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Simon Huang · · 5 min read

Look to the north and learn, SGX

Welcome to the Opening Bell 🔔! Delivered every other Monday via email and through the Tech in Asia website, this free newsletter breaks down the biggest stories and latest trends on Asia’s publicly listed tech companies. Get it in your email inbox by registering here.

Hello reader,

Like many other Singaporeans, I associate Malaysia with great food, huge malls, and reasonable prices. A vibrant stock exchange is definitely not among the first things that spring to mind when I think of the country.

Yet, Bursa Malaysia has outperformed Singapore’s SGX in recent years. This includes the areas of IPO activity, market liquidity, and overall market growth.

This week’s featured story highlights four areas where SGX – and the Singapore government – could learn from Bursa. One of these lessons is about liquidity, which could be enhanced by encouraging the local government and institutional backers to invest in the market.

As the financial hub of Southeast Asia, the city-state does not often look to its neighbors for inspiration on economic matters. But as the region continues to develop and innovate, we’d only be shooting ourselves in the foot if we’re too proud to learn from those around us.

— Simon


THE BIG STORY

Image credit: Timmy Loen

How SGX can learn from Bursa Malaysia’s playbook
Bursa Malaysia saw 32 new listings in 2023, while Singapore Exchange managed only seven.


3 Trends to keep an eye on

Hot stocks, earnings reports, restructuring, pressure from activist investors, and more.

Photo credit: Pony.ai

1️⃣ Pony rides to the US: Pony AI, an autonomous driving company based in China, has filed for a US IPO.

Pony, in which Japanese carmaker Toyota (7203, TYO) owns a 13.4% stake, revealed that its revenue for the first half of 2024 nearly doubled to US$24.7 million. It achieved a valuation of US$8.5 billion when it raised funds in 2022.


2 Eye-popping facts


The one you didn’t see coming


Founders, get battle-tested advice from fellow founders who’ve walked the path


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TIA Writer

Simon Huang

Exploring the impact business and technology will have on Southeast Asia