[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (TSX: BAM.A)(NYSE: BAM)(EURONEXT: BAMA) is pleased to announce that Niel Thassim has joined the company as head of Asia for the Private Funds Group, based in Hong Kong. In this role, Mr. Thassim will drive fundraising for Brookfield's private fund offerings and develop and maintain relationships with leading investors in the region.

Mr. Thassim most recently served as a Managing Director and the head of RREEF's Asia-Pacific Real Estate business. Prior to this, he held senior roles within RREEF and Deutsche Bank in Australia, London and Singapore. Mr. Thassim also held executive positions with Coopers & Lybrand, Bankers Trust, Credit Suisse First Boston and Colonial First State Investments in Australia and the United Kingdom.

“Brookfield has strong historic ties to Asian investors and we are delighted that Niel has joined the firm to build on our franchise in this dynamic region,” said Leo van den Thillart, Managing Partner in Brookfield's Private Funds Group. “Niel has proven experience in alternative asset management and his solid institutional and consultant relationships will be integral to establishing lasting partnerships between Brookfield and our clients.”