How could Ian Chan's precious metals trading business affect Singapore's economy?
Ian Chan's trading business could contribute to Singapore's economy Ian Chan, a final-year student at NUS Business School, operates Big Bullion, a precious metals trading company that has generated about $1.5 million in revenue. This revenue is derived from investment-grade gold and silver bullion, and the buying back of precious metals jewellery for refining. As a resident operating a successful business within Singapore, the company's financial activity and tax contributions are expected to support the local economy. Furthermore, Chan has discussed utilizing Singapore's tax-advantaged savings schemes, such as the Central Provident Fund and Supplementary Retirement Scheme, in his personal financial planning.
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How it reaches Singapore
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Ian Chan, a former naval officer, founded Big Bullion in December 2025, a company specializing in precious metals trading. The company has generated approximately $1.5 million in revenue, derived from $1.2 million in investment-grade gold and silver bullion and the remainder from buying back precious metals jewelry for refining. Big Bullion is expected to become profitable by December 2026.
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As a resident operating a successful business in Singapore, the revenue generated by Big Bullion and its associated financial activities, including the use of Singapore's tax-advantaged savings schemes, contributes to the local economy and tax base.
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sovereign island country and city-state in maritime Southeast Asia
Everything about Singapore
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- Ian Chan started precious metals trading company Big Bullion in December 2025.straitstimes.com
- Big Bullion has generated about $1.5 million in revenue thus far.straitstimes.com
- The revenue comprises $1.2 million from investment-grade gold and silver bullion.straitstimes.com
- Chan has discussed using Singapore’s tax-advantaged savings schemes, including the Central Provident Fund and Supplementary Retirement Scheme.straitstimes.com
Why it matters
The success of small, specialized businesses like Big Bullion is a key indicator of economic vitality within Singapore. For the country, the revenue generated by such enterprises, combined with the tax contributions and financial activity of its residents, forms a crucial part of the national economic base.
This is part of a broader trend where young, highly educated professionals are leveraging their skills and investments to build wealth and contribute to the market. Chan's experience highlights the growing role of personal investment and entrepreneurship in driving local economic growth.
What we don't know yet
- How will Big Bullion's expected profitability in December 2026 impact its operational scale?
- What is the overall contribution of small precious metals trading firms to Singapore's GDP?
What would change this answer
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About Bullion Coins
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Reporting
- straitstimes.comOct 17
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