Latest news with #MikeChen
Business Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
The data advantage: How web scraping and NLP give investors a decision-making edge
In the past week, you would likely have interacted with artificial intelligence (AI) in one way or another. Whether it was with a customer service chatbot or simply unlocking your mobile phone with facial recognition, AI has seamlessly found its way into our daily lives. But before AI even became part of everyday vocabulary, one company was already exploring how it could be used in determining investment strategies. In 2019, global asset management firm Robeco tapped on natural language processing (NLP), which is a form of AI, to help them analyse large volumes of text and signals to find patterns that might influence markets. An international asset manager with one of the world's largest quant equity research teams, Robeco has been at the forefront of quant research, contributing to both academic research and client portfolios for over 30 years. While traditional sources of data such as financial statements and market prices have long been tapped by investors for insights, this new realm of alternative data means exploring unconventional or non-traditional types of data that have not been used in the past for investment decisions. Next-generation quant researchers who delve into such data also use 'web scraped data' to monitor alternative sources like social media and online reviews in real time for a tech product launch, giving them an edge over investors waiting for quarterly reports to gauge sentiment around the product's reception. Using NLP allows researchers to analyse such data, separating the noise from the potential signals. Another example is monitoring the number of job vacancies at firms, viewing an increase as an expectation for future growth. Evolving along with financial markets The use of these next-gen techniques and new data sources allows for more complex and adaptive investment strategies that can navigate the ever-changing conditions in financial markets. These tools do not just benefit existing quant strategies, such as Robeco's benchmark-aware active quant strategies, but also enable the firm to create new next-generation strategies. One example is Robeco's multi-thematic equities strategy that harnesses AI to detect emerging themes such as cancer treatments and satellite communications, and identifies when to enter or exit themes and particular companies. Firstly, the strategy uses a rigorously tested NLP algorithm to detect themes within a vast amount of alternative data including company earnings calls, news articles and management interviews. It then uses a different algorithm, based on sentiment analysis – a process which classifies whether something is positive, negative, or neutral, based for example on vocabulary choice – to select the most attractive companies. Making the right choice Today, many asset managers are jumping on the AI bandwagon. But what should asset allocators or fund selectors look for when evaluating the credentials of AI claims? 'Sometimes 'innovation' is a very overused term,' says Mike Chen, head of Next-Gen Research at Robeco. 'When assessing the quantitative investing capabilities of an asset manager, it's important to look beyond marketing claims. Do the asset managers invest sufficiently in building their proprietary data sets? And do they have a thoughtful, measured, and transparent process, with a team who understands the proper use and potential misuse of new tools and data?' he asks. Chen explains that Robeco is a top-tier quant house and one of the few with strong fundamental equities and fixed income teams. In fact, the Robeco quant team started out by providing stock ranks for the portfolio managers' input in their fundamental emerging market team. Today, the quant team can get feedback from the fundamental teams on dynamics the model might not pick up, such as stock-specific events, sector-specific adjustments, or macro considerations in emerging markets. The fundamental teams can use quant tools to identify promising investment opportunities, relying on a combination of the quant group's long-proven factor research and next-gen signals. In the future, alternative data, machine learning, and NLP will enhance collaboration by improving both quant models and fundamental research, thereby strengthening the firm's offering. Asset managers that can adapt and leverage the growing power of data and AI techniques will see differentiated advantages. Find out more about Robeco quant investing and its active quant strategies. Disclaimer: Important information – capital at risk This information refers only to general information about Robeco Holding B.V. and/or its related, affiliated and subsidiary companies, ('Robeco'), Robeco's approach, strategies and capabilities. This is a marketing communication intended solely for professional investors, defined as investors qualifying as professional clients, who have requested to be treated as professional clients or who are authorized to receive such information under any applicable laws. Unless otherwise stated, the data and information reported is sourced from Robeco, is, to the best knowledge of Robeco, accurate at the time of publication and comes without any warranties of any kind. Any opinion expressed is solely Robeco's opinion, it is not a factual statement, and is subject to change, and in no way constitutes investment advice. This document is intended only to provide an overview of Robeco's approach and strategies. It is not a substitute for a prospectus or any other legal document concerning any specific financial instrument. The data, information, and opinions contained herein do not constitute and, under no circumstances, may be construed as an offer or an invitation or a recommendation to make investments or divestments or a solicitation to buy, sell, or subscribe for financial instruments or as financial, legal, tax, or investment research advice or as an invitation or to make any other use of it. All rights relating to the information in this document are and will remain the property of Robeco. This material may not be copied or used with the public. No part of this document may be reproduced, or published in any form or by any means without Robeco's prior written permission. Alpha refers to the excess return of an investment relative to a benchmark index and is a measure of performance. Singapore This information is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer to sell or an invitation to buy any securities or products, nor as investment advice or recommendation. The contents of this document have not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore ('MAS'). Robeco Singapore Private Limited holds a capital markets services licence for fund management issued by the MAS and is subject to certain clientele restrictions under such licence. An investment will involve a high degree of risk, and you should consider carefully whether an investment is suitable for you.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
Scam victim acts as bait to help police arrest runner at meetup location
SINGAPORE – A 27-year-old acting as a runner for scammers was caught by the police, thanks to a victim who lured him out. Mr Mike Chen (not his real name), 20, tipped off the police that he was meeting the runner in the western part of Singapore to hand him $30,000 in cash. Police officers waited for the runner to turn up at the meeting point and apprehended him at about noon on April 9. Mr Chen, an exchange student from China, was a victim of a government official impersonation scam. In 2024, there were 1,504 reported cases of such scams, with victims losing $151.3 million in total. Among these cases, 353 involved the impersonation of Chinese government officials. Scam victims in Singapore lost a record high of $1.1 billion in 2024. Mr Chen told the media during an interview arranged by the police on May 5 that the scammer, who claimed to be an investigation officer from China, contacted him in February. The man told Mr Chen that his bank card was linked to an international money laundering case, and accused him of being a 'suspect' in the crime. He instructed Mr Chen to turn on his laptop's camera in his room every day so he could be monitored. Mr Chen also had to update the scammer about his whereabouts via text message five times a day. The surveillance went on for about a month before the scammer told him he could be bailed out for $70,000. 'The 'investigation officer' said he would be my bailor, but I had to have the money in my bank account,' said Mr Chen in Mandarin. 'I trusted him because I had been speaking to him every day for a month, and I felt like I had developed a relationship with him.' To get the 'bail' money, the scammer told Mr Chen to lie to his parents that he was being investigated by the local authorities for selling his personal details after losing his passport. On April 9, Mr Chen received a phone call from the fake officer, who told him to withdraw the money from his bank account in two sums and hand it over to his 'colleague' – the runner – who was based in Singapore. Mr Chen met the runner in the western part of Singapore at about 11am and handed him $40,000. He had to meet the same man at another location, and hand him the remaining $30,000. But Mr Chen suspected something was amiss. The scammer usually spoke to him quite sternly. His tone changed after Mr Chen told him he had withdrawn the money from his bank account. Said Mr Chen: 'He sounded quite happy, and spoke to me informally. I also thought their method of making me give them cash was old-fashioned.' Mr Chen confided in his classmate, who told him he had been duped. Mr Chen asked his classmate to lodge a police report, while he headed to the second meetup location. He said: 'I wanted my money back, so I asked the police officers to wait there to arrest him.' During the arrest, police officers seized $40,000 in cash and a fake police ID from the 27-year-old man, who is on a student's pass. Preliminary investigations showed he was a victim of the same type of scam, and had been manipulated into collecting money from other victims under the guise of assisting with official investigations. He is being investigated for offences involving cheating and cheating by personation. A police spokesman said that to avoid being an accomplice to crimes, members of the public should always reject requests by others to use their bank accounts or mobile lines, as they will be held accountable if these are linked to crimes. The police said government officials will never request members of the public to make bank transfers, provide personal banking information, or click on links that lead to bank websites over the phone or through text messages. The spokesman added: 'Government officials from other countries do not have legal powers to require members of the public in Singapore to perform such actions.' The public should contact the police if they are meeting a 'Chinese government official' to hand him money or to receive and sign documents for bail or investigation purposes. Those convicted of cheating can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined. Those convicted of cheating by personation can be jailed for up to five years, fined, or both. Said Mr Chen: 'Although I didn't get cheated, I'm worried the scammer will continue to harass me, or misuse my personal information.' Claudia Tan is a journalist at The Straits Times covering the crime and court beat. Additional reporting by Stacey Ngiam Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Malay Mail
10-05-2025
- Malay Mail
‘He sounded too happy': Exchange student's gut feeling helps Singapore police foil S$70,000 fake bail plot
SINGAPORE, May 10 — Mike Chen didn't plan on staging a takedown during his exchange programme in Singapore — but when scammers came knocking, he turned the tables. According to The Straits Times (ST), the 20-year-old Chinese student was nearly conned out of $70,000 (RM230,000) in a government official impersonation scam, one of over 1,500 such cases reported in Singapore last year. Victims of these scams reportedly lost S$151.3 million in 2024 alone. It started in February when a man claiming to be a Chinese investigation officer contacted Chen, accusing him of being linked to an international money laundering case. The caller demanded constant video surveillance via laptop and five daily check-ins by text. The monitoring lasted a month before the scammer told Chen he could be 'bailed out' for S$70,000. 'The 'investigation officer' said he would be my bailor, but I had to have the money in my bank account,' said Chen to ST. 'I trusted him because I had been speaking to him every day for a month, and I felt like I had developed a relationship with him.' To raise the funds, Chen was told to lie to his parents — claiming local authorities were investigating him for selling personal data after losing his passport. On April 9, Chen was instructed to withdraw the money and deliver it in two batches to a 'colleague' in Singapore. He handed over S$40,000 at the first meeting, but started having doubts. The scammer's tone had shifted — from stern to strangely cheerful. 'He sounded quite happy, and spoke to me informally. I also thought their method of making me give them cash was old-fashioned,' he added. Chen shared his suspicions with a classmate, who helped alert the police. Then, channelling full detective mode, Chen went ahead with the second handover — this time with officers waiting nearby. At noon, police arrested the 27-year-old runner and recovered the earlier S$40,000, along with a fake police ID. The man, a student in Singapore, is believed to have been a victim himself, tricked into collecting money from others under the pretext of assisting official investigations. He's now being investigated for cheating and personation offences. Police reminded the public that no government agency — local or foreign — will ever request bank transfers or personal banking details over the phone or via text.
Associated Press
16-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
TCL Announces Vodacom Bulls Partnership, Uniting Technology and Sport
JOHANNESBURG, ZA / ACCESS Newswire / February 15, 2025 / TCL Electronics, a global leader in consumer technology and the world's No. 2 TV brand, proudly announces its partnership with the Vodacom Bulls, one of South Africa's most successful rugby teams. This collaboration marks an exciting step for TCL in expanding its presence in sports, further connecting fans with the game through cutting-edge technology and immersive experiences. As an official associate sponsor, TCL aims to enhance engagement for Vodacom Bulls supporters in South Africa and beyond, reinforcing its mission to Inspire Greatness. The partnership will provide fans with exclusive content, interactive experiences, and exciting promotions across TCL's range of premium TVs, soundbars, air conditioners, and home appliances. Supporters will also have the opportunity to participate in competitions and games with the lucky winners receiving official Vodacom Bulls gifts and merchandise. TCL will also invite its customers to watch live matches at Loftus Versveld Stadium as well as meet and greets with current players. Mike Chen, General Manager of TCL South Africa, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: 'We are thrilled to join forces with the Vodacom Bulls, a franchise that embodies excellence, passion, and resilience values that align with TCL's commitment to innovation and progression. This partnership strengthens our connection with South African sports fans while bringing our advanced technology to enhance their viewing experiences. We look forward to engaging with supporters across Africa who share a deep love for rugby.' Edgar Rathbone, CEO of BBCo, welcomed TCL to the Bulls family: 'We are excited to partner with TCL, a brand that continuously pushes technological boundaries to enhance the way fans experience entertainment and sport. As a team committed to innovation both on and off the field, we see great synergy with TCL's vision. This partnership is not just about branding it's about enhancing the way rugby is experienced, from the stadium to the living room.' Where Technology Meets the Thrill of Rugby TCL understands the power of live sport the thrill, the camaraderie, and the emotions that unite fans across the globe. With XL screens up to 115" QD Mini LED TV, TCL ensures that fans never miss a moment of the action, delivering immersive, stadium-like viewing experiences that bring the game to life. As part of this exciting partnership, the TCL brand will now feature on all Vodacom Bulls Senior Men's and Junior team kits, cementing its presence in one of club rugby's most iconic franchises. With this powerful synergy between technology and sport, TCL and the Vodacom Bulls are set to redefine how fans engage with rugby both in the stadium and at home. About TCL Electronics TCL Electronics ( is a leading consumer electronics brand and leader in the global television industry. TCL now operates in more than 160 markets around the world. The company specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of consumer electronics products ranging from TVs, audio, home appliances, mobile devices, smart glasses, commercial displays, and more. Visit the TCL website at BOUT BLUE BULLS RUGBY COMPANY The Blue Bulls Company (BBCo.) is the parent company to professional men's and women's rugby teams, the Vodacom Bulls senior and junior teams and the Bulls Daisies. The Vodacom Bulls are a proudly South African franchise, based in Pretoria - was founded in 1938 as the Northern Transvaal Rugby Union. To date, the franchise is the most successful South African side in the history of the Vodacom Super Rugby competition, boasting four victorious finals appearances since the tournament's inception in 1996. The franchise has also amassed 25 historic Currie Cup trophies, making it one of the most successful domestic teams. Since 2021, the franchise has been competing in the cross- hemisphere annual competition, the Vodacom United Rugby Championship; and from the 2022/23 season, the Vodacom Bulls participate in the Investec Champions Cup. In 2023, the BBCo. launched the first-ever professional rugby women's team in South Africa, the Bulls Daisies, who went on to set an unprecedented unbeaten record as they won the league in the same year. The Daisies subsequently defended their title in 2024 and are currently pursuing a threepeat in 2025. The Blue Bulls Rugby Union - an affiliate of the South African Rugby Union - administers amateur aspects of rugby in the Gauteng North region, for men, and women. These include all the schools, clubs, referees, associations and coaches, all affiliated to the BBRU and this community currently sits at 78 000 current active members, including the renowned Bulletjies community of primary school-going kids.
