SGX Orb Awards 2025 Unveiled: Key Takeaways for Investors

Introduction

The Singapore Exchange Group (SGX Group) has announced the winners of the 2025 SGX Orb Awards, marking the eighth edition of this annual event. The awards recognise excellence in financial journalism and content creation, with a particular focus this year on multi-generational perspectives shaping capital markets. The event also marks the introduction of a special category for youth-driven insights on the future of exchanges, highlighting an increased emphasis on digital innovation, borderless opportunities, and forward-looking market trends.

Key Points from the Report

• Eighth Edition of SGX Orb Awards: The awards continue to champion excellence in financial content, with a focus on diversity in viewpoints and formats, including features, podcasts, videos, and creative illustrations.
• Theme of Multi-Generational Perspectives: This year’s theme reflects an ongoing commitment to investor education and nurturing new talent, with special attention to the evolving needs and outlooks of different investor demographics.
• Special Category – “The Markets of Tomorrow”: Youth participants were invited to submit bold ideas about the future of exchanges, particularly around digital innovation and cross-border opportunities.
• Independent and Diverse Judging Panel: The panel included leaders from MoneyOwl, Avanda, GlobalCapital, Azure Capital, iFAST Global Markets, Dr Wealth, and Beansprout, ensuring robust assessment of entries.
• Winners Announced Across Multiple Categories: Recognitions included “Story of the Year,” “Special Category: The Markets of Tomorrow,” “The Hidden Gem,” “An Experiential Treat,” and “#TheGoTo” for trusted financial content.

Detailed Breakdown of Award Categories and Winners

Story of the Year

• Winner: “Loss in translation: The downside of a haven currency like Singapore” by Goola Warden (The Edge Singapore)
• Other Finalists:
  • “Investing in war: A call to arms for defence stocks” by Jovi Ho, Douglas Toh, Thiveyen Kathirrasan (The Edge Singapore)
  • “Asian stock markets take on Wall Street with slate of reforms” by Jada Nagumo (Nikkei Asia)

Investor Note: The winning article highlights the risks associated with Singapore’s strong currency status, a timely issue given ongoing global volatility. Investors should monitor currency fluctuations and policy signals that may influence capital flows and asset valuations.

Special Category: The Markets of Tomorrow

• Winner: “What if the next IPO isn’t a company?” by Fedora Tan and Darren Tan (Ngee Ann Polytechnic)
• Other Finalists:
  • “Pricing the future: Are events the next asset class?” (Anglo-Chinese School – Independent)
  • “Markets that hear us” (National University of Singapore)
  • “The Retail Trading Frenzy Hype and Manipulation” (Temasek Polytechnic)
  • “The Future of Capital Markets” (National University of Singapore and Washington University in St. Louis)

Investor Note: The focus on non-traditional IPOs and event-based asset classes signals potential shifts in market structure and new listing opportunities on SGX. Forward-thinking investors should watch for regulatory developments and new product launches that might impact market breadth and depth.

The Hidden Gem

• Winner: “Thakral unlocks value with GemLife IPO, India expansion and another potential IPO” by Samantha Chiew (The Edge Singapore)
• Other Finalists:
  • “Why This Niche Semiconductor Player is on Our Dividend Watchlist” (The Fifth Person)
  • “A stock that offers shelter from Trump’s mayhem” (The Business Times)
  • “From Ornamental fish to aquaculture and pet accessories – How is Qian Hu positioning for the future?” (Money FM 89.3)

Investor Note: Thakral’s strategic moves—including the GemLife IPO and expansion into India—may be price sensitive and could drive shareholder value. Investors should monitor Thakral for further corporate actions, especially any additional IPO announcements or expansion news.

An Experiential Treat

• Winner: “How much are young adults spending?” by Sue-Ann Tan and Timothy Goh (The Straits Times)
• Other Finalists:
  • “Trump Trade vs Harris Trade” (8World, Mediacorp)
  • “Can SIA’s share price continue to fly higher?” (Money FM 89.3)

Investor Note: Consumer spending patterns among young adults may influence retail, banking, and consumer stock performance. As the demographic’s consumption habits evolve, companies targeting this segment may see revenue shifts.

#TheGoTo (Trusted Financial Content)

• Winner: thrive by The Business Times
• The Straits Times Headstart
• PYTCH Youtube Channel – FOMO Fix

Investor Note: These platforms continue to serve as reliable sources of market insights, supporting informed investment decisions.

Strategic Implications and What Investors Should Watch

• SGX’s Commitment to Innovation: The introduction of youth voices and new perspectives highlights SGX’s focus on staying at the forefront of technological and product innovation. Investors in SGX should view this as a positive signal regarding its long-term strategy to remain relevant and competitive in global markets.
• Potential for New Asset Classes and Products: The discussion of event-based assets and non-traditional IPOs may foreshadow future product launches or regulatory changes that could expand SGX’s market offerings, potentially impacting trading volumes and revenue streams.
• Corporate Actions and Listings: Companies like Thakral, highlighted for their IPO activities and expansion, could see share price movements tied to further updates on these fronts.

Conclusion

The SGX Orb Awards 2025 not only recognises excellence in financial storytelling but also signals key market trends and strategic initiatives. The focus on innovation, new asset classes, and emerging voices may shape SGX’s future direction, with possible implications for investor returns and shareholder value.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. The information herein is based on publicly available data and may not reflect the latest market developments.

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