Three financial heavy-hitters battle it out in a MMA-style cage, bringing their own “trump cards” to determine the best investment in 2025
Kuala Lumpur, 7 November 2024 – As the presidential race climaxed in the United States, another battle of a different kind was brewing across the globe. At The CAGE in Kuala Lumpur’s LaLaport, three financial heavy-hitters entered an MMA-style setting. They were not there to spar physically, however. Instead, they each presented compelling cases to determine the ultimate investment in 2025 – property, stocks, or cryptocurrency.
Organised by CSI PROP, a leading property investment consultancy, the Investment Showdown: The Ultimate Debate featured an intellectual face-off between three experts: Virata Gamany, Executive Director of CSI PROP, representing foreign property investments; Alvin Vong, CEO of Equities Tracker Holdings Berhad, bringing his expertise in stocks and equities; and Joe Lee, CEO of DefiDive and Magnr, advocating for cryptocurrency and digital assets.
Hosted by MMA fighter Peter Davis and moderated by George Wong, Country Manager for SEA New Markets and Regional General Manager of Operations at The Sandbox, the event captivated an audience eager to gain insights into the best investment options. Each speaker presented their own unique perspective, offering investors a lens into the potential and risks of property, stocks, and cryptocurrency investments.
Property championed as a pillar of stability and growth
In a bold first move, Virata Gamany championed the case for property, an asset class he framed as essential and enduring. “Property is a basic need; everyone needs a roof over their heads” Gamany noted, emphasising its universal demand. “Unlike stocks or crypto, property meets a fundamental human necessity, and that makes it one of the most stable long-term investments.”
Acknowledging that not all property markets perform equally, Gamany highlighted the example of the United Kingdom as having a robust property market, and a promising option compared to current challenges in Malaysia.
“Malaysia’s property market faces an oversupply of 1.9 million homes, dampening returns,” he said. “In contrast, countries like the UK have a housing shortage of nearly 4 million units, particularly in high-demand cities like Manchester. This scarcity supports steady price growth and makes it an ideal market for long-term investors.”
For those hesitant to navigate the intricacies of foreign markets, Virata reassured that CSI PROP has developed a structured seven-step blueprint to guide investors through international property acquisitions.
“We have honed a game plan that not only connects investors to high-demand markets but also simplifies the process, ensuring a clear path to sustainable wealth,” he stated.
Equities – the flexible path to wealth creation
Over in the equities corner, Alvin Vong presented a compelling case for stocks, emphasising their accessibility and flexibility.
“The equity market allows investors to enter both local and global sectors, offering diversified exposure across industries,” Vong said, just hours before a surge in prices of US stocks and futures, as Trump took the US election victory. “For investors looking for safety, stocks are a well-regulated asset class with historical resilience.”
Drawing on years of experience across Southeast Asia, Vong highlighted the liquidity of equities as a significant advantage. “Stocks can be bought and sold easily, providing an element of control that’s harder to achieve with property,” he explained. “If you need to exit the market, equities offer the flexibility to adapt swiftly without locking you into a long-term commitment.”
Vong also discussed the appeal of diversification within the stock market. “Equities allow you to spread your investments across different sectors, geographies, and asset classes, which helps to mitigate risk and optimise returns.”
Cryptocurrency, the digital financial frontier
Meanwhile, Joe Lee brought the case for cryptocurrency to the table, positioning it as an asset class that is both transformative and accessible. “Cryptocurrency is often misunderstood, yet it has revolutionised the financial world,” Lee stated. “With options like Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) now available, crypto has become an increasingly mainstream investment.”
Lee highlighted crypto’s growth trajectory, pointing to its rapid rise as a $2.2 billion market in just 15 years. His remark came at a rather opportune moment in his favour, even as Bitcoin hit an all-time high of $75,000 as Donald Trump edged closer to the cusp of winning the US presidency. “Crypto’s potential is undeniable, especially for those looking for high growth,” he argued. “What makes it even more attractive is its accessibility. Anyone with an internet connection can start investing in digital assets, making it more inclusive than traditional finance.”
Beyond growth, Lee sees cryptocurrency as an engine of financial equality and innovation. “Crypto is making the world fairer, offering financial tools to those who may not have access to traditional banking,” he remarked, adding that the current landscape reflects a steady current towards a more democratised financial future.
Diverging investment pathways; one goal
As each expert presented their arguments, the audience was drawn into a multifaceted exploration of the investment landscape. Gamany’s approach appealed to those valuing long-term security through essential assets, especially in international markets with high demand. Vong’s case for equities attracted those seeking flexibility, liquidity, and the opportunity to diversify without a major upfront commitment. For the risk-tolerant and forward-thinking investor, Lee’s arguments for cryptocurrency offered a glimpse into a digital future that promises innovation and high growth.
While The Investment Showdown ultimately had no clear “winner”, it left the audience with plenty to consider. Each asset class held distinct advantages, making it evident that investment choices depend on individual goals, risk tolerance, and time horizons. Peter Davis captured the spirit of the event rather eloquently, saying “In this arena, each contender stands strong in their own right.”
For more information about CSI PROP, visit www.csiprop.com.
