Hong Kong – Manulife Investment Management today announced a series of investment team updates across its Global Emerging Markets Equity organization, reinforcing the depth of its global equity platform and further strengthening its on-the-ground capabilities in Asia.
In Asia, Manulife Investment Management’s equity franchise combines its nearly 130 years of presence in the region, local insight and on-the-ground investment teams, and the ability to tailor solutions to client needs. As of March 31, 2026, Manulife Investment Management’s Asia platform includes more than 90 investment professionals across the 10 markets in which the wealth and asset manager operates.
Effective July 28, 2026, Faye Gao, has joined as Portfolio Manager, Greater China Equities, based in Hong Kong, and Ashley Chung has joined as Portfolio Manager, Asia Equities, based in Singapore. In these roles, Gao will contribute to the management of the firm’s Hong Kong and Greater China equity portfolios, and Chung will contribute to the management of the firm’s Asia and Greater China equity portfolios. Chung will also serve in a new role as the firm’s Asia technology specialist, unifying technology coverage and supporting idea generation and stock selection decisions across the region.
Charlie Dutton, Head of Emerging Markets Equities, Manulife Investment Management, commented, “These appointments reflect the strength we continue to build across our global equity platform—autonomous, accountable investment teams that are deeply research-driven, and connected through a collaborative culture and shared global resources. Strong emphasis on the team-based approach to portfolio management remains to be central to our investment process. This allows us to support investment teams with meaningful capabilities—across trading, risk management, corporate access, and sustainability resources—so the team can stay focused on what matters most: delivering long-term, risk-aware outcomes for clients.”
Gao brings more than 16 years of investment industry experience across both retail and institutional mandates. Prior to joining Manulife Investment Management, she spent over five years at Lombard Odier Investment Management in Hong Kong. Previously, she held senior investment analyst and research roles at Harvest Global Investors and AB Bernstein Research where her focus was in financial and real estate sectors. She started her career at Oliver Wyman in the financials group and has extensive on-the-ground experience in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.
Chung brings more than 20 years of investment industry experience, including portfolio management for both institutional and retail clients. She also joins from Lombard Odier Investment Management, where she spent over five years. Prior to that, she had been based in Hong Kong and spent three years at Schroder Investment Management as an equity research analyst covering Greater China technology hardware and Taiwan non-tech sectors. Earlier, she had spent time at Harvest Global Investments as vice president, investment analyst, where she was the sole regional tech analyst for Asia ex-Japan mandates, covering semiconductors, hardware, and Vietnam. Earlier in her career, she held research roles at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Daiwa Capital Markets, and CLSA Asia Pacific Markets.
At the same time, Kai Kong Chay, Senior Portfolio Manager, Greater China Equities, has expressed his plan to retire, effective November 30, 2026. Separately, Wenlin Li, Senior Portfolio Manager, Greater China Equities who has been with the firm since 2011, will be assuming some of Kai Kong’s responsibilities.
Manulife Investment Management also announced that Elle Jamil has joined as Head of Philippines Equities, effective July 20, 2026, based in Manila, where he will oversee and be responsible for research, portfolio management, and execution of the firm’s Philippines equity strategies. Jamil brings over a decade of investment experience across public equities, spanning equity research and portfolio management. Prior to joining Manulife Investment Management, he spent over six years at ATR Asset Management, and earlier in his career he was an equity research analyst at First Metro Investment Corporation and began his career as an analyst at Towers Watson.
June Chua, Head of Asian Equities, Manulife Investment Management, added, “Asia is a diverse and dynamic investment landscape, and we believe local insight matters. With a long-standing presence in Asia and on-the-ground teams across key markets, we’re able to pair regional breadth with deep, fundamental research. The additions of Faye, Ashley, and Elle further strengthen our platform—enhancing Greater China and Pan-Asia portfolio management capabilities and strengthening our technology coverage—while supporting continuity for our clients.”
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As part of Manulife Financial Corporation, Manulife Wealth & Asset Management’s mission is to make decisions easier and lives better by helping people invest confidently to pursue a more secure financial future. Our strength comes from the diversity of our global asset management expertise and distribution capabilities. Our global investment teams span equities, fixed income, alternative credit, private markets, and multi-asset solutions. We provide investment, financial advice, and retirement plan services to millions of individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the heart of our approach are three cultural pillars: Partner for Progress, Trust through Transparency, and Intellectual Curiosity. These values shape how we build long-term relationships, develop differentiated investment strategies, and empower advisors and clients to seek meaningful financial outcomes. Whether through cutting-edge technology, AI innovation, personalized advice, or sustainable stewardship, Manulife Wealth & Asset Management is a trusted partner helping clients navigate complexity and invest with confidence. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com.