Meet the manager: Khanh Vu

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

I have always been interested in business and finance. In university, I set up a bookkeeping firm with a few friends. It didn’t end up amounting to much, but the experience whetted my appetite for business and I began to understand how companies work. That same curiosity and interest in businesses remains today and through our fund, we are very fortunate to invest in some of the best run, highest quality and most innovative businesses here in Vietnam. I can’t think of any better job.

What was the proudest moment of your career?

The move of VinaCapital Vietnam OpportunityFund to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in 2016. That was a clear sign that Vietnam was getting noticed by the international investment community and recognition that the fund was viewed as one of the best ways for investors to access this vibrant and growing country. Our team, along with our advisers in the UK, worked hard to make this happen and today we remain a FTSE 250 constituent, attracting a wide and supportive shareholder base from the UK, Europe, North America and Asia.

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

The passing of Andy Ho, Chief Investment Officer, colleague, mentor, and friend in June this year. But his sudden loss was made a little bit easier thanks to the well thought out succession plan that we had put in place and the incredible bench of talent and experience within our team. I also appreciate the support from our board, advisers and most importantly, our loyal shareholders who have been critical in helping us get through this difficult period. The VinaCapital platform that we have in place will ensure the team will continue to carry out the investment objectives of the fund and help deliver long-term performance to our shareholders.

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

Never stop learning, and don’t be afraid to take some risks. As a child of refugees who migrated to Australia, I grew up in an environment that focussed very much on education, being frugal and conservative, being risk averse and to pursue a safe approach to my career.

Early in my career I worked at the big four accounting firms, before having the opportunity to hone my investment experience over several years at Macquarie Bank in Australia and New York. But 14 years ago, I was presented with the opportunity to move to Vietnam, something that honestly hadn’t really been on my radar even though I was of Vietnamese descent. However, when the opportunity presented itself to be part of a dynamic and rapidly growing investment firm, to contribute, even in a small way, to the growth of one of the leading investment funds in Vietnam, I took the risk. I’m very happy I did – it has been an amazing and fulfilling experience.

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

I spend a fair amount of time at the pool or on the football pitch with my very active and competitive 12-year-old son. My wife and I are also foodies, and we’re so fortunate to live in Ho Chi Minh City, which has a large and ever-growing array of international and Vietnamese culinary choices that are making a big impact and being recognised on the global scene. Can’t wait for what’s to come from Vietnam’s food scene!

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

I have two podcasts I regularly listen to when I run: “Goldman Sachs Exchanges”, and “In Good Company” with Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank. They offer fascinating insight into the markets and access to the minds of leading investors and thought leaders of our time.

The last book I read was “The Man who Solved the Market” about Jim Simons and Renaissance Technologies. It’s fascinating how these very non-traditional type of investors used deep data and “signals” in the market, well before it was mainstream as it is today, to find an edge that over several decades, has compounded into incredible performance.

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

Last year, we went to Iceland and spent two weeks driving ourselves around the Land of Fire and Ice! It was great to get off the beaten path, take some risks and fully experience a truly unique place that is so different from where we’ve lived. What an incredible place! I would totally encourage a stopover or even longer trip there on your travel itinerary.

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

Years ago, I bought an electric guitar from an expat leaving Vietnam; it sat in a corner, untouched. But recently my son has picked it up, teaching himself how to play based on what he’s found online. It really amazes me how much is available now online and on apps, and it makes constant learning so much more accessible. I have resolved that I am going to try to learn how to play the guitar alongside him over the next year! Guns N’ Roses anyone?