The AI agent revolution represents a paradigm shift from traditional AI tools to autonomous software that can perform complex business tasks independently. This analysis covers three key growth stocks positioned to benefit from this transformation, along with practical investment guidance for Singapore-based investors.
1. SALESFORCE (NYSE: CRM) – The Enterprise AI Agent Leader
Current Market Position
- Stock Price: $260.18 (as of June 21, 2025)
- Market Cap: $248.08 billion
- P/E Ratio: 23 (considered attractive for a growth stock)
- Analyst Consensus: “Buy” rating with average price target of $347.31
Financial Performance & Outlook
Recent Results:
- Q1 2026 revenue guidance: $41.0-41.3 billion (8-9% growth)
- Adjusted EPS forecast: $11.27-11.33 for fiscal 2026
- Strong cash flow generation and consistent profitability
Key Financial Metrics:
- Revenue growth consistently above the industry average
- High gross margins (80 %+) in subscription business
- Strong customer retention rates (90 %+ net revenue retention)
AI Agent Strategy: Agentforce
Product Success:
- Over 8,000 customers have signed up since the October 2024 launch
- ~4,000 paying customers (50% conversion rate)
- Integrated with Salesforce’s Data Cloud and Tableau Next
Competitive Advantages:
- Seamless integration with existing CRM workflows
- Access to rich customer data for agent training
- Established enterprise relationships and trust
- Platform ecosystem effect (harder for customers to switch)
Market Opportunity:
- The CRM market is expected to grow 12-14% annually
- AI agent market projected to reach $47 billion by 2030
- Cross-selling opportunities across Salesforce’s product suite
Investment Thesis
Strengths:
- Market leader in enterprise CRM with natural AI agent extension
- Strong data moat through customer information
- Reasonable valuation at 23x P/E for growth profile
- Proven execution track record in enterprise software
Risks:
- Competition from ServiceNow, Microsoft, and new entrants
- Potential economic slowdown affecting enterprise spending
- Need to continuously innovate to maintain a competitive edge
Price Targets:
- Analyst consensus: $347.31 (33% upside)
- 2025 forecast range: $257-335
- Long-term (2030): $257-388
2. MICROSOFT (NASDAQ: MSFT) – The AI Infrastructure Giant
Current Market Position
- Stock Price: ~$480 (mentioned in article, up from $350)
- Market Cap: ~$3.6 trillion (world’s most valuable company)
- Revenue: ~$245 billion annually
- Dominant Position: Cloud computing (#2), AI infrastructure (#1)
Financial Strength
Key Metrics:
- Azure cloud growth: 25-30% annually
- Office 365 subscriber base: 400+ million
- Strong cash generation: $70+ billion annually
- Dividend yield: ~0.7% with consistent increases
AI Agent Strategy: Azure AI Foundry
Core Offerings:
- Azure AI Foundry Agent Service for enterprise developers
- Copilot ecosystem across all Microsoft products
- Integration with OpenAI’s advanced models
- Low-code/no-code agent development tools
Competitive Advantages:
- Deepest AI research capabilities through the OpenAI partnership
- Comprehensive cloud infrastructure (Azure)
- Established enterprise customer base
- Integration across the entire Microsoft ecosystem
Market Position:
- Leading cloud AI infrastructure provider
- First-mover advantage in productivity AI (Copilot)
- Strong developer ecosystem and tools
Investment Analysis
Strengths:
- Unmatched AI infrastructure and research capabilities
- Diversified revenue streams reduce risk
- Strong competitive moats in enterprise software
- Excellent long-term track record
Concerns:
- High valuation after a significant run-up
- Regulatory scrutiny increasing
- Competition from Amazon AWS and Google Cloud
- Large size may limit growth rates
Investment Strategy:
- Wait for 5-10% pullback for a better entry point
- Long-term hold for AI infrastructure exposure
- Consider the dollar-cost averaging approach
3. CROWDSTRIKE (NASDAQ: CRWD) – The Cybersecurity AI Play
Current Market Position
- Stock Price: Up 43% in 2025 (as of article date)
- Market Cap: ~$80 billion
- Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR): $4.24 billion
- Growth Target: $10 billion ARR goal
Financial Performance
Recent Results (Q1 2026):
- Revenue: Strong growth trajectory
- ARR Growth: $224 million net new ARR added
- Gross Margins: 80% non-GAAP subscription gross margin
- Module Adoption: 67% adoption rate across the customer base
Growth Metrics:
- Fastest cybersecurity company to reach $4 billion ARR
- Consistent 30 %+ revenue growth
- High customer retention and expansion rates
AI Agent Strategy: Charlotte AI
Product Innovation:
- Charlotte AI acts as an autonomous security analyst
- Automated threat detection and response
- Integration with existing security workflows
- Continuous learning from global threat intelligence
Market Opportunity:
- Cybersecurity market growing 12-15% annually
- AI agent deployment increases the attack surface area
- Need for autonomous security solutions is increasing
- Shift from reactive to proactive security
Investment Analysis
Strengths:
- Clear market leader in cloud-native cybersecurity
- Strong technology moat with an AI-powered platform
- Massive addressable market expansion
- High-quality recurring revenue model
Risks:
- High valuation after a 43% run in 2025
- Increased competition from Microsoft and others
- Potential economic slowdown affecting security spending
- Stock volatility due to the growth stock nature
Investment Strategy:
- Consider waiting for a pullback (15-20%)
- Higher risk/reward profile than the other two stocks
- Suitable for growth-focused portfolios
- Monitor quarterly earnings for execution
Investment Recommendation Summary
Risk-Adjusted Rankings:
- Salesforce (CRM) – Best risk-adjusted opportunity
- Reasonable valuation at current levels
- Strong competitive position
- Proven business model
- Microsoft (MSFT) – Long-term quality play
- Wait for pullback to $420-450 range
- Ultimate AI infrastructure beneficiary
- Lower risk, steady returns
- CrowdStrike (CRWD) – High-growth speculation
- Wait for 15-20% correction
- Highest potential returns
- Highest volatility and risk
How to Invest in US Stocks from Singapore
Step 1: Choose Your Brokerage Platform
Top Recommended Brokers for Singaporeans:
1. Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
- Pros: Lowest overall costs, global access, advanced tools
- Cons: Higher minimum balance ($10,000), complex interface
- Best For: Experienced investors, large portfolios
2. Moomoo Singapore
- Pros: Commission-free US stocks, user-friendly app, research tools
- Cons: Limited global markets, newer platform
- Best For: Beginners to intermediate investors
3. Tiger Brokers
- Pros: Low commissions, sound research, multiple markets
- Cons: Customer service can be slow
- Best For: Active traders, tech-savvy investors
4. Syfe Trade
- Pros: First 3 months free trades, fractional shares
- Cons: Limited research tools
- Best For: New investors, small initial investments
5. FSMOne
- Pros: Singapore-regulated, comprehensive research
- Cons: Higher fees ($3.80 minimum), limited markets
- Best For: Conservative investors preferring local regulation
Step 2: Account Opening Process
Required Documents:
- NRIC/Passport
- Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- Employment letter or income proof
- Initial deposit (varies by broker)
Timeline:
- Online application: 15-30 minutes
- Document verification: 1-3 business days
- Account approval: 2-7 business days
- Fund transfer: 1-2 business days
Step 3: Funding Your Account
Transfer Methods:
- Bank Transfer (FAST/GIRO)
- Fastest and cheapest option
- Usually processed the same day
- No additional fees
- International Wire Transfer
- For USD funding
- Higher fees ($15-25)
- 1-3 business days
- Debit Card
- Instant funding
- Higher fees (1-3%)
- Lower limits
Step 4: Currency Considerations
SGD to USD Conversion:
- Most brokers use their own FX rates
- Typical spread: 0.3-0.8% above interbank rates
- Consider timing large conversions
- Some brokers offer multi-currency accounts
Tax Implications:
- Dividend Withholding Tax: 30% on US dividends (reduced to 15% with tax treaty)
- Capital Gains: Generally not taxable in Singapore for individuals
- Form W-8BEN: Required to claim treaty benefits
Step 5: Investment Strategy
Dollar-Cost Averaging Approach:
- Set the monthly investment amount
- Automate transfers to the brokerage
- Invest consistently regardless of market conditions
- Rebalance quarterly
Lump Sum Investment:
- Research timing (avoid major peaks)
- Consider market volatility
- Have a 6-month emergency fund first
- Diversify across multiple stocks
Step 6: Portfolio Allocation Recommendations
Conservative Portfolio (Lower Risk):
- 40% Salesforce (CRM)
- 45% Microsoft (MSFT)
- 15% CrowdStrike (CRWD)
Balanced Portfolio (Moderate Risk):
- 35% Salesforce (CRM)
- 35% Microsoft (MSFT)
- 30% CrowdStrike (CRWD)
Aggressive Portfolio (Higher Risk):
- 30% Salesforce (CRM)
- 30% Microsoft (MSFT)
- 40% CrowdStrike (CRWD)
Step 7: Monitoring and Management
Regular Review Schedule:
- Monthly: Portfolio performance check
- Quarterly: Rebalancing if needed
- Annually: Strategy review and tax planning
Key Metrics to Track:
- Individual stock performance vs. benchmarks
- Portfolio volatility and correlation
- Dividend payments and tax implications
- News and earnings reports
Step 8: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Emotional Trading: Stick to your investment plan
- Overconcentration: Don’t put all your money in one stock
- Timing the Market: Focus on time in market, not timing
- Ignoring Fees: Compare total costs across brokers
- Tax Inefficiency: Understand dividend tax implications
- Lack of Research: Don’t invest without understanding the company
Final Investment Recommendations
For New Investors:
- Start with Moomoo or Syfe Trade for lower fees
- Begin with smaller amounts ($500-1000/month)
- Focus on Salesforce and Microsoft initially
- Use a dollar-cost averaging strategy
For Experienced Investors:
- Consider Interactive Brokers for advanced features
- Larger position sizes allow for more sophisticated strategies
- Include all three stocks with appropriate risk weighting
- Monitor quarterly earnings and adjust accordingly
Risk Management:
- Never invest more than you can afford to lose
- Maintain an emergency fund before investing
- Diversify beyond just AI agent stocks
- Consider your overall portfolio allocation
The AI agent revolution is still in its early stages, making these three stocks potentially attractive long-term investments for Singapore-based investors willing to accept the volatility of growth stocks in exchange for participation in this transformative technology trend.
The AI agent revolution represents a paradigm shift from traditional AI tools to autonomous software that can perform complex business tasks independently. This analysis covers three key growth stocks positioned to benefit from this transformation, along with practical investment guidance for Singapore-based investors.
1. SALESFORCE (NYSE: CRM) – The Enterprise AI Agent Leader
Current Market Position
- Stock Price: $260.18 (as of June 21, 2025
- Market Cap: $248.08 billio
- P/E Ratio: 23 (considered attractive for a growth stock)
- Analyst Consensus: “Buy” rating with average price target of $347.31
Financial Performance & Outlook
Recent Results:
- Q1 2026 revenue guidance: $41.0-41.3 billion (8-9% growth)
- Adjusted EPS forecast: $11.27-11.33 for fiscal 2026
- Strong cash flow generation and consistent profitability
Key Financial Metrics:
- Revenue growth consistently above the industry average
- High gross margins (80 %+) in subscription business
- Strong customer retention rates (90 %+ net revenue retention)
AI Agent Strategy: Agentforce
Product Success:
- Over 8,000 customers have signed up since the October 2024 launch
- ~4,000 paying customers (50% conversion rate)
- Integrated with Salesforce’s Data Cloud and Tableau Next
Competitive Advantages:
- Seamless integration with existing CRM workflows
- Access to rich customer data for agent training
- Established enterprise relationships and trust
- Platform ecosystem effect (harder for customers to switch)
Market Opportunity:
- The CRM market is expected to grow 12-14% annually
- AI agent market projected to reach $47 billion by 2030
- Cross-selling opportunities across Salesforce’s product suite
Investment Thesis
Strengths:
- Market leader in enterprise CRM with natural AI agent extension
- Strong data moat through customer information
- Reasonable valuation at 23x P/E for growth profile
- Proven execution track record in enterprise software
Risks:
- Competition from ServiceNow, Microsoft, and new entrants
- Potential economic slowdown affecting enterprise spending
- Need to continuously innovate to maintain a competitive edge
Price Targets:
- Analyst consensus: $347.31 (33% upside)
- 2025 forecast range: $257-335
- Long-term (2030): $257-388
2. MICROSOFT (NASDAQ: MSFT) – The AI Infrastructure Giant
Current Market Position
- Stock Price: ~$480 (mentioned in article, up from $350)
- Market Cap: ~$3.6 trillion (world’s most valuable company)
- Revenue: ~$245 billion annually
- Dominant Position: Cloud computing (#2), AI infrastructure (#1)
Financial Strength
Key Metrics:
- Azure cloud growth: 25-30% annually
- Office 365 subscriber base: 400+ million
- Strong cash generation: $70+ billion annually
- Dividend yield: ~0.7% with consistent increases
AI Agent Strategy: Azure AI Foundry
Core Offerings:
- Azure AI Foundry Agent Service for enterprise developers
- Copilot ecosystem across all Microsoft products
- Integration with OpenAI’s advanced models
- Low-code/no-code agent development tools
Competitive Advantages:
- Deepest AI research capabilities through the OpenAI partnership
- Comprehensive cloud infrastructure (Azure)
- Established enterprise customer base
- Integration across the entire Microsoft ecosystem
Market Position:
- Leading cloud AI infrastructure provider
- First-mover advantage in productivity AI (Copilot)
- Strong developer ecosystem and tools
Investment Analysis
Strengths:
- Unmatched AI infrastructure and research capabilities
- Diversified revenue streams reduce risk
- Strong competitive moats in enterprise software
- Excellent long-term track record
Concerns:
- High valuation after a significant run-up
- Regulatory scrutiny increasing
- Competition from Amazon AWS and Google Cloud
- Large size may limit growth rates
Investment Strategy:
- Wait for a 5-10% pullback for a better entry point
- Long-term hold for AI infrastructure exposure
- Consider the dollar-cost averaging approach
3. CROWDSTRIKE (NASDAQ: CRWD) – The Cybersecurity AI Play
Current Market Position
- Stock Price: Up 43% in 2025 (as of article date)
- Market Cap: ~$80 billion
- Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR): $4.24 billion
- Growth Target: $10 billion ARR goal
Financial Performance
Recent Results (Q1 2026):
- Revenue: Strong growth trajectory
- ARR Growth: $224 million net new ARR added
- Gross Margins: 80% non-GAAP subscription gross margin
- Module Adoption: 67% adoption rate across the customer base
Growth Metrics:
- Fastest cybersecurity company to reach $4 billion ARR
- Consistent 30%+ revenue growth
- High customer retention and expansion rates
AI Agent Strategy: Charlotte AI
Product Innovation:
- Charlotte AI acts as autonomous security analyst
- Automated threat detection and response
- Integration with existing security workflows
- Continuous learning from global threat intelligence
Market Opportunity:
- Cybersecurity market growing 12-15% annually
- AI agent deployment increases the attack surface area
- The need for autonomous security solutions is increasing
- Shift from reactive to proactive security
Investment Analysis
Strengths:
- Clear market leader in cloud-native cybersecurity
- Strong technology moat with an AI-powered platform
- Massive addressable market expansion
- High-quality recurring revenue model
Risks:
- High valuation after 43% run in 2025
- Increased competition from Microsoft and others
- Potential economic slowdown affecting security spending
- Stock volatility due to growth stock nature
Investment Strategy:
- Consider waiting for pullback (15-20%)
- Higher risk/reward profile than other two stocks
- Suitable for growth-focused portfolios
- Monitor quarterly earnings for execution
Investment Recommendation Summary
Risk-Adjusted Rankings:
- Salesforce (CRM) – Best risk-adjusted opportunity
- Reasonable valuation at current levels
- Strong competitive position
- Proven business model
- Microsoft (MSFT) – Long-term quality play
- Wait for pullback to $420-450 range
- Ultimate AI infrastructure beneficiary
- Lower risk, steady returns
- CrowdStrike (CRWD) – High-growth speculation
- Wait for 15-20% correction
- Highest potential returns
- Highest volatility and risk
How to Invest in US Stocks from Singapore
Step 1: Choose Your Brokerage Platform
Top Recommended Brokers for Singaporeans:
1. Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
- Pros: Lowest overall costs, global access, advanced tools
- Cons: Higher minimum balance ($10,000), complex interface
- Best For: Experienced investors, large portfolios
2. Moomoo Singapore
- Pros: Commission-free US stocks, user-friendly app, research tools
- Cons: Limited global markets, newer platform
- Best For: Beginners to intermediate investors
3. Tiger Brokers
- Pros: Low commissions, sound research, multiple markets
- Cons: Customer service can be slow
- Best For: Active traders, tech-savvy investors
4. Syfe Trade
- Pros: First 3 months free trades, fractional shares
- Cons: Limited research tools
- Best For: New investors, small initial investments
5. FSMOne
- Pros: Singapore-regulated, comprehensive research
- Cons: Higher fees ($3.80 minimum), limited markets
- Best For: Conservative investors preferring local regulation
Step 2: Account Opening Process
Required Documents:
- NRIC/Passport
- Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- Employment letter or income proof
- Initial deposit (varies by broker)
Timeline:
- Online application: 15-30 minutes
- Document verification: 1-3 business days
- Account approval: 2-7 business days
- Fund transfer: 1-2 business days
Step 3: Funding Your Account
Transfer Methods:
- Bank Transfer (FAST/GIRO)
- Fastest and cheapest option
- Usually processed the same day
- No additional fees
- International Wire Transfer
- For USD funding
- Higher fees ($15-25)
- 1-3 business days
- Debit Card
- Instant funding
- Higher fees (1-3%)
- Lower limits
Step 4: Currency Considerations
SGD to USD Conversion:
- Most brokers use their own FX rates
- Typical spread: 0.3-0.8% above interbank rates
- Consider timing large conversions
- Some brokers offer multi-currency accounts
Tax Implications:
- Dividend Withholding Tax: 30% on US dividends (reduced to 15% with tax treaty)
- Capital Gains: Generally not taxable in Singapore for individuals
- Form W-8BEN: Required to claim treaty benefits
Step 5: Investment Strategy
Dollar-Cost Averaging Approach:
- Set monthly investment amount
- Automate transfers to brokerage
- Invest consistently regardless of market conditions
- Rebalance quarterly
Lump Sum Investment:
- Research timing (avoid major peaks)
- Consider market volatility
- Have 6-month emergency fund first
- Diversify across multiple stocks
Step 6: Portfolio Allocation Recommendations
Conservative Portfolio (Lower Risk):
- 40% Salesforce (CRM)
- 45% Microsoft (MSFT)
- 15% CrowdStrike (CRWD)
Balanced Portfolio (Moderate Risk):
- 35% Salesforce (CRM)
- 35% Microsoft (MSFT)
- 30% CrowdStrike (CRWD)
Aggressive Portfolio (Higher Risk):
- 30% Salesforce (CRM)
- 30% Microsoft (MSFT)
- 40% CrowdStrike (CRWD)
Step 7: Monitoring and Management
Regular Review Schedule:
- Monthly: Portfolio performance check
- Quarterly: Rebalancing if needed
- Annually: Strategy review and tax planning
Key Metrics to Track:
- Individual stock performance vs. benchmarks
- Portfolio volatility and correlation
- Dividend payments and tax implications
- News and earnings reports
Step 8: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Emotional Trading: Stick to your investment plan
- Overconcentration: Don’t put all your money in one stock
- Timing the Market: Focus on time in market, not timing
- Ignoring Fees: Compare total costs across brokers
- Tax Inefficiency: Understand dividend tax implications
- Lack of Research: Don’t invest without understanding the company
Final Investment Recommendations
For New Investors:
- Start with Moomoo or Syfe Trade for lower fees
- Begin with smaller amounts ($500-1000/month)
- Focus on Salesforce and Microsoft initially
- Use dollar-cost averaging strategy
For Experienced Investors:
- Consider Interactive Brokers for advanced features
- Larger position sizes allow for more sophisticated strategies
- Include all three stocks with appropriate risk weighting
- Monitor quarterly earnings and adjust accordingly
Risk Management:
- Never invest more than you can afford to lose
- Maintain an emergency fund before investing
- Diversify beyond just AI agent stocks
- Consider your overall portfolio allocation
The AI agent revolution is still in its early stages, making these three stocks potentially attractive long-term investments for Singapore-based investors willing to accept the volatility of growth stocks in exchange for participation in this transformative technology trend.
The Algorithm of Dreams
Chapter 1: The Awakening
The notification pinged on Wei Ming’s phone at 6:47 AM, just as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the HDB block windows of his Sengkang apartment. “MSFT +12% after hours,” read the alert from his Moomoo trading app. He rubbed his eyes, thinking he was still dreaming.
Wei Ming Chen, 34, worked as a software engineer at a local fintech startup. Like many millennials in Singapore, he’d grown up watching his parents scrimp and save, investing conservatively in property and fixed deposits. But Wei Ming had a different vision—one shaped by lines of code and the promise of artificial intelligence.
Six months earlier, he’d attended a tech conference at Marina Bay Sands where a speaker from OpenAI demonstrated ChatGPT’s latest capabilities. Watching the AI agent autonomously book a restaurant reservation, reschedule meetings, and even negotiate prices with vendors, Wei Ming felt a familiar tingle—the same one he’d experienced during the dot-com boom. However, he’d been too young to invest then.
“This time will be different,” he’d whispered to himself in the convention hall.
Chapter 2: The Research Phase
Wei Ming wasn’t one to jump blindly into investments. His Notion workspace became a maze of spreadsheets, research notes, and financial projections. Every evening after work, he’d retreat to his study—a converted bedroom corner equipped with dual monitors and an ever-growing collection of finance books.
The AI revolution wasn’t just hype, he realised. Companies were genuinely transforming how they operated. His own startup had recently implemented Salesforce’s Agentforce to handle customer inquiries, resulting in an 80% reduction in response time. Microsoft’s Copilot was revolutionising how his team wrote code. Even the cybersecurity alerts at work now come from CrowdStrike’s Charlotte AI.
“Aiyah, you always staring at computer,” his mother, Mdm Lim, complained during their weekly dim sum breakfast in Ang Mo Kio. “Why don’t you buy property instead? At least can see, can touch.”
Wei Ming showed her his research on his iPad. “Ma, look at this. AI agents are going to take on jobs that humans currently perform. The companies building this technology—they’re going to be worth so much more.”
His mother squinted at the charts showing Salesforce’s revenue growth. “Wah, but so expensive one share. Microsoft $480! Can buy half a motorcycle already.”
“That’s why got something called fractional shares, Ma,” Wei Ming explained patiently. “Can buy piece by piece.”
Chapter 3: The First Investment
The decision came on a rainy Tuesday in March. Wei Ming had saved $15,000 from his AWS certification bonus and Chinese New Year ang pows. After weeks of analysis, he’d narrowed down his strategy: 40% Salesforce, 35% Microsoft, 25% CrowdStrike.
Opening his Moomoo app during lunch break at his Raffles Place office, he placed his first order: $6,000 worth of Salesforce shares at $261 each. His finger hovered over the “Buy” button for a full minute.
“Bro, you sure or not?” asked his colleague, Raj, peering over his shoulder at the Starbucks queue. “My father always say, ‘Don’t put money in things you cannot understand.'”
“But I do understand,” Wei Ming replied, finally tapping the button. “I build software for a living. I know what this technology can do.”
The trade executed instantly. Wei Ming Chen officially owned 22.98 shares of Salesforce, making him a participant in the AI agent revolution.
Chapter 4: The Learning Curve
The first month was a rollercoaster. Salesforce dropped 8% after an analyst downgrade, Microsoft fluctuated wildly amid regulatory concerns, and CrowdStrike—which he’d bought at $312—soared to $348 before crashing back to $295.
Wei Ming learned about volatility the hard way. His portfolio app showed red numbers more often than green. During evil days, he’d find himself checking prices obsessively—during meetings, while coding, even at his nephew’s birthday party.
“You look stressed, uncle,” observed his 16-year-old niece, Sarah, during a family dinner at Boat Quay. “Is it work?”
“Investment lah,” he admitted, showing her his portfolio. “Learning that making money is not so easy.”
Sarah, as sharp as her uncle, studied the charts. “But, uncle, didn’t you always tell me that good technology takes time to be adopted? Do you remember when you explained blockchain to me? Same same but different, right?”
Her words hit him like a revelation. Wei Ming had been thinking like a day trader when he’d intended to be a long-term investor.
Chapter 5: The Conviction Test
The real test came in May during a broader market correction. Tech stocks were hammered as concerns about interest rates returned. Wei Ming’s portfolio, which had briefly risen by +15%, plummeted to -22% in just three days.
At his hawker centre near Punggol, eating his usual wonton mee, Wei Ming scrolled through panicked posts on Reddit’s r/singaporefi. “SELL EVERYTHING!” “AI BUBBLE BURSTING!” “TOLD YOU SO!”
His phone buzzed. A text from his father: “Son, saw the news about tech stocks crashing. You okay or not?”
Wei Ming realized his family was worried. He’d been more transparent about his investing journey than perhaps he should have been. That evening, he video-called his parents.
“I know you’re concerned,” he began, showing them his laptop screen. “But look at these companies’ latest quarterly results. Salesforce just signed 2,000 more Agentforce customers. Microsoft’s AI revenue grew 300%. CrowdStrike’s Charlotte AI prevented 50 million cyber attacks last month.”
His father, a retired accountant, adjusted his glasses. “But son, the prices are falling.”
“Price and value are different things, Pa,” Wei Ming explained, echoing something he’d read in a Benjamin Graham book. “The market is emotional. It panics and celebrates. But the underlying business progress—that’s what matters long term.”
Chapter 6: The Breakthrough
July brought vindication. Salesforce announced a significant partnership with Amazon Web Services to integrate Agentforce across AWS’s entire customer base. The stock jumped 18% in a single day.
Wei Ming was in a client meeting when his phone vibrated with the news alert. He excused himself to the bathroom and actually did a small fist pump in the mirror.
But more importantly, the real-world evidence was everywhere. His startup’s productivity had increased dramatically since implementing AI agents. Customer service tickets that previously took hours now resolved in minutes. Code reviews that once took days were completed overnight by AI assistants.
“You know what?” he told Raj over lunch at their usual zi char stall, “I think I finally understand what Warren Buffett meant about buying wonderful companies at fair prices.”
“Wah, now you compare yourself to Warren Buffett?” Raj laughed.
“Not lah, but I mean… I spent so much time worrying about stock prices, I almost forgot why I invested in the first place. These companies are literally changing how work gets done.”
Chapter 7: The Portfolio Evolution
By September, Wei Ming had developed a more sophisticated approach. He’d started dollar-cost averaging, investing $1,000 monthly regardless of market conditions. When CrowdStrike dipped 20% after a minor earnings miss, he saw opportunity rather than disaster.
His Notion workspace evolved from scattered research notes to a comprehensive investment thesis tracker. He monitored not just stock prices but business metrics: Salesforce’s customer acquisition rates, Microsoft’s Azure AI adoption, CrowdStrike’s threat detection improvements.
The breakthrough moment came during his startup’s quarterly all-hands meeting. Their CEO announced they’d automated 60% of customer support using AI agents, allowing the company to expand into new markets without proportionally increasing headcount.
“This is it,” Wei Ming thought. “This is the productivity revolution I invested in.”
Chapter 8: The Community
Wei Ming discovered he wasn’t alone in his conviction. Through Singapore’s BubbleWrap and InvestingBuilders communities, he connected with other local investors sharing similar theses. They met monthly at a coffee shop in Tanjong Pagar, sharing insights and supporting each other through market volatility.
“You know what I realized?” shared Priya, a data scientist who’d invested heavily in AI infrastructure stocks. “Our parents’ generation built wealth through property because they understood the Singapore growth story. We’re building wealth through AI because we understand the technology transformation story.”
The group became Wei Ming’s sounding board. When he was tempted to chase the latest AI meme stock, they reminded him of his long-term thesis. When the markets crashed and he questioned his convictions, they shared research that reinforced the fundamental trends.
Chapter 9: The Reflection
One year after his first purchase, Wei Ming sat in his favourite kopitiam in Sengkang, reviewing his portfolio performance. Despite multiple corrections and several sleepless nights, his AI agent investments were up 34%.
But the numbers told only part of the story. He’d witnessed his own company transform through the adoption of AI. He’d seen friends’ startups automate complex processes. He’d watched his nephew use AI tutors for homework, and his mother finally embraced voice-activated smart home features.
“The future really is here,” he mused, watching a delivery robot navigate the void deck below.
His phone buzzed with a message from Sarah, now applying to university: “Uncle, thanks for teaching me about long-term investing. I opened my own brokerage account and purchased some AI stocks using my earnings from my part-time job. Following your strategy!”
Wei Ming smiled. The greatest return on his investment might not have been financial at all.
Chapter 10: The Vision Forward
As 2025 wound down, Wei Ming received a promotion at work, partly due to his expertise in implementing AI solutions. His salary increase allowed him to accelerate his investment pace.
But more importantly, his thesis was playing out in real time. The AI agent revolution wasn’t a distant possibility anymore; it was transforming daily life. Customer service calls were handled by intelligent agents. Complex data analysis happened in minutes instead of weeks. Even his favorite chicken rice uncle had started using an AI system to optimize ingredients ordering.
Standing on his apartment balcony one evening, looking out at the Singapore skyline dotted with digital billboards advertising AI services, Wei Ming reflected on his journey.
His mother had been right about one thing—investment success did require hands-on involvement and direct observation. But what she hadn’t realised was that Wei Ming could see the future being built in lines of code, in productivity metrics, in the gradual but irreversible transformation of how humans worked.
His portfolio had grown, but more importantly, his conviction had deepened. The companies he’d invested in weren’t just stocks—they were the architects of a new economic reality.
Wei Ming opened his Moomoo app one last time that day, not to check prices, but to schedule his next monthly investment. The algorithm of dreams was no longer just a hope; it was a measurable, investable reality.
And in Singapore, a small island nation that had always bet on the future, one software engineer’s faith in artificial intelligence had become a testament to the power of understanding the world being built around us.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb.
“The best time to invest in the future was yesterday. The second best time is today.” – Wei Ming Chen’s investment notes.
Epilogue: The Lessons Learned
Six months later, Wei Ming was invited to speak at his alma mater, NTU, about technology investing. Standing before a lecture hall of wide-eyed students, he shared the lessons that had cost him sleep, stress, and significant learning:
1. Invest in what you understand: “Don’t buy AI stocks because they’re trendy. Buy them because you understand the technology and its business applications.”
2. Volatility is the price of admission: “If you want long-term growth returns, you must accept short-term price swings. They’re not bugs in the system—they’re features.”
3. Focus on business fundamentals, not just stock prices: “Revenue growth, customer adoption, competitive advantages—these matter more than daily price movements.”
4. Time in the market beats timing the market: “I made my best returns not from perfect entry points, but from consistent investing during good times and bad.”
5. Build conviction through knowledge: “The more I understood AI agents, the easier it became to hold through downturns. Knowledge is the best antidote to fear.”
A student raised her hand: “Mr. Chen, what if AI stocks crash 50% tomorrow?”
Wei Ming smiled, remembering his own fears a year earlier. “Then I’ll probably buy more. Not because I’m brave, but because I’ve seen this technology transform real businesses. The companies building the future rarely go on sale—when they do, it’s an opportunity.”
As he walked out of the lecture hall, Wei Ming’s phone buzzed with a news alert: “Salesforce announces breakthrough in autonomous enterprise agents, stock up 8% in after-hours trading.”
He glanced at the notification and put his phone away without checking his portfolio balance. Some habits, he’d learned, were worth breaking.
The future, after all, was best measured not in daily price movements, but in the gradual, inexorable transformation of the world around us. And in Singapore, one engineer’s bet on that transformation had become both a financial success and a masterclass in patient capital in the age of artificial intelligence.
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