Hong Kong-born Stephanie Leung grew up in a family where dinner conversations would revolve around stocks and investments. Even as a student studying computer science at the University of Michigan and later pursuing her master’s degree at Stanford University, she found time to trade, particularly in tech stocks in the early 2000s.
Upon returning to Asia to join management consultancy McKinsey in Hong Kong, the 44-year-old made the decision to sell all her tech stocks, a move she now regrets, as these same companies have since grown exponentially. Over the years, her journey from a computer science graduate to a consultant, trader, hedge fund founder, and now the chief investment officer of Stashaway, has changed her relationship with money. Today, Stephanie is a firm believer in long-term investing, and has made it her goal to empower others to do the same.
While she still finds excitement in daily trading, Stephanie’s investment strategy now prioritises stability, focusing on diversification across assets and funds. As an investment officer based in Hong Kong, Stephanie has constructed a portfolio that aligns with both her personal interests and financial goals, spanning investments in wine, art, crypto, and more.
How has your journey influenced your investment strategy?
After roles in consulting and trading, I ventured into managing a hedge fund. While hedge funds offered some relief from the constant mark-to-market pressure of traditional trading, they still operated with monthly marks, fostering short-term thinking prevalent in the industry.
Bu hikaye Her World Singapore dergisinin March 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Her World Singapore dergisinin March 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Wonder Fruit
Whether you have a nose for berries or citrus, there’s a fruity fragrance to suit every taste.
Are my dark eye circles caused by a lack of sleep?
There are a number of reasons why we experience discolouration under our eyes. Dr Florante Ricarte from Philosophy explains.
I have an invitation to a wine tasting party... What are the basics that I should know?
Charlie Rudd, regional manager for South-east Asia at alcohol retailer Berry Bros & Rudd, has top tips for the uninitiated.
TREASURE ISLAND
When plans to demolish the Merlion Tower on Sentosa were announced in 2019, some Singaporeans were sad to see one of the island's most iconic attractions go. After all, the quirky creature – with the head of a lion and the body of a fish – had been a significant part of their memories of Sentosa.The 37m-tall, 12-storey structure, completed in 1996 and designed by Australian sculptor James Martin, was a focal point for laser light shows and projections that transformed its ivory facade into a vibrant display of colours.The Merlion Tower was a popular attraction for families. Singaporean couple Anand and Vrunda Patel would often take their children there for outings. Vrunda, now 50, fondly recalls climbing the structure and admiring the views of Sentosa from the Merlion's mouth. “Outside the Merlion, there was a beautiful step garden with flowing water. I used to love walking there,” she shares.Years later, the statue, covered in dirt and grime, required a refresh. The demolition was not only part of a larger vision to connect Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) in the north to the three beaches (Palawan, Tanjong and Siloso) on the island's south, it was also the start of a massive rebranding project to transform Sentosa from a recreational family destination to a premier lifestyle attraction.Today, Sentosa Sensoryscape stands in its place. Set within a lush landscape, the 30,000 sqm attraction features a 350m-long connector that leads visitors to six sensory gardens – where they can explore the gardens’ massive vessel-like sculptures, observe the various flora and fauna inhabiting the space, and interact with Instagrammable light displays through an augmented reality app after nightfall.“To attract younger visitors, our additional focus is on creating more authentic and immersive experiences, recognising that this demographic seeks deeper, more engaging interactions with the places they visit,” says Thien Kwee Eng, CEO, Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC).Just as Sensoryscape is designed to create an otherworldly atmosphere after dark, the Sentosa Night Mode campaign, launched in August, aims to introduce the island as a day-to-night destination for both locals and tourists, who would typically only make day trips to Sentosa. In addition to more nightlife events – such as the recent Waterbomb Festival, which saw about 10,000 revellers partying to a live K-pop line-up – the initiative includes extended operating hours at key attractions, along with street performances and dining promotions.It’s a move that has boosted visitorship to the island, with total numbers reaching 16 million this year.“This is a 20 per cent increase in the number of visitors as compared to the same period last year,” reveals Kwee Eng.
TAKING THE LEAP
It’s 10 am on a Monday, and Gan Guoyi, 40, walks into Jigger & Pony with a set of dry-cleaned clothes – a picture of calm amid the aftermath of last night’s chaos. The Singapore bar recently secured a spot in the Top 5 of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list, announced in Madrid on Oct 23. To celebrate, she threw a three-night promotion from Nov 10, where customers enjoyed five premium cocktails for just $5 each at select bars like Gibson, Live Twice, Sugarhall, Como Pony Jakarta, and Jigger & Pony.Naturally, the event was a hit, and Guoyi, who was manning the guest list at Sugarhall, only managed a few hours of sleep the night before. Still, she arrives promptly to our photo shoot without complaints.
THE EXPERT GUIDE TO ACHIEVING MONEY GOALS
The pros in the know share top tips on real-life financial concerns, from managing your spending to getting your insurance needs sorted.
I'm looking for a luxury watch that's versatile enough to wear for different occasions. Any suggestions?
Watches and jewellery aficionado Karisma Tulsidas shares her recommendations.
How can I transform my everyday T-shirt into a party outfit?
Fashion editor Lena Kamarudin wants you to maximise the versatility of your T-shirts.
Add to cart
A monthly edit of the most stylish buys to add to your wish list.
LENNARD & ANN YEONG
Taking risks, and staying the course
