Investment can be a promising career avenue for future graduates interested in financial studies, offering a dynamic and ever-evolving work environment.
Describing it as a ‘sexy’ career choice, Datuk Hajah Nik Amlizan Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer of Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) or KWAP, emphasised the unique experiences and constant influx of new information that make the field particularly engaging.
“It is the ability to synthesise independent data points to make informed investment decisions that have kept me passionate about this line of work,” she said.
Datuk Hajah Nik Amlizan highlighted the ‘mosaic theory,’ a method in financial research in which analysts use various resources to determine the value of a company, stock, or other security.
“Every day is different, with new information constantly coming in. It’s like a mosaic effect where each piece of data contributes to a larger picture,” she explained.
She likened the impact of financial decisions to the butterfly effect, where even minor actions can have significant global repercussions.
“The flapping of a butterfly’s wings can be felt on the other side of the world,” she remarked, reflecting on her journey to becoming the first female CEO of KWAP.
Datuk Hajah Nik Amlizan shared these insights during the CEO Coffee Talk Series 2024: “Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies for Success” at UniKL City Campus.
This series is part of Universiti Kuala Lumpur Business School’s (UBIS) ongoing commitment to engage with industry leaders and provide students with a deeper understanding of contemporary leadership in finance.
Under her leadership, KWAP has seen significant growth. Starting with a fund size of approximately RM41 billion, KWAP now boasts RM180 billion in assets under management (AUM) as of last month, reflecting its robust investment strategies and prudent management.
Furthermore, Datuk Hajah Nik Amlizan encouraged young professionals to continuously seek knowledge and stay updated with global market trends. She underscored the value of lifelong learning and adaptability in navigating the complexities of the financial sector.
“Investment is a field where you never stop learning. The markets are always changing, and so are the strategies to tackle them. Embrace the challenges, stay curious, and be open to new ideas,” she advised.
In closing, Datuk Hajah Nik Amlizan’s message to aspiring investors was clear: the investment field offers not just a career but a journey of growth, discovery, and impactful contributions.
By choosing this ‘sexy’ and dynamic path, future graduates can look forward to a rewarding and fulfilling professional life.
