The How to be The Best Investment Banker? talk saw Blue Economy Special Adviser to Sabah Chief Minister’s Office and Senior Adviser to China State Construction (Middle East) Co. and invited speaker Adjunct Prof Gary Tang enlightening participants on essential competencies to secure a successful career in the investment banking profession. The talk, held on 19 March 2025, was jointly organised by the Department of Finance, the Department of Banking and Risk Management, the Department of Economics, the Banking and Finance Society, and the Centre for Accounting, Banking and Finance (CABF).
Also present at the talk were Dean of Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF) Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, Head of Department of Finance Dr Wei Chooi Yi and CABF Chairperson Dr Foo Chuan Chew, lecturers and students.
Prof Gary Tang has more than 20 years of experience in corporate advisory, ranging from the provision of services in corporate financing, restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, and valuations to strategic planning across Japan, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. Drawing from his extensive industry background, Prof Gary Tang inspired the audience by sharing practical tips on how students can prepare themselves for a career in investment banking. Prof Gary Tang succeeded in drawing intense interest from fellow students when he shared the story of his career journey from being a fresh graduate in engineering to becoming one of the outstanding investment bankers in the Southeast Asia region.
He emphasised that excelling in investment banking requires not only technical proficiency in finance and macroeconomics, but also in geopolitics and risk management. More importantly, they must acknowledge the need to adapt to changes in personality and character patterns along the career-building process. He explained this is critical as the investment banking profession encompasses multidisciplinary skills and intersectoral collaboration, hence, acquisitions of certain personal qualities and attributes at different stages of career development are essential to build a secured career path and sustainable career.
Prof Gary Tang advised that it was crucial for graduates to carry out an in-depth self-assessment to identify their unique strengths, interests, and goals, which can guide them toward a suitable career path. Along with their career development, they must consistently acquire essential soft skills in order to fit well into the roles they play. Among the skills he stressed included entrepreneurship, adaptability, networking, communication, and versatility. Prof Gary Tang continued to inspire the students by offering advice on the importance of taking a proactive approach to building networks and connections while young by joining alumni, societies, and student clubs.
Prof Gary Tang explaining investment banking concepts
The talk also provided valuable insights into the intersection of academia and industry, inspiring students to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. Prof Gary Tang’s expertise and engaging examples offered a clear pathway for aspiring professionals to navigate the complexities of the financial ecosystem and contribute meaningfully to the industry.
The event concluded with an engaging and long Q&A session, reflecting the students’ strong interest in investment banking. Students benefitted from further clarification on the industry trends and needs, including the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on the career path and risk management-related concerns. A photo session marked the end of the enriching discussion, followed by another round of interaction session between the students and the speaker.
Prof Gary Tang sharing his experience
Dr Au Yong (right) presenting tokens of appreciation to Prof Gary Tang
Keen students seeking advice and further insights from Prof Gary Tang after the talk
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