit Singh (NBS / 1991), Vice President and Comptroller, AIA Company and saw the three speakers, Mr Pei Sai Fan (Commerce / 1974), Mr Wong Sui Jau (NBS / 1998) and Mr Jack Wang (NBS / 2001), address the crowd of 200 attendees.

Mr Pei, Director and Head (Supervisory Methodologies & Training Division), Monetary Authority of Singapore, an experienced expert who has spent close to 20 years in the banking industry, spoke on the country's asset management industry. He highlighted the major trends and growth of Asian wealth and discussed the key legislation for market conduct supervision.

The General Manager of Fundsupermart.com and Director of iFAST Financial, Mr Wong has always been interested and passionate about the investment industry. He deliberated on the importance of investing and the various tools available to people to assist them in growing their wealth. He also gave some very useful tips on successful investing, such as ensuring diversification and understanding the stock market cycle.

The final speaker for the evening, Mr Jack Wang founded Lexico Advisory Pte Ltd, which specialises in start‐up funding and private equity investments. At the session, he spoke on the various wealth management services and the investment process of millionaires. Mr Wong also shared from his personal experience and gave an overview of global asset management recommendations.

Following the presentations was the eagerly anticipated question-and-answer session. From when one should start investing to the outlook for Asian markets, the questions came fast and furious and were tackled with aplomb by the charismatic speakers. Their entertaining and personal style was obviously appreciated by the audience.

"I liked the way the forum's panel was formed. In particular, the novel 'balanced approach' to prepare the young audience for their wealth management, which is a lifelong journey for all," alumnus Tan Tian Seng from the Department of Economics, Class of 1976, said. "The matured and seasoned investors' presentations were very beneficial too. Special thanks to our distinguished alumni for sharing with us their expertise!"

Mr Jim Lim, a 1999 graduate from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, also found the session informative and hopes to be able to attend more such forums. He shared, "The speakers provided the audience with informative and diversified information in the areas of financial and wealth management. This is timely and crucial in the current low interest, high inflation situation where many people are thinking and seeking advice on how to make their money work harder."



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