Asset Management Awards: Individual winners, explained
Our final list of award winners are the individuals who represent the 'best of the best' in Asia's asset management industry.
This list of five unique individuals was selected by a qualifying process of third-party nominations and editorial assessments.
After sifting through various nominations and intense editorial discussions -- and a few conversations with external parties when needed -- the team honed in on the final list of winners.
To check the announcement of the winners, click here.
These are the individuals that AsianInvestor recognises as true leaders in their areas of expertise and acknowledged by their peers as being at the top of their game.
Congratulations to everyone!
Best CEO
Andrew Hendry, Asia CEO, Janus Henderson Investors
Andrew Hendry, recently promoted to Asia CEO of Janus Henderson Investors after being Singapore chief, won this award for his deep knowledge of the Asian investment landscape and his strategic leadership amid challenging market conditions.
Industry insiders describe Hendry as highly informed about investor sentiment, with an especially strong grasp of asset owner behaviour in the region.
"If you want to know what is happening at any pension fund or sovereign weath fund in the region, speak to Hendry," is what one nomination stated. Strong words of endorsement indeed.
Another nomination said that his grasp of Asian markets was "all-encompassing".
Several industry insiders acknowledge Hendry as a charismatic speaker, noting that he is also one of the most recognisable names in the region's asset management industry.
In addition, Hendry’s efforts in rebuilding the Janus Henderson Asia team while focusing on strategic opportunities, such as enhancing regional distribution capabilities and adapting to market shifts, demonstrate his commitment to growth and innovation.
With his extensive experience, approachable personality and forward-thinking leadership style, it's no surprise that Hendry was handed this award.
Best CIO
Andy Ho, CIO, VinaCapital
Andy Ho, CIO of Vietnamese investment manager VinaCapital, won Best CIO for a host of noteworthy reasons.
As lead portfolio manager of the $1.1 billion VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund, Ho has a highly successful track record in managing money in an emerging market that is not particularly easy to invest – Vietnam.
The fund invests in listed, private equity and state-owned enterprise assets in the Southeast Asian nation.
The net asset value per share in the close-ended fund (and listed on the London Stock Exchange) gained a cumulative 20% in US dollar terms in the 12 months to February 2024.
In comparison, the MSCI Emerging Markets index gained 9.1%, while the MSCI Vietnam index increased 13.3% over the same period.
That’s a strong showing at a time when large Asian markets like China have slumped.
The nominations for Ho showcased the fact that he understands the importance of thoroughly understanding the local landscape and adjusting investing strategies accordingly.
“Ho has been successful investing in a market that many investors still do not know how to navigate,” said one nomination.
“He’s always curious and willing to learn new things,” said another nomination.
Industry insiders also said that Ho is extremely approachable and down-to-earth, and always willing to oblige young investment enthusiasts with nuggets of wisdom.
Given his strong investment track record and deep understanding of Vietnam’s financial markets, Ho emerged on top to win this award.
Leading Woman in Asset Management
Chiang Ling Ng, Asia Pacific CIO, Hines
Chiang Ling Ng, chief investment officer for Asia-Pacific at Hines, won this award for her outstanding leadership in expanding the real estate institutional investor's footprint across the Asia Pacific, and her deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
She has played an instrumental role in steering the $100 billion investor through diverse market conditions, while closely collaborating with geographic CIOs.
One nominated noted that Ng is not just about numbers and deals.”She thinks deeply and speaks so clearly that you can't help but listen,” it said.
Ng is also a leading champion of DEI initiatives, leading the "One Hines Women’s Network" in Asia and helping to mentor upcoming investment professionals.
She is also the deputy-chair of the Asian Association for Investors in Non-Listed Real Estate Vehicles (ANREV), and strives to enhance transparency and standards in real estate investments.
"Her leadership goes beyond just expanding the business—she genuinely cares about making a difference in the community," another nomination said.
In an alternatives industry that is dominated at the C-suite level by men, Ng stands out as a strong woman of influence.
Natalia Rajewska, global head of sustainable investment, Nikko Asset Management
While she has been part of Asia's asset management industry since late 2017, her career clearly exhibits her passion for sustainability even outside of this arena.
After joining Nikko AM in November 2021 as global sustainable investment specialist, she climbed the ranks rapidly to become global head of sustainable investment in August 2022.
In her current role, Rajewska spearheads a newly created global sustainable investment team that brings Nikko AM’s ESG professionals under one umbrella and across asset classes and offices in Tokyo, London and Singapore.
That's quite a commendable feat for someone who is relatively new in the asset management industry.
Another nomination said she “is humble, very committed to ESG values and has an ability to get things done.”
With her can-do attitude and desire to make a real impact in the investment world that goes beyond purely financial gains, Rajewska took top spot with this award.
Sustainability Champion
Thu Ha Chow, head of fixed income Asia, Robeco
Chow was crowned sustainability champion for her enduring passion for sustainability in her career of over two decades in credit investment.
As Robeco’s executive director and head of fixed income Asia, she oversees the Dutch firm’s sustainable Asian fixed income capability, including its first dedicated Asian fixed income strategy.
"She is a vocal supporter of sustainable investing and she explains its importance quite eloquently," said one nomination.
As a fixed income specialist, it’s a given she has highly accomplished skills in directing research, portfolio management and corporate credit trading.
Adding that layer sustainability expertise is "relatively rare in asset management, especially in fixed income," another nomination noted.
Industry participants also noted that in the first 15 years of her career, when she worked in London with several asset managers and an investment bank, she progressively honed her sustainable investing credentials.
This was during an era when most institutional investors were not paying much attention to the concept of sustainability.
After coming to Singapore, she has focused on incorporating the European sustainable investing methodology in Asian and emerging market credit investments, while ensuring that the unique Asian context and challenges are fully taken into account.
For being a relentless driver of innovation and sustainability in fixed income investing, Chow is a well-deserved winner.