Gambler who bet millions on AirAsia wants everyone to notice

When Stanley Choi became one of AirAsia Group’s biggest shareholders a month ago, he did so with no intention to pursue the aggressive tactics favored by activists in Europe and the US Instead, he saw an opportunity to create a buzz. Choi, a poker-playing Hong Kong financier, boosted his stake in the Malaysian budget carrier to almost 9% on Feb. 18 in a private placement at a cost of about $27 million. He hadn’t previously been looking to invest in the travel industry. “If I bet on Boeing or American Airlines, I probably wouldn’t be seen in any media,” 51-year old Choi said. “With this kind of size, no big airline would pay any attention.” The shares have surged more than 50% since his stake purchase was made public. Choi said he went into the investment without an exit strategy or an ideal return rate, and has yet to meet the two founders Tony Fernandes and Kamarudin Meranun in person. He bought the shares about seven months after the firm’s auditor Ernst & Young said the carrier’s ability to continue as a going concern may be in “significant doubt.” The statement triggered an 18% plunge in AirAsia’s shares on the day. Story has more.<br/>