To The Moon

Hello Tigers,

In this article, allow us to introduce  @InvestKaki , a cash boost account trader, and his in-depth investment journey. We hope James’s story and experiences can resonate with you.

Read the story on James's first-person visual explanation here: 

🎉CBA Trader Interview: From Curiosity to Mastery- James’s 15-Year Journey in Uncovering Singapore

If you have any points of interest, please leave comments to further communicate with him.

 1. Personal Information Q&A

How long have you been involved in investing?

I’ve been investing for over 15 years now. My journey started back in university — I was curious about how money grows and fascinated by how the stock market worked. Back then, I didn’t have much capital, but I had time, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. Over time, investing became more than just a side hustle — it became a passion and a way to build long-term wealth. Now, it’s a core part of what I do daily, whether it's analyzing companies, writing for my blog, or helping others get started.

What’s your investing background?

I didn’t start with a finance degree, but I took a hands-on approach. I started with basic books, learned how to read financial statements, and studied what made companies succeed or fail. I gradually developed my system, blending fundamental analysis, business model understanding, and sometimes gut feel honed by years of experience. I now run a newsletter called InvestKaki.com, where I simplify investing ideas for everyday Singaporeans. I want people to know that you don’t need to be a full-time analyst to do well — you just need a curious mind, a good framework, and patience.

How frequently do you trade? Why?

I’m not a frequent trader. I prefer a long-term approach — holding quality companies until their value is recognized by the market. I usually only make a move when there's a clear mismatch between price and value, or if there's a strong catalyst like earnings turnaround or sector re-rating. This style suits me because it frees up time, reduces stress, and lets compound interest do the heavy lifting.

What’s your trading style? A short-term, frequent trader or long-term value investor?

I’m firmly in the long-term value camp. I enjoy finding businesses that are misunderstood or overlooked, especially small- to mid-cap stocks in Singapore. These are often companies that have real earnings, niche products, and competent management — but they’re off the radar. That’s where I believe individual investors can still get an edge. Occasionally, I’ll make shorter-term tactical plays based on news flow or market trends, but my core holdings are usually built to last.

Has any investment guru, relevant personnel, or books influenced your investment strategies?

Definitely. Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger shaped my thinking early on, especially their emphasis on business quality and margin of safety. I also took inspiration from Howard Marks for his insights on market cycles and risk. Closer to home, I've learned a lot from fellow investors who specialize in the Singapore market — people who focus on dividends, cash flow, and insider behavior. I believe learning is a lifelong process, and the best strategies come from blending ideas and adapting them to your personality.

What has been your most profitable or successful trade/investment so far?

One of my most memorable investments was in $Sim Leisure(URR.SI)$ . I first came across the stock when it was trading at just S$0.30. It was relatively unknown at the time, but I saw potential in its asset-light theme park model, particularly with its ESCAPE parks in Malaysia. What caught my attention was their acquisition of KidZania Singapore at a discounted price — it signalled confidence and added a strong, family-friendly brand to their portfolio. The share price eventually soared to S$1.00, before settling around S$0.62 today. Despite the pullback, I’m still sitting on more than 100% gains. It’s a reminder that patience pays off when the fundamentals are sound.

Can you recall the valuations you made before the decision to make the trade?

Yes. I assessed their cost structure and capital expenditure, which was significantly lower than traditional theme parks due to their "low-tech, high fun" philosophy. I also looked at their projected cash flows, scalability, and how cheaply they were trading relative to potential. When I compared Sim Leisure to regional peers, the valuation gap was clear. I felt confident the stock had room to grow, both in investor recognition and actual business performance.

Do you think your strategy of valuation can be duplicated to increase winning rates in trades/investments? Why?

Yes — I believe any investor can replicate my approach with the right mindset and process. It’s not about chasing hot stocks or timing the market perfectly. It's about having a clear framework: look for undervalued businesses with durable advantages, align yourself with strong management teams, and wait patiently for the market to catch up. What’s hard is sticking to that strategy when the market gets noisy, but if you do, the rewards are worth it.

2. Questions Regarding Singapore Stocks

You are a strong analyst of Singapore stocks. What inspired you to focus on this niche, and how do you evaluate their long-term potential compared to other markets?

I’ve always felt that Singapore stocks don’t get enough love — especially the small- and mid-cap names. Many of them are profitable, dividend-paying, and well-managed, but because there’s low coverage, they’re often mispriced. That’s where I see opportunity. Unlike in the US, where everything is analyzed to death, there’s still room in Singapore to gain an edge through fundamental research. Plus, the transparency and governance standards here are relatively strong, which helps when assessing companies for the long haul.

For investors new to the Singaporean markets, which industries would you recommend them to be attentive to?

I usually recommend beginners to start with REITs. They’re relatively stable, easy to understand, and offer consistent income — which helps build confidence. Beyond that, I’d look at sectors like logistics, essential consumer goods, and infrastructure. These tend to be more resilient, even in uncertain times. The key is to understand the demand drivers and whether the company has a competitive moat in its niche.

Have you ever traded Singapore stocks? If yes, what are the companies or stocks you typically trade?

Yes — I’ve actively invested in Singapore stocks for years. Some examples include $Sim Leisure(URR.SI)$ , $ISOTeam(5WF.SI)$ , and $Seatrium Ltd(5E2.SI)$ . I gravitate toward businesses with strong management and a clear expansion story. I also like companies that can scale without needing to raise tons of capital. Many of these smaller players fly under the radar but can surprise on the upside when earnings improve or when they get re-rated.

Are there any indicators that you would advise traders to focus on when evaluating and trading Singapore stocks?

Yes — aside from the usual PE and PB ratios, I pay close attention to free cash flow, net gearing, and whether insiders are buying or selling. For dividend stocks, look at the payout ratio and whether it’s sustainable. I also like to dig into management commentary and see if there’s a credible growth roadmap. Numbers tell one part of the story — but conviction and execution are just as important.

If you could summarize all your experiences of evaluating and investing in Singapore stocks, what would be the core focuses for beginners?

Start with understanding the business model — how does the company make money, and is it repeatable? Then, look at the balance sheet — a strong cash position and low debt give companies more flexibility. Finally, keep your emotions in check. It’s easy to panic when prices drop, but if your research is solid, dips are often buying opportunities. And remember: not all small-cap stocks are speculative — some are simply overlooked gems.

3. Concluding Thoughts

What are your investment goals for 2025 or the upcoming years?

My goal for 2025 is to remain disciplined and defensive. With geopolitical tensions rising and Trump’s policies potentially shaking up markets again, I’m parking more capital in stable, income-generating assets. That includes dividend stocks, REITs, and select ETFs. I also want to grow my content platforms like InvestKaki.com, and educate more Singaporeans about taking charge of their finances through simple, consistent investing.

Are there any industries, sectors, or even individual stocks that you feel will be bullish in the long run?

I’m keeping an eye on interest-rate sensitive sectors like REITs. If Powell steps down and rates ease, these could see a re-rating. I’m also positive on defensive sectors like utilities and infrastructure — businesses tied to essential services. There’s also potential in niche players benefiting from regional demand, like certain hospitality and construction-linked companies.

For beginners exploring Singapore stocks, what’s your top tip to avoid common pitfalls?

Avoid chasing high yields blindly. Some companies pay out unsustainably high dividends just to attract investors — but if the business isn’t solid, it won’t last. Also, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify across sectors and company sizes, and always do your own due diligence.

Do you have any tips and advice you would like to provide to traders on the Tiger App?

Explore the TigerGPT feature — it’s like having an AI research assistant in your pocket. I found it particularly useful for screening stocks, analyzing financials, and even technical indicators. It’s a smart way to speed up your research process, especially if you’re juggling a day job and investing on the side.

What do you think of Tiger's App and the Cash Boost Account?

I think the app is very user-friendly and modern. The Cash Boost Account is a great way to earn passive returns while you wait for better buying opportunities. Instead of leaving your cash idle, why not put it to work? It’s especially helpful for investors with a more cautious or income-focused strategy.

📬 If you’d like to follow more of my investing thoughts, feel free to visit InvestKaki.com and subscribe to my free newsletter. I share simple, actionable investing tips — all tailored for the everyday investor.

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