Mingxi is a Senior Vice President in the Public Equities department at GIC. She manages a portfolio of publicly listed equities, covering consumer companies in the Asia Pacific region.
Outside of work, Mingxi is a devoted parent to two adorable kids, with whom she spends most of her time. Additionally, she enjoys practicing yoga whenever she finds the time.
Why did you decide to join GIC?
Upon doing research, I discovered that GIC manages the foreign reserves of Singapore with the aim of protecting and enhancing the country’s wealth. The wide range of career options available, from equities and fixed income to risk management and real estate, along with the global presence of GIC offices, was incredibly appealing. Additionally, the GIC Professionals Programme (GPP) offers the opportunity to experience various departments before deciding on the best fit, which further solidified my decision to join.
What does your typical workday look like?
Typically, my workday begins with catching up on the latest news that could impact our investments. This can range from understanding the impact of political turmoil in one EM country to figuring implications of a global MNC commenting on business performance in the APAC region. During earnings season, I review company earnings presentations and transcripts to understand the operating trends over the last quarter.
This is often followed by meetings or conference calls with company management to gain insights into on-the-ground operating conditions and their strategies. We then have team meetings where each member shares their latest findings, and we discuss the portfolio implications as a team. Lastly, and most importantly, I assess whether to adjust the portfolio positioning by buying or selling any stocks based on the information I have gathered throughout the day.
What do you like most about working here?
Definitely the people. They are highly respected investment professionals who are always so willing to share and lend a helping hand, whether it’s a tricky investment debate or buying the first real estate. Public markets investing can be highly volatile and sometimes stressful, and I am truly thankful for the supportive colleagues and superiors who truly understand and have our backs.
How would you describe the learning & development culture at GIC?
The training, development and career opportunities at GIC have exceeded my expectations. As part of the Scholarship and GPP programme, I had the opportunity to work in Fixed Income, Public Equities, Private Equity, including 3-month stints in GIC’s London and Beijing offices. I then spent the next 5 years in Private Equity, analysing private investment opportunities in Australia, Korea and Southeast Asia, before moving to Public Equities, where I focused on internet, healthcare and consumer sectors under both total return and relative return mandates.
It has been 14 years since I first started, and I can confidently say that the learning and development opportunities remain very robust!
What you should know before joining GIC
Be honest and humble. I have found that people who work at GIC are exceptionally brilliant and appreciate honesty and humility. Especially in the investment line of work where people can only strive to be right 60% of the time, it is okay to admit mistakes.