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Schedule


2:00 PMRegistration & Networking


3:00 PMWelcome Remarks


3:10 PMView from the Top: Macro Investment Dynamics

This session will provide CIO‑level perspectives on the current North America market environment. This moderated discussion will explore macro trends, investment risks, and areas of strategic focus across institutions. Attendees will gain a comprehensive view of the forces shaping portfolio decisions in 2026.


3:40 PMPanel: Approaches to Portfolio Construction: Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA) and the Total Portfolio Approach (TPA)

Institutional investors are continually reassessing how best to construct portfolios that reflect long-term objectives and evolving market conditions. While Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA) remains a core foundation, many institutions are exploring more flexible frameworks such as the Total Portfolio Approach (TPA), thematic allocations, and objective-based portfolio construction.

Canadian institutional investors have been among the global leaders in implementing TPA-style frameworks, supported by governance structures that enable greater integration and flexibility across asset classes. While many U.S. institutions are increasingly exploring these approaches, adoption has generally been more gradual.

This session will bring together experienced practitioners to compare SAA and TPA in practice, discuss governance and investment flexibility, and share lessons on managing liquidity, risk, and cross-portfolio decision-making as portfolios become more complex and market conditions evolve.


4:20 PMPanel: Pathway to Leadership

Advancing to senior leadership in the investment industry requires navigating organizational, cultural, and structural dynamics. As talent pipelines across North America broaden—particularly with the growing presence of professionals of Asian descent—progression into leadership roles can still present unique challenges. This session will explore how investment professionals can build impactful careers, develop an authentic leadership presence, and turn potential barriers into strengths. Speakers will share practical insights and discuss leadership development, navigating cultural and organizational barriers, career growth within the investment industry, and the potential impact of AI on talent and team dynamics.


5:00 PMFireside Chat: Conversation on Purpose and Mission


5:25 PMReception Begins


7:00 PMProgram Concludes


Speakers

Alex Chi Deputy Chief Investment Officer of Global Credit and Head of Direct Lending and Chief Executive Officer, Business Development Companies, Carlyle

Serves as a senior investment leader overseeing global credit and direct lending strategies, with responsibility for portfolio decisions and firmwide investment governance. Previously spent over three decades at a leading global financial institution, holding multiple senior leadership roles across investment banking and asset management. Brings deep expertise across leveraged finance, mergers and acquisitions, and capital markets, with international experience in the U.S. and Asia. Has also contributed to firmwide diversity initiatives and global network-building efforts. Actively advises and supports several nonprofit and industry organizations.


Ben Meng Managing Director, Head of Investment Portfolio Management at CPPIB

Leads investment portfolio management efforts focused on optimizing asset allocation and strategy integration across a large global fund. Previously held executive leadership roles across major investment firms and public institutions, including serving as chief investment officer of one of the largest pension funds in the U.S. Brings extensive experience across public and private markets, including private equity and venture capital. Contributes to academic and industry thought leadership through teaching and editorial work. Actively engaged in global policy and economic discussions through prominent advisory groups.


Brenda Chia Chief of Capital Development at Paladin Capital Group

Provides strategic leadership and governance for a global organization, helping guide vision, fundraising, and institutional partnerships. Also plays a key role in capital development for a venture and growth-stage investment firm focused on cybersecurity. Leads investor engagement, deal sourcing, and strategic partnerships to drive growth and expansion. Recently spearheaded a major fundraise and broadened relationships with global investors and corporations. Has been instrumental in building and scaling organizational impact since its founding.


David Chiang Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Idyllic Partners

David is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer for Idyllic Partners, an outsourced solution for prominent family offices and institutional investors to access the best ideas within private markets. Previously, David was Chief Investment Officer of Pritzker Family Foundations, where he worked closely with the family offices of Penny, Tom, and Gigi Pritzker and their charitable foundations. He has over 25 years of private equity and investment experience working for some of the world’s leading financial institutions. Before Idyllic, David served as Senior Managing Director and Head of External Funds and Co-Investments at Soros Fund Management. Previously, David was a Managing Director and member of the Global Investment Committee for the private markets group of Wilshire Associates and was a Principal for ACON Investments, where he was responsible for sourcing and conducting due diligence on direct PE deals. Additionally, he worked for the Government of Singapore (“GIC”) on its global PE funds and co -investment team and at L Catterton Partners, a leading private equity firm focused on the consumer industry. He began his career at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette’s Investment Banking Group, where he focused on mergers & acquisitions, technology, and covering private equity firms. David received dual BA degrees in Business Economics and Psychology from Brown University and an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. David is Co-President of his class at Brown University and serves on the Brown Annual Fund Leadership Council. David joined OppNet’s Board of Directors in 2021.


David Sheng Managing Director, Hedge Funds and Private Credit Advisory, Aksia

Oversees alternative investment programs across the Americas, including portfolio construction, manager selection, and client advisory. Brings nearly two decades of experience in alternative investments and institutional portfolio management. Previously held roles focused on manager research, trading, and institutional client coverage at major global financial firms. Recognized for expertise in evaluating investment strategies and delivering portfolio insights. Has received industry awards highlighting leadership and innovation in investment consulting.


David Wong Group Chief Investment Officer, CIBC Global Asset Management

Leads investment strategy and execution across a large multi-asset platform, overseeing equities, fixed income, and alternative investments. Drives performance through innovation, collaboration, and client-focused solutions while contributing to executive leadership initiatives. Directly manages significant portfolio assets and advises high-net-worth clients on asset allocation strategies. As the head of the

Total Investment Solutions team, he directly oversees the portfolio management of over $100 billion in managed solutions. Brings more than two decades of experience across investment research and portfolio management. Regularly shares insights through industry events and media engagements.


Dianne Sandoval Chief Investment Officer at Maryland State Retirement Agency

Leads investment strategy and oversight for a major public retirement system, ensuring long-term financial sustainability. Brings more than 30 years of experience across public and private sector investment management. Known for developing innovative strategies, implementing risk frameworks, and leveraging technology to enhance performance. She previously served as the head of portfolio design for the Health Employees Superannuation Trust Australia, or HESTA, which manages more than $100 billion in assets for more than one million members in the health and community services sectors. Has extensive experience across asset allocation, private equity, and credit markets.


Gisele Huang Director, Completion Portfolio Strategies at OpTrust

Focuses on external investment strategies, including manager selection and portfolio construction across asset classes. Brings experience from global financial institutions, with a background in investment banking and trading. Specializes in building diversified portfolios through external partnerships. Also contributes to academic programs as a lecturer in finance. Combines technical expertise with practical investment execution.


Han Yik Senior Advisor to the Executive Director and CIO at NYS Teachers' Retirement System

Advises on investment strategy, with a focus on sustainability, stewardship, and strategic asset allocation. Plays a key role in integrating responsible investing practices across a large institutional portfolio. Previously led global initiatives addressing pension system challenges and worked closely with major asset owners. He is a member of NYSTRS’ Executive Leadership team and is responsible for leading NYSTRS’ initiatives on stewardship and sustainability and its

integration and implementation across the portfolio. Brings experience in both consulting and institutional portfolio strategy. Early career included roles in actuarial consulting and institutional investment advisory.


Jason Chang Executive Managing Director, Head of Fixed Income at AIMCo

Leads a large fixed income platform, overseeing investment strategy, portfolio management, and team leadership. Plays a key role in firmwide investment governance, liquidity management, and strategic direction. Previously led global fixed income and multi-asset strategies at a major pension organization. Actively contributes to industry development through board and advisory roles. Recognized for leadership and impact within the investment community.


Jim Park CEO at AAAIM

Oversees organizational strategy and operations, working closely with leadership to advance mission-driven initiatives. Brings a diverse background spanning entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, government, and nonprofit advocacy. Has founded and led multiple companies while also holding executive roles in major financial institutions. Deeply engaged in policy and advocacy efforts, particularly supporting community empowerment and leadership development. Serves on numerous boards and advisory groups across industries.


Kevin Bong Managing Director, Head of Portfolio Design & Construction, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board

Leads portfolio design and construction, focusing on asset allocation, risk factors, and total fund strategy. Responsible for integrating sustainable investing principles and optimizing portfolio performance. Prior to AIMCo, Kevin spent over a decade in various investment roles across InvestmentPolicy and Strategy, Economics, and External Fund Management at GIC in Singapore and NYC. Brings global experience across investment policy, economics, and fund management. Actively contributes to industry and academic organizations through board and advisory roles.


Navyug (Nav) Patel Deputy CIO at New York State Common Retirement Fund

Joined CRF in June 2015 as a Sr. Investment Officer. Before becoming Deputy CIO, he was also the Director of the Credit and Opportunistic/Absolute Return Portfolios. Previously Nav spent over a decade as an equity derivative sales trader at various investment banks including JP Morgan, Barclays and Jefferies. Nav holds a Master’s degree in Physics from Brown University and an Undergraduate degree in Physics from University of Florida.


Payton Liu Chair AAAIM Canada Chapter and Director, Investment Research at Guardian Partners

Payton Liu is Chair of AAAIM Canada and Director, Investment Research at Guardian Partners. He brings deep experience in investment research, portfolio construction, manager selection, and cross asset allocation, with a focus on connecting macroeconomic views to practical portfolio decisions.

Through AAAIM Canada, Payton is focused on building a stronger ecosystem of support for Asian Canadian professionals across the investment management industry. He works to bring together senior leaders, institutional investors, and emerging talent to create more intentional pathways for mentorship, sponsorship, and career advancement.

Payton is passionate about strengthening Canada’s investment community and advancing representation in a way that creates lasting value for both individuals and institutions. At the AAAIM North America Summit, he is helping convene leaders from across Canada and the United States to discuss macro investment dynamics, portfolio construction, leadership, and the future of talent in the industry.


Puneet Kohli Investment Director of Risk Mitigating Strategies at CalSTRS

Leads investment strategies focused on risk mitigation, diversification, and capital preservation within a large pension fund. Oversees allocations across macro, trend, and alternative strategies to enhance portfolio resilience. Brings more than 25 years of experience across banking and institutional investing. Prior to joining CalSTRS, Kohli led the external managers group at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, where he oversaw the growth and consolidation of a $25 billion external manager platform spanning insurance linked funds, global equity funds and hedge funds, and led a team of 14 investment professionals in London and Toronto. Previously managed large external investment platforms and led multi-asset strategy teams. Known for building innovative investment approaches and leading high-performing teams.



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