BT launches Thrive newsletter for young adults

• Find out more and sign up for Thrive at bt.sg/thrive

WHAT should I be doing with my first pay cheque? How can I build a balanced investment portfolio without a large amount of starting capital? How should I approach my boss for a raise?

To answer these questions and more, The Business Times has launched a community to bring timely and insightful expertise on money, work and personal development to its growing young-adult audience.

Named Thrive, the new initiative has started with outreach on social media through Instagram (@thrive_bt). Later this week, it will launch a weekly email newsletter with advice on topics ranging from investing, to housing, to balancing career and well-being.

Thrive will also hold community events, panels and webinars aimed at creating fora for two-way, honest conversations around these topics.

The events and newsletters will be free for now.

BT Editor Chen Huifen said amid rising prices and an uncertain economic outlook, fresh graduates and first-jobbers need a trustworthy and accessible voice to help them navigate money and work issues.

A survey by Deloitte this year found cost of living was the greatest concern for Gen Z and millennials globally. Respondents in their 20s to an Institute of Policy Studies survey reported declining mental health, which the study attributed to career and workplace issues brought on by the pandemic.

“Unlike many of the players putting out personal finance or career content out there, Thrive is objective, and is not trying to sell a financial product or quick-win scheme,” said Chen.

“It is BT’s sincere attempt to distil its experience and expertise to help youths find solutions to their money, work and life challenges,” she added.

Thrive will leverage BT’s network of contacts and reporting and will break down analysis from award-winning seasoned journalists into bite-sized pieces.

Young adults BT spoke to welcomed the idea of Thrive. Citra Nadira Mohammad Rais, 24, said the topics covered would be helpful for young graduates seeking to understand their importance.

“Mental health and well-being is something I feel should be talked about more often as it plays an important role in decision-making, and can also affect our ability to move forward in our career,” said Citra, who is doing an internship while looking for a full-time job.

Hoo Jia Kai, 22, concurred on the importance of discussing mental health. The second-year National University of Singapore student also said he has been doing some investing and would appreciate additional tips.

“I’m just doing passive investing in exchange-traded funds, so some exploration on that would be great,” he added.

Newsletter and social media content for Thrive will be created by a dedicated editorial team, even as it taps the expertise of the greater BT newsroom.

Associate editor, audience, Chan Cheow Pong said the initiative represents BT’s commitment to staying relevant by broadening its reach and building communities.

“With Thrive, we hope to cut through all the noise and bad advice out there, and make investing and career development not just bearable but maybe even fun for young adults,” said Chan.

• Sign up for the Thrive newsletter today at bt.sg/thrive. For partnership opportunities, contact the Thrive team at: thrivebt@sph.com.sg