How are leaders in asset management made?

Kenny Ng, a Senior Product Control Specialist at Schroder Investment Management in Luxembourg, has a remarkable journey that is more than just a career success. With a decade of industry experience under his belt, he was ready for something more, something that would push him to new heights.

With that, he embarked on his pursuit of NTU and WMI’s Masters in Asset and Wealth Management (MAWM) to refine his working knowledge and take his career to greater heights. Kenny’s investment in the MAWM programme paid off directly and indirectly. His employer sponsored him, and upon completion, he was promoted within the company. The knowledge and skills he gained allowed him to contribute effectively to his team’s success. The programme equipped him to handle new topics such alternative investments and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, which became a significant focus in his new role.

Taking steps ahead in the industry

“One of the things that stood out to me in the curriculum was how forward-looking it was even back in 2019. That was the era when private assets and fintech barely started to take off and have grown exponentially since. Even then, the MAWM curriculum already included modules on these emerging trends,” Kenny explains.

Kenny engages his professors with an insightful presentation on the evolving landscape of the fintech ecosystem.

Through the programme, Kenny was introduced to a curriculum that not only aligned with his goals but also reflected the emerging trends in the industry. With a cutting-edge curriculum, the MAWM programme sets participants on a trajectory to stay ahead in the dynamic industry landscape. The forward-looking approach proved paramount in preparing Kenny for the dynamic changes the industry was about to undergo.

He recalls, “I was also able to apply the new skills I learned through the programme. Alternative investment was a topic that we learned that was still relatively new back then. But now that it has become a big trend in the industry, the skills and knowledge I gained have also become very applicable.”

Mastering cross-disciplinary skills

“I do recall having diverse modules that explored subjects like operations—a topic that is invaluable yet not everyone may have the opportunity to be exposed to. Such modules imparted a good mix of theoretical insights and real-world applications,” he elaborated.

“As a leader in an industry that is constantly evolving, it’s paramount to not only acquire new knowledge across different areas but also interact with professionals from different backgrounds, and I think MAWM provided a good platform for this.”

Kenny’s experience is emblematic of the MAWM programme’s effectiveness for industry leaders seeking skills mastery across a wide range of areas. Covering a diverse array of advanced topics, and delving deep into each subject, the programme’s integration of academic and practical knowledge extends beyond one’s specific area of expertise.

A jet-setting education beyond books

As part of his overseas modules experience, Kenny shares a moment of camaraderie outside the esteemed NYU Stern School of Business with his classmates.

For Kenny, his experience in the MAWM programme was punctuated by overseas modules and corporate engagements, which he fondly reminisces about. “We travelled to New York for alternative investments and London for quantitative trading strategies,” he recalled. “It was really great to learn from esteemed professors in the overseas universities and hear their perspectives on certain concepts and theories.”

The MAWM programme’s balance between academic learning and practical exposure became evident in Kenny’s experience. It not only deepened Kenny’s academic knowledge but also offered invaluable insights into the industry’s concepts. These experiences were not isolated; they were woven into the fabric of the MAWM journey, imparting practical and cross-cultural skills that transcended boundaries. Furthermore, as an integral component of the programme, full-time students are also required to complete a minimum 3-month internship to furnish them with essential practical experience.

Stepping up and embracing leadership

Kenny’s learning journey didn’t stop at gaining knowledge; he further harnessed this knowledge to drive real-world impact in his line of work. He shares, “One of the greatest takeaways was learning to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, which mimics the working world. There were participants from financial and non-financial backgrounds, and even non-Singaporeans who flew in specially for this programme.”

This experience helped Kenny become more adept at leveraging the strengths of a diverse team and rallying them towards a common goal—skills that were extremely useful in his role. “It’s very relevant as a management where you have to be able to identify and work effectively with people from various backgrounds and utilise their strengths well,” Kenny explains.

Kenny poses against the backdrop of Place De La Constitution Square in Luxembourg, capturing a casual moment in this picturesque setting.

Acquiring this invaluable skill eventually culminated in his promotion to a team leadership role—a tangible testament to the programme’s practical applicability. “Having exposure to working with people from diverse backgrounds through MAWM modules, I was then promoted from an individual contributor to a team leader.” He recollects about his time with Schroders Singapore. These cross-cultural management skills also proved particularly valuable for relocating to and assimilating in a country as culturally diverse as Luxembourg. “Surprisingly, Luxembourg is even more diverse than Singapore, with people coming from all over Europe to work here.”

Advice for aspiring leaders

Kenny’s journey is not just about success; it’s a testament to the power of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. His advice to those aspiring to leadership is simple but profound: Embrace calculated risks and seek opportunities beyond the familiar. Kenny believes this is the path to personal and professional growth.

From transitioning into a leadership role to applying knowledge to real-world scenarios, Kenny’s experience showcases the MAWM programme’s holistic approach to learning. Structured to cultivate a new generation of adaptable asset and wealth management experts, the MAWM curriculum encompasses a comprehensive array of 14 core modules. These modules span diverse topics, including corporate finance and reserve management, and are complemented with a selection of elective courses, such as client relationship management and cross banking.

Discover your path to success with MAWM, shaping leaders in asset management