KUALA LUMPUR: Asian policymakers are likely to implement monetary tightening policies ahead of the rest of the world, as the region is seeing a return of inflation and heightened fear of asset price bubble, particularly in China, says a fund manager.

Aberdeen Asset Management Sdn Bhd managing director Gerald Ambrose said on Tuesday, Feb 9 the fund remained optimistic on Asian markets, as many companies in the region offer good investment prospects and capital are returning to equity markets in Asia after the exodus in 2008.    

He said Aberdeen also saw a need for stronger Asian currencies as the leading regional economies such as China and India shift from export led economic growth to one that is driven by domestic consumptions.  

On local front, the UK-based Aberdeen said the restructuring of subsidies, in particular petrol and fuel price support would have a bigger impact on the local economy and the current low inflation rate than any revision of interest rates.   

As at end-2008, the fund management company managed US$158 billion in assets, including in equities, fixed income and real estates with 24 offices in over 20 countries.