Singapore Exchange : SGX and Ong First to promote futures trading profession

Singapore Exchange (SGX) and futures broker Ong First Tradition are launching a Professional Traders Development Programme to attract and train new futures traders.

The programme will raise awareness of the profession and impart trading skills to new traders through career seminars, intensive hands-on workshops and mentorship at a new trading arcade set up by Ong First.

This joint initiative will meet increasing interest in the profession. The number of SGX-registered futures traders jumped more than 20% in the second half of 2011 as compared to the first half. During the same period, the daily average trading volume of the MSCI Singapore futures contract rose 19%, reaching a record high 18,895 contracts.

"Professional futures trading has evolved from the open outcry system on the trading floor to the current form of electronic trading which is less visible. It is thus timely now to raise awareness of the profession and grow the community by attracting new traders", said Mr Ng Tee How, President of Association of Financial & Commodity Traders (Singapore) (AFACT).       

"With Ong First's 28 years of history and strong collaboration with a large pool of trade representatives, we believe new futures traders will reap valuable benefits from this programme," said Mr Ong Ka Thai, Chairman of Ong First Tradition Pte Ltd.    

"This is the first time a professional trading course is combined with mentorship at a trader's arcade. It will go a long way towards supporting the training and development needs of all new futures traders and contribute to building a more vibrant derivative trading landscape in Singapore", said Mr Chew Sutat, SGX Executive Vice President who oversees the Academy.   

For more information on the activities of the Professional Traders Development Programme, please visit .

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