From Zero to #2: Building a +35% AI Portfolio in the Asian Investment Competition

Can a complete investing beginner build a portfolio capable of competing with experienced young investors?In this episode of Rising Stars in Investing & Finance, we meet Izzat, a mechanical engineering student who entered the UMushroom Asian Investment Competition with virtually no previous investing experience—and finished #2.Izzat breaks down the strategy behind a portfolio that peaked at +35.3%, built around AI infrastructure, geopolitics and global supply chains. He explains why companies such as Micron, Nvidia, TSMC and ASML became central to his investment thesis, why he deliberately avoided leverage, and how concentration created both significant upside and difficult lessons in risk management.The conversation also explores one of investing’s hardest decisions: when to take profits. After watching his portfolio climb rapidly, Izzat reflects on what he would do differently in a professional environment—and why he would no longer be as heavily exposed to AI.The episode also looks ahead to emerging markets, China, rare earths and the opportunities beyond today’s biggest AI trades, before discussing why students from engineering and other non-finance backgrounds may already possess skills that translate surprisingly well into investing.A conversation about conviction, concentration, risk—and learning by jumping into the deep end.This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research or consult a qualified financial advisor.