Dive into the world of investment with Isaac Thong, Co-Manager of Aberdeen Asian Income Fund. In this interview with the Association of Investment Companies (AIC), Isaac shares his journey, insights, and passions beyond the financial markets.

If you weren’t a fund manager, what job would you do?

I could imagine myself in the hospitality industry. My family loves to travel and explore the world. Good food and meaningful new experiences bring me lots of personal satisfaction and I’d have liked to share that with others.

What was the proudest moment of your career?

As an emerging market investor, uncovering an idea ahead of the street is a rare source of pride. The instance I remember most was one in Hanoi, where we visited a logistics company that just went public. The office building itself was half-constructed with literal holes in the walls. At the end of the meeting, the surprisingly eloquent CFO asked, "I’m sorry, but why are you here?" I smiled all the way to the car.

What was the most difficult moment of your career and why?

That was when my family first moved to London from Singapore in 2019. During this process my wife and I had to spend six months apart, which was very difficult personally. It makes you realise the importance of family.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Find and cultivate good mentors in whatever you put your heart into – this is hard to do, but the payoffs are amazing.

Away from the workplace, how do you spend your time? 

I do three things in life: family, investments, and surfing. Getting good at surfing obviously receives the lowest priority but it also takes up most of my free time. This hobby is physically challenging yet relaxing, takes you to exciting places, and broadens the mind.

Tell us about the last book you read or the last podcast you listened to?

I'm currently reading a book on the Wallenberg family and their 170 years of economic dominance in Sweden. There is also a recent podcast with the family's fifth generation leader, Marcus Wallenberg. Asia is home to many family-owned businesses and it's interesting to understand what success looks like elsewhere.

Where was the last place you went on holiday and why?

We went to Rome for our last holiday. My wife is quite into history and I’m quite into food, hence the perfect combination. That said, I’m still a little traumatised from lifting a pram through the Vatican and the Roman Forum.

In your personal life, what would you like to achieve in the next 12 months?

I’d definitely like to beat my wife at Mario Kart and teach my son how to swim. Just to be clear, all these are stretch targets, but they do come with high bragging rights.

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