Singapore celebrates its 60th birthday this year. In six decades, our nation has transformed from a small trading port into a global financial and industrial hub.
Our stock market has grown alongside the economy, rewarding patient investors with both capital gains and consistent dividends.
With the Straits Times Index (SGX: ^STI) near record levels, it is worth taking a closer look at which Singapore stocks have stood out over the past decade and what they can teach us about long-term investing.
The STI Over the Past Decade
Over the past decade, the Straits Times Index, measured by the STI ETF (SGX: ES3) on a total return basis, climbed more than 84% from July 2015 to July 2025. That works out to about 6.3% a year with dividends reinvested.
But the real standouts were the top 10 STI constituents. These delivered annualised returns ranging from 9.1% to an impressive 20%, with many leaving the index far behind.
| Rank | Company | Ticker | 10-Year CAGR (Total Return) |
| 1 | Yangzijiang Shipbuilding (Holdings) Ltd | SGX:BS6 | 20.0% |
| 2 | Sembcorp Industries Ltd | SGX:U96 | 18.3% |
| 3 | DBS Group Holdings Ltd | SGX:D05 | 16.1% |
| 4 | Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd | SGX:S63 | 15.2% |
| 5 | Singapore Exchange Ltd | SGX:S68 | 11.8% |
| 6 | Keppel Ltd | SGX:BN4 | 10.4% |
| 7 | Oversea Chinese Banking Corporation Ltd | SGX:O39 | 10.2% |
| 8 | United Overseas Bank Ltd | SGX:U11 | 10.2% |
| 9 | Venture Corporation Ltd | SGX:V03 | 9.8% |
| 10 | Mapletree Industrial Trust | SGX:ME8U | 9.1% |
What These Winners Have in Common
1. Durable businesses
Singapore Technologies Engineering thrives on long-term defence and engineering contracts with both government and commercial clients. The three major banks, DBS, OCBC, and UOB, dominate local banking and continue tapping into ASEAN growth. Mapletree Industrial Trust combines the stability of Singapore’s industrial real estate with growth from overseas data centres.
2. Dividends as a core value component
For many of these stocks, dividends made up a significant portion of total returns. Singapore Exchange is a prime example as its steady dividend payouts have been a key driver of investor gains.
3. Geographic diversification
Several of these companies earn substantial revenue outside Singapore. Yangzijiang Shipbuilding serves global clients in a cyclical industry, meaning earnings and dividends can swing with global trade cycles. Venture Corporation and the banks also generate meaningful income from regional operations.
Why These Returns Matter
Even steady sounding returns can turn into meaningful wealth over a decade.
- S$10,000 invested in ST Engineering in 2015 would be worth about S$41,300 today, based on its total return CAGR of 15.2% with dividends.
- S$10,000 in DBS over the same period would have grown to roughly S$44,500, reflecting its total return CAGR of 16.1%.
This is the power of compounding. Holding quality companies for the long term allows both price appreciation and dividends to work together.
Which Ones Still Look Wise Today?
Not all of yesterday’s winners will deliver the same results in the decade ahead. For some, future returns will depend on their ability to grow earnings from here. Others operate in industries where earnings can be more cyclical, making results less predictable.
On the other hand, companies such as ST Engineering, DBS, OCBC, UOB, and Mapletree Industrial Trust continue to stand out for their steady dividends, resilient business models, and clear role in Singapore’s economic landscape. These qualities can help them remain attractive holdings for long-term, income-focused investors.
Lessons for Investors
1. Long-term ownership works
The best performers here were not speculative darlings. They delivered solid results year after year, letting compounding do the heavy lifting.
2. Dividends cushion market volatility
Even in difficult years, dividends provided tangible returns that kept investors invested.
3. Quality over quantity
You do not need to own every STI stock. A focused portfolio of enduring businesses can deliver strong, sustainable performance.
Get Smart: From SG60 to the Next Decade of Opportunities
Singapore’s 60th birthday is more than a celebration. It is a testament to decades of progress.
For investors, it is also a reminder that wealth builds alongside the nation when you own the right businesses and hold them for the long term.
To support this growth, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has launched a S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme, including S$1.1 billion placed with three asset managers to invest in Singapore listed equities, particularly small and mid-cap stocks. The goal is to improve liquidity, attract new listings, and broaden participation in the market.
Other initiatives include tax incentives for new listings, research grants, and streamlined regulations. These are aimed at revitalising the SGX and making it more attractive for both investors and companies.
These efforts could help strengthen Singapore’s capital markets in the decade ahead and potentially provide fresh opportunities for dividend-focused investors.
The real question is: which of today’s leaders will be on the next decade’s top 10 list. And, will you own them when they are?
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Disclosure: Joanna Sng owns shares of DBS, MIT, OCBC, SGX, ST Engineering, UOB and Venture Corporation.
