Leadership Transition Signals Deeper Asia Strategic Engagement
Kevin Lu was named Asia Chair by the Milken Institute to lead the growth of institutions and strategies in the region. The organization wants to get more involved in Asian markets and policy communities, which is why they hired him. He takes over for Robin Hu, who will stay on as an emeritus advisor to the institute.
Lu will work closely with leadership teams in Singapore and the United States to make a bigger impact in the region. His job is to grow partnerships, meetings, and research that are in line with changing global economic priorities. The change shows that things will stay the same, but it also makes Asia a key part of future growth.
Source: Milken Institute/Website
Kevin Lu Brings Extensive Global Finance And Policy Experience
Lu has decades of experience in global investment, public policy, and multilateral development institutions. He is currently the Asia Chair and a member of the Global Executive Board at Partners Group. Before that, he was the director and chief financial officer of the World Bank Group’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency.
In addition to her work in the business world, Lu is a lecturer at the Yale School of Management. He also teaches finance at Columbia Business School, where he focuses on private equity and how it affects society. This mix of real-world and academic knowledge makes the institute a stronger thought leader.
Strengthening Milken Institute’s Asia Research And Convenings
Since the Milken Institute opened its Asia headquarters, Lu has been a supporter and helped shape the early stages of program development. His new job makes official his long-standing work with regional research and high-level meetings. He will give advice on strategic priorities that show how Asia is becoming more important in global markets.
The institute’s goal is to grow its flagship events in major Asian financial and policy centers. These events help investors, policymakers, and academic leaders talk to each other. Lu’s leadership is expected to make the institution more visible and important in the region.
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Continuity Ensured Through Robin Hu’s Ongoing Advisory Role
Robin Hu, the current Asia Chair, will become Chairman Emeritus after his 2-year term ends. He is still on the board of the Milken Institute Asia Center. During times of leadership continuity, Hu will keep giving senior advisory support.
Institute leaders praised Hu’s time in office for making governance and programming more focused on Asia. His continued involvement keeps the institution’s memory and strategic alignment alive. The transition strikes a balance between change and stability in the leadership structures of the region.
Academic And Industry Ties Enhance Cross-Sector Collaboration
Lu’s work at the institute strengthens its role as a link between research, policy, and investment practice. He talks to students and professionals about finance, governance, and social outcomes on a regular basis. These points of view fit with the institute’s goal of making policies based on evidence.
His large professional network across Asia makes it easier for people from different sectors to work together. This connection helps projects that connect public policy, innovation, and capital markets. This kind of integration is key to making economic development more inclusive.
Partners Group Collaboration Highlights Long-Term Institutional Ties
The Milken Institute and Partners Group have worked together for a long time. The partnership includes an immersive internship program that started in Singapore in 2021. The program gives you real-world experience with managing money and investments.
During the summer of 2026, the internship program will welcome its sixth group of students. It shows a shared commitment to developing talent and building capacity in the region. Lu’s leadership makes sure that institutional education and industry engagement are in sync.
Asia Chair Role Reflects Shifting Global Economic Landscape
The appointment comes at a time when the global economy is changing, making Asia more strategically important. Regional markets are having a bigger and bigger impact on investment flows, new ideas, and policy debates around the world. The institute thinks that Asia will play a big role in stories about global growth in the future.
Lu said he was dedicated to leading the institute through changing political and economic situations. He stressed the need for the leadership teams in Asia and the United States to work together. The role puts the institute in a good position to deal with complexity while growing its global reach.
