Ian Chan, a 25-year-old former naval officer and current business student at the National University of Singapore (NUS), has founded Big Bullion, a start-up focused on precious metals trading. Established in December 2025, the company aims to make investing in gold and silver more accessible to younger Singaporeans through educational content and social media outreach.
Chan chose to leave his naval career due to personal challenges, including seasickness, despite his strong desire to serve the nation. He then directed his savings and profits from previous investments, supplemented by family financial support, into launching Big Bullion. Since its inception, the company has generated approximately S$1.5 million in revenue, primarily from dealing in investment-grade gold and silver bullion. Additional income comes from buying back precious metals jewelry for refining. Chan expects Big Bullion to turn profitable by the end of 2026.
Starting the business presented several challenges, such as building relationships with dependable suppliers, sourcing adequate bullion inventory, and developing effective hedging strategies to manage price volatility. Chan highlighted that these experiences emphasized the importance of diligent financial management, particularly in maintaining cash flow and working capital.
As part of his mission, Chan hopes to demystify the precious metals market for younger investors by explaining factors such as pricing, premiums, and buyback values. His goal is to help customers better understand how physical gold and silver can complement broader financial planning, rather than merely facilitating sales.
In addition to precious metals, Chan invests in a diversified portfolio that includes stocks, with exposure to the U.S. market via indexes like the S&P 500. He values equities for their potential long-term growth and liquidity, which he regards as crucial for addressing short-term needs and unexpected expenses.
Chan’s first investment was a modest S$200 placed in the S&P 500 at the conclusion of his national service. Over the past seven years, he has adhered to a disciplined approach, consistently investing at least 20% of his income and dollar-cost averaging into diverse assets. He also credits early insurance planning as a key financial decision, securing coverage before premiums rose or insurability changed.
Reflecting on financial management, Chan acknowledged that he could have optimized his use of Singapore’s tax-advantaged savings plans, such as the Central Provident Fund and Supplementary Retirement Scheme, based on his individual circumstances. However, he stressed that the suitability of contributions varies depending on eligibility, tax status, liquidity, and long-term goals.
Beyond business and investing, Chan is engaged to his 25-year-old fiancée, who assists him with the company. His personal interests include competitive triathlon training, which instilled discipline and resilience that he applies to his entrepreneurial pursuits. He currently resides in Pasir Ris and drives a Mercedes GLA 180.
Chan’s experience underscores the blend of practical financial management and educational outreach aimed at empowering younger investors in Singapore’s evolving market for physical precious metals.