Broadening bullishness in Singapore

Claressa Monteiro
Published Tue, Aug 5, 2025 · 05:00 AM
    • What can be done to encourage companies to prioritise shareholder value?
    • What can be done to encourage companies to prioritise shareholder value? PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: BT VISUAL

    In the latest episode of Mark To Market, a podcast by The Business Times, senior correspondent Ben Paul takes a hard look at Singapore’s multi-billion-dollar shot in the arm for its flagging equity market and whether it’s finally moving the needle.

    The spark? The Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP), which placed S$1.1 billion with three heavyweight fund managers Avanda, Fullerton and JP Morgan. The goal: to inject fresh capital beyond the usual STI suspects and revive interest in small to mid-cap stocks.

    Paul walks us through why this could be more than just a flash in the pan. Analysts are already flagging potential “EQDP beneficiaries” like Food Empire, iFast and Sheng Siong whose stocks are seeing renewed investor interest. But the bigger story is how this could shift the way companies engage with shareholders, especially as MAS is also ramping up its GEMS scheme and introducing recourse mechanisms for investors burned by market misconduct.

    Paul delves into the critics’ take and shares his opinion on these latest developments. The episode also unpacks MAS’ upcoming consultations on investor recourse, including legal support for shareholder lawsuits and whistleblower protections. 

    Why listen?

    Because this isn’t just another reform package

    BT in your inbox

    Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.

    MAS is putting real money behind market revitalisation and investors are paying attention.

    Because it’s not just about liquidity, it’s about accountability

    With more investor tools, underperformers can no longer hide behind excuses.

    Because the public market is getting a public reboot

    And Singapore Inc. needs to step up.

    Listen now to the full episode and stay ahead of market trends and corporate developments with Ben Paul.

    Mark To Market is a podcast of BT Correspondents. Look out for the next episode featuring wealth editor, Genevieve Cua. And if you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out to us at btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.

    Written and hosted by: Ben Paul (benpaul@sph.com.sg)

    Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro

    Produced by: Ben Paul, Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh

    A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

    ---

    Follow BT Correspondents:

    Channel: bt.sg/btcobt

    Amazon: bt.sg/btcoam

    Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/btcoap

    Spotify: bt.sg/btcosp

    YouTube Music: bt.sg/btcoyt

    Website: bt.sg/btcorresp

    Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

    ---

    Discover more BT podcast series:

    BT Money Hacks: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

    BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM

    BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus

    BT Branded Podcasts: bt.sg/brpod

    BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

    Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.