Hey, I'm Tong !

Raised in Penang, Malaysia, my life story transformed when I made the decision to study abroad in  Belfast, United Kingdom. For me, the prospect of studying in the United Kingdom represented far more than just academic advancement—it symbolized an opportunity for personal growth and societal progress.

Growing up in a developing country, Malaysia, I experienced the unique blend of challenges and opportunities that characterize life in such an environment. Despite Malaysia's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, the country grapples with socioeconomic disparities and infrastructure limitations. Witnessing the income inequality within my home country, it has instilled me to bridge the financial gap through education. As I believe that education is the key to break the cycle of poverty, it fuelled my determination to leverage my experiences and expertise to contribute on initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development, social equity in my motherland. Also,I observed how individuals  embrace multiculturalism with open arms, which led me to reflect on the importance of fostering diversity in all aspects of life, both at home and abroad.

My undergraduate years of BSc (Hons) Finance at Queen’s University Belfast were a journey of revelations. Among many academic projects that punctuated my undergraduate years, one that stands out is the empirical test of the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). The process of conducting regression models to validate the fit of the CAPM model led me to be captivated by the argument on how to evaluate an efficient portfolio through the risk-return trade-off.  Through my academic experience, I discovered that Finance is not just about numbers —it is about the narratives , which act as a  powerful tool for driving positive change and creating value in the world. Whether it's financing innovative start-ups, funding infrastructure projects, or managing investment portfolios, Finance plays a vital role in fuelling economic growth and promoting equality.

The transition from the classrooms of Queens University Belfast to the meeting room of Citco Fund Service Company has imbued me with a unique lens on Finance and Private Equity. Having the responsibility of maintaining the valuation dashboard that consists of 85 funds and 650 deals as a Private Equity fund accountant, it has allowed me to explore the valuation side of Private Equity.  I appreciate how Private Equity firms actively engage with portfolio companies to unlock value and understand the intricacies of private equity fund structures, including the role of limited partners (LPs) and general partners (GPs). I witnessed how Private Equity professionals are involved in the deal-making process, which includes negotiating terms and fund structuring. Being exposed to the world of Private Equity, I found myself at the heart of Private Equity which fuelled my passion to dive into the Private Equity industry upon graduation from London School of Economics(LSE).

Looking ahead,  my career aspirations are not just to be a passive recipient of financial knowledge but to actively contribute and add a fresh perspective. I keen to bring my unique perspective to the academic community, engage in collaborative research that pushes the boundaries of my understanding in Finance. Being aware that women’s underrepresentation in Finance industry has been a glaring issue that demands our concerted efforts, it has driven me to channel my skills and knowledge back to my surrounding and contribute to an inclusive and diversity industry.

Overall, my life journey is an ongoing voyage of discovery, growth, and possibility. While I've already embarked on many meaningful chapters—from my formative years in Malaysia to my transformative undergraduate experience in the UK—my journey is far from complete. There are still countless adventures to be had, lessons to be learned, and dreams to be pursued.