Philippine tradition dictates that the eldest child look after his parents and younger siblings. Growing up with a special-needs older brother, I naturally assumed the role. I've always looked after my “kuya” but was challenged when my parents retired. While I knew their pensions could sustain them, I knew it wouldn't be enough for the three of them. Researching their limited options, I learned that healthcare and insurance systems were fragmented due to inadequate financial capital. This led to rampant medical inflation currently at 18%. Championing their needs required me to understand what my family and the industry needed.

I've since had the opportunity to blend my professional and personal goals. As part of AXA's investments team, I learned that "aging population" is a prominent industry theme and demographics played an imperative role in investment decisions, particularly in my role as an asset-liability manager. Using what I’ve learned at work, I've successfully projected my family's financial needs and created an investment plan. Initially set up as an investment fund for my brother it has since been expanded to account for my parents. The fund has since outperformed medical inflation in the country by about 5%.

Post-MBA, I intend to join leading asset management firms as an Associate, such as BlackRock or JPMorgan. Having experienced firsthand the impact of an ageing population, I will join teams that develop strategies addressing such societal needs and investment opportunities.