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Speech by Ms Angeline Ho at the SUSS Convocation 2019

Speech By Ms Angeline Ho, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc at SUSS Convocation 2019, Session 2, Wednesday, 9 October 2019, The Grand Hall, Level 4


It is an honor for me to be here today to share your joyous occasion. I would like to thank The Chancellor, Mr Stephen Lee; The President, Professor Cheong Hee Kiat; and Provost, Professor Tsui Kai Chong, for inviting me to be your graduation speaker.

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2019. You have worked hard for your academic achievements and deserve to celebrate. I thought it was remarkable that part-time students made up 92% of this graduating class.  Many of you are already practitioners, experts and leaders in your respective industries. I could appreciate the diversity and depth of learning that evolved from your interactions with each other in classes and discussions.  More importantly, you will benefit from the strong and extensive alumni network as you return to your work places.

At work, I spend a lot of time researching and analysing companies and industries.  Also, I get the opportunity to interview and learn from professional managers, business founders and industry experts. The best way for me to add value to you at this session, is to share a few of questions that come up frequently at work that may provide you with some food for thought. 

First, how do we stay ahead in the age of the “new normal”? Our industries, companies, jobs and daily lives are confronted with disruptions and rapid changes. While this new environment creates a lot of anxiety for many of us, it also opens up new opportunities.  We have to equip ourselves with diverse skills, be creative, and be adaptable to these changes.  As highlighted in the President’s message on the SUSS website, “continual learning is key to staying relevant and competitive in our changing world”. 

Second, how do we invest and grow our businesses in a low return world? How do we build our personal balance sheets and ensure that we have sufficient financial resources for our retirement in this environment? There are no easy answers. We have to stay disciplined, vigilant and learn as we progress.

Third, how do we be responsible stakeholders? There is an increasing emphasis on the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into the decision making and the investment processes. Stakeholders today are becoming more aware and informed about ESG and demand for businesses to do the right thing and be responsible towards the environment and community they operate in. We want to contribute to driving ESG success at our work places.

Graduating class of 2019, you are equipped with the knowledge and skills to do well in your careers. I would encourage you to be courageous, imaginative and have loads of fun as you pursue your successes. 

Best wishes to all of you. 

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