Soo Tan

Soo Chuen Tan is the President and Portfolio Manager at Discerene Group, a value investing firm he founded in 2010. His journey began in Malacca, Malaysia, where he was raised in an academically inclined family; both of his parents were high school physics teachers. He initially pursued a legal education, earning a double first-class honors degree in Law/Jurisprudence from Oxford University, where he graduated at the top of his class. Following this, he obtained an MBA with high distinction from Harvard Business School, where he was recognized as a George F. Baker Scholar and Harvey Fellow.124

Before establishing Discerene Group, Tan gained extensive experience in the investment sector, working at notable firms such as Deccan Value Advisors, the Baupost Group, Halcyon Asset Management, and McKinsey & Company. His exposure to these prestigious organizations helped shape his investment philosophy, which emphasizes value investing—focusing on owning businesses rather than merely trading stocks. He believes in assessing a company's intrinsic worth and purchasing it at a discount to its market price.134

Under Tan's leadership, Discerene has grown significantly, managing over $2 billion in assets. The firm is known for its contrarian investment strategies and commitment to long-term relationships with its investors and portfolio companies. Additionally, Tan is dedicated to mentoring young professionals and supporting underprivileged students through scholarship programs initiated by Discerene.235

In his personal life, Soo Chuen Tan enjoys traveling, reading, painting, and mentoring aspiring investors. His philanthropic efforts include providing financial support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education.24