TLDR: Fund managers are increasingly channeling investments into artificial intelligence (AI) companies that are potential candidates for listing on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). This surge in interest is fueled by Singapore’s burgeoning AI talent ecosystem and its strategic position offering access to global markets. Discussions at the recent OCBC x SGX Trailblazer Connect 2025 event underscored this growing trend and the opportunities it presents for the local exchange.
Fund managers are demonstrating a heightened focus on artificial intelligence (AI) companies, particularly those poised for listing on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). This investment trend is largely attributed to Singapore’s expanding pool of AI talent and its advantageous access to international markets. The topic was a key highlight at the OCBC x SGX Trailblazer Connect 2025 event, held on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
Shane Chesson, founding partner at venture capital firm Openspace Capital, noted that Singapore is becoming a preferred hub for AI professionals globally. He stated that many AI talents from around the world are choosing Singapore to live, work, and build ‘something great’. Chesson further elaborated that numerous companies, developed over the past decade, are now effectively leveraging AI to enhance their profit and loss statements, leading to accelerated growth and improved profitability. He anticipates that these companies will begin listing on the SGX within the next few years.
From a buy-side perspective, Chesson emphasized that his interest extends beyond merely selling these opportunities to the market; he also intends to invest directly in some of these companies at both public and private stages. Lin Hanwei, managing director for global investment banking at OCBC and the panel moderator, highlighted the significant potential for the SGX to capitalize on this growing interest in AI to attract innovative AI players for local listings.
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The discussion also touched upon a notable shift towards AI implementation, focusing on its application to improve customer service, reduce operational costs, and optimize cash flow. This trend is rapidly gaining momentum across Southeast Asia. A key challenge identified is convincing these promising companies to list locally, leveraging Singapore’s unique advantages, rather than opting for overseas exchanges. This presents an ‘exciting challenge’ for private markets to ensure these companies ‘get funded’ and ‘don’t leave too early’. Additionally, banks are encouraged to collaborate in promoting attractive and fairly priced deals locally to discourage early exits. Despite these opportunities, the process of price discovery continues to be a challenging aspect for many investors.
