Elaine

Elaine is a Director of the Investment Services Private Markets department in GIC. Based in the Singapore office, she is responsible for overseeing investment services for private market assets, including private equity direct and co-investments, funds, debt, credit, real estate, and infrastructure. Her team is also responsible for tax structuring, execution and closing, finance and investment operations, valuations, treasury, and management of investment holding structures. In addition to these responsibilities, she focuses on developing the business infrastructure plans and operating models needed to scale GIC’s investments in alternative asset classes globally and deliver operational excellence using data and technology. 

Outside of work, Elaine is determined to stay fit and active so she can explore as much of the world as possible. Whether she is hiking through the mountains or exploring a new city on foot, Elaine is always up for an adventure.

Why did you decide to join GIC?

I joined GIC because I was drawn to the growth opportunities that the company offers. These opportunities have allowed me to learn and advance my skills and knowledge continuously. Additionally, I find great fulfilment in the impact I can make on the growth of GIC’s businesses, the scale of our investments and the development of people, which aligns perfectly with my passions and interests. 

Moreover, GIC’s reputation as an experienced and knowledgeable fund manager with a global presence and headquarters in Singapore was a major factor in my decision to join. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the company was even bigger from the inside than I had imagined, with breadth across financial markets worldwide and diverse financial products in its long-term investment strategies. 

What does your typical workday look like?

My typical workday is quite dynamic. I attend various meetings, ranging from brainstorming sessions to strategy meetings to management committee meetings. These meetings are essential for keeping me up to date on the latest developments within the organisation and ensuring that we are all aligned with our goals and strategic outcomes. 

In addition to meetings, I also spend a significant amount of time working on projects and collaborating with my team members from the Investment Services Private Markets department. We work together to develop strategies and solutions that will help us achieve our goals, scale our business worldwide and drive organizational changes forward. 

What do you like most about working here?

What I like most about working at GIC is the exposure to the company’s global investment footprints and the opportunity to work with a global network of counterparties and partners. This has allowed me to gain a broader perspective on the asset management industry and exchange insights with some of the best and brightest minds in the field. Another aspect that I like about working here is the internal mobility that GIC offers. This allows us to experience global job opportunities and gain exposure to diverse cultures and ways of working. 

Lastly, I appreciate how GIC focuses on unlocking our diverse strengths, fostering inclusion, and empowering everyone at all levels. This creates a welcoming and supportive work environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives and ideas. 

How would you describe the learning & development culture at GIC?

Thanks to the developmental opportunities available at GIC, I have extended my experience, knowledge, and leadership skills, creating my own momentum for progression within the company. I have worked out of 3 offices in GIC, including London and New York, and gained experience supporting most of the asset classes. Through GIC’s executive leadership training program, I completed the Advanced Management Program and am now a member of the Harvard Business School Alumni.

What you should know before joining GIC

GIC is a highly diverse organisation with a wide range of business areas, which provides ample opportunities to build up experience, acquire new knowledge, and gain new skills. This is not something you come across very often, and it is one of the many things that sets GIC apart from other companies.