GGOF Guardian Group of Funds has launched GGOF Asian Growth and Income Fund. Matthews International Capital Management, a San Francisco-based investment firm specializing exclusively in the Asian markets, will act as sub-advisor to the fund.

“Matthews International Capital Management has been providing focused investment management services in the Asian markets for about 12 years,” said Gavin Graham, VP and director of investments, GGOF Guardian Group of Funds, in a news release. “Paul Matthews, the company’s founder and CIO brings 20 years of Asian investment experience to his role as lead portfolio manager for GGOF Asian Growth and Income Fund.”

GGOF says Matthews and his team adhere to a research-intensive, bottom-up, stock picking approach. Matthews was named 2002 Manager of the Year by Value Line Investment Survey.

“The range and depth of experience behind the fund’s investment management team makes it an ideal fund for investors who may have previously avoided the region,” said John Boeckh, senior VP, marketing, GGOF. “We are excited about Asia’s superior growth potential and are optimistic about the wealth of attractive investment opportunities the region offers.”

The fund has the flexibility to invest in Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, China, India, and Indonesia, as well as Japan.