The first Singapore-listed stock I ever bought was$SIA(C6L.SI)$  ,a company that not only represented Singapore’s rise as a global hub but also embodied qualities I admired: reliability, resilience, and ambition. In those early days, investing was far from the instantaneous, digital process it is today. I would pore over the business pages of the newspaper each morning, seeking any news or data about the airline that could guide my decision. Placing an order meant calling my broker on the landline and patiently waiting for confirmation. I chose SIA because I trusted the brand, understood the aviation industry’s importance to Singapore’s economy, and believed in the company’s long-term growth prospects. This first purchase was more than a financial transaction; it was a statement of faith in the nation’s future and a personal commitment to participate in its development.

Owning shares in SIA over the years taught me some of my most valuable investment lessons. At first, I was anxious about price fluctuations and market volatility, especially during times of economic uncertainty like the Asian Financial Crisis or the dot-com bubble burst. However, as time went by, I learned to focus on the fundamentals: the company’s earnings, management quality, and strategic direction rather than short-term market noise. Receiving my first dividend cheque was a moment of joy and empowerment, illustrating that investing could provide a steady stream of income beyond capital gains. This experience helped shape my preference for companies with strong business models and consistent dividend payouts. Holding on through market ups and downs proved to be rewarding, reinforcing the importance of patience and a long-term perspective.

Now, as a septuagenarian, I reflect fondly on that initial step into the stock market with SIA. Investing today is far more accessible and fast-paced, with online platforms and real-time data at one’s fingertips, but the core principles I learned remain unchanged. Understanding the businesses I invest in, maintaining discipline through volatility, and having the patience to let time work its magic have been the keys to my journey. That very first stock purchase laid the groundwork for a lifelong relationship with investing, one defined not just by returns but by trust, resilience, and the shared growth of Singapore’s economy alongside my own financial well-being.