An initiative aimed at encouraging greater participation of young investors in the Singapore stock market was launched on October 5. Dubbed the Youth Stock Ambassadors Programme, the scheme seeks to provide selected young investors with capital market education, hands-on experience, and opportunities to engage with various stakeholders in the investment ecosystem.
The programme is a collaborative effort by the Singapore Exchange (SGX), the Securities Association of Singapore, and the Securities Investors Association (Singapore) (SIAS). It coincides with SGX's recent decision to reduce the board lot sizes for an initial group of 11 higher-priced stocks, making it more affordable for retail investors to enter the market.
Together, the organisations said these initiatives aim to lower barriers to investing, equip younger investors with deeper market knowledge, and allow them to access higher-value Singapore stocks with smaller initial capital outlays.
Targeted at students from tertiary institutions with an interest in capital markets, the Youth Stock Ambassadors Programme will be a youth-led platform. The Securities Association of Singapore and SIAS will initially collaborate with the SIAS Youth Chapter to collect feedback and jointly develop the programme.
Participants selected as Youth Stock Ambassadors will undergo capital market education and training, gain opportunities to engage directly with listed companies, and receive internships and mentorships. They will also develop skills in investment analysis, research, and contextual understanding of market dynamics.
“The programme aims to build a community of informed investors who can inspire and support the next generation on their investment journeys,” the three organisations said in a joint statement.
Beyond the new programme, members of the Securities Association of Singapore plan to work closely with SIAS to broaden engagement with young investors through various educational outreach efforts.
Wilson He, chairman of the Securities Association of Singapore, described the recent reduction in board lot sizes as “a positive step towards making Singapore equities more accessible,” while emphasizing the importance of complementing this measure with investor education, access to quality research, internships, mentorship, and practical market exposure.
“The scheme aims to empower young investors with the knowledge, confidence and support needed to become informed, long-term participants in Singapore’s capital markets,” He added. He also noted that member brokerages are committed to supporting the board lot size reduction through their own educational initiatives.
Ng Yao Loong, group head of global financial markets at the SGX, highlighted that cultivating the next generation of investors involves more than affordability. “The Youth Stock Ambassadors Programme provides opportunities to engage with listed companies and market practitioners, helping young investors develop informed habits and a longer-term perspective,” he said.
SIAS vice-president Ang Hao Yao noted that young investors often face challenges navigating the vast amount of investment information and need a solid foundation in basic principles and knowledge.
The reduction in board lot sizes addresses the financial barrier for many young investors. Tay Jingxuan, an executive committee member of the Singapore Institute of Technology’s Investment and Commerce Club, said many students find it difficult to allocate several thousand dollars to invest in blue-chip stocks due to limited savings and irregular part-time incomes.
Tay added that the smaller lot sizes make investing less intimidating and offer young investors a timely chance to start building long-term investment positions with smaller sums.
Similarly, Phoon Mei Gi, president of the NTU Investment Interactive Club, noted that the change allows for greater flexibility in monthly investing. "I could set aside around $150 every month to slowly build a position in a higher-priced stock that I previously did not consider because the minimum board lot was too expensive," she said. This approach, she added, could help more young people establish regular investing habits earlier.
Ultimately, Tay observed that the reduced board lot sizes not only lower the barrier to entry for new investors but also enhance market liquidity for existing participants.