Cayden Chang is the founder of Value Investing Academy (ViA), where he has trained over 50,000 individuals across 11 cities in Asia through programs rooted in value investing.
A three-time cancer survivor and philanthropic leader, his life journey brings unique authenticity to the pursuit of sustainable wealth. His work aligns deeply with Singapore’s push toward financial inclusion, lifelong learning, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
In this SG60 Showcase feature, Cayden shares how he turned personal adversity into regional impact, and how value investing is more than just finance—it’s a philosophy for life and national resilience.
Highlights
Positioning Singapore as Asia’s Financial Literacy Hub
Q: You’ve contributed to Singapore’s development through financial education. What initiative best highlights this impact?
A: Through Value Investing Academy, I’ve helped establish Singapore as a regional financial education hub, training over 50,000 people across 11 cities in Asia-Pacific. We’ve enhanced regional investment literacy and raised Singapore’s standing as a center for responsible investing.
One of my proudest contributions is the endowment fund I created with Singapore Management University (SMU), which uses investment returns to support financially challenged students. This model shows how value investing can deliver both financial and social returns.
I also co-organized the largest Asian Value Investing Conference with Phillip Capital and led events like the World Value Investing Fest and “Invest with Mary Buffett”.
Just last year, we have also organized “Investify Symposium 2024” online bringing in a total of more than 800 attendees with famous people such as Ms. Lauren Templeton (President and Founder of “Templeton & Phillips Capital Management”, and the Author of “Investing the Templeton Way”), Dr Todd Finkle (The Pigott Professor of Entrepreneurship at Gonzaga University, and the author of the award winning book, “Warren Buffett: Investor & Entrepreneur”) and Mr. Robert G. Allen (Author of numerous New York Times bestsellers including Multiple Streams of Income, Nothing Down & Cracking the Millionaire Code).
These brought regional attention to Singapore’s thought leadership in value investing.
Beyond finance, I’ve donated all proceeds from my 4 books to local causes like The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, Singapore Cord Blood Bank, and NCCS Cancer Research Fund. It’s about using investing to uplift lives.
Resilience, Tech Learning, and Regional Impact
Q: What unique perspective do you bring that aligns with Singapore’s future goals?
A: As a three-time cancer survivor and entrepreneur, I bring a mindset of resilience and long-term thinking that’s essential for Singapore’s next chapter. In fact, our national growth depends on people who can navigate uncertainty with discipline and purpose. I apply this same mindset to value investing, and it resonates deeply with students seeking financial independence.
Moreover, our academy’s expansion into 11 cities gives us insight into how different cultures build wealth, which helps Singapore stay competitive as a financial gateway. I’ve also embraced tech, offering scalable online programs aligned with Smart Nation goals. Ultimately, my journey reflects Singapore’s core values: perseverance, education, innovation, and contribution.
Q: How many professionals in Singapore have been influenced by your programs?
A: More than 50,000 professionals across Singapore and the region have gone through our training or opened brokerage accounts through our partnerships. To date, we’ve worked with SMU, WeBull Singapore, Maybank Securities, and others.
I’ve also served as a Campaign Ambassador for the National Cancer Centre, showing how financial education and health advocacy can go hand in hand.
Blending Resilience, Wealth Education, and Social Good
Q: What sets your approach apart in the financial education landscape?
A: Most finance educators focus purely on theory or numbers. My story brings something different—I survived cancer three times while building an academy that spans Asia. Because of that personal challenge, everything I teach carries more weight. I show how value investing principles like patience, discipline, and long-term focus aren’t just for stocks—they’re life tools.
I also donate 100% of my book royalties and create funds such as “Cayden Chang Inspire Award”, a SMU Endowment Fund, that turn finance into a community benefit. In essence, it’s not about getting rich quick—it’s about building wealth with purpose.
Q: How do you stay relevant in a fast-changing financial world?
A: I’m a lifelong learner. I’ve learnt investing at Columbia Business School and Ivey Business School. Most recently, I completed my executive education at Columbia in December 2024. I also stay close to real-world needs by interacting with students every week, listening to their goals, and refining our programs based on their feedback.
In Value Investing Academy, we also analysed both Singapore and US-listed daily, and share our findings in the form of case studies via our website at www.viaatlas.com and also our ViA Atlas app.
We also host monthly academy events featuring speakers in value investing, and I’m active in media throughout Asia. This helps me stay current, while our social impact work ensures we never lose sight of why we teach in the first place.
Final Thoughts: Why Cayden Chang is a Voice for Purpose-Driven Financial Education in Singapore
Cayden Chang’s story reflects Singapore’s resilience and innovation. His success as an investor, educator, and cancer survivor speaks to the nation’s belief in continuous learning, structured progress, and giving back to the community.
Looking ahead, as Singapore enters its next 60 years, Cayden proves that true financial leadership is about more than returns—it’s about legacy.
Highlights
This article is part of the SG60 Showcase series—spotlighting leaders, thinkers, and builders shaping Singapore’s next 60 years. Stay tuned for more.
Read the Chinese article here, or listen to the podcast here.
