5 SGX ETFs to gain exposure to Asia’s fastest-growing sectors

This post was created in partnership with SGX. All views and opinions expressed in this article are Beansprout's objective and professional opinions.

What happened?

If you have been investing in Singapore stocks for a while, you may already have a solid core portfolio built around familiar blue-chip names.

But beyond the steady dividends and resilience of the Straits Times Index, some of the world’s most exciting growth is being driven by powerful long-term trends, from artificial intelligence and semiconductors to electric vehicles and digital platforms.

This is where thematic ETFs can play a useful role in a portfolio.

They can help investors diversify beyond Singapore’s traditional sectors by adding exposure to fast-growing industries that may not be well represented locally. 

At the same time, ETFs offer a more diversified way to access these themes, instead of relying on individual stock picking.

In this article, we highlight five SGX-listed ETFs that provide targeted exposure to Asia’s growth engines. 

We will share what each ETF offers, how they differ, and how they may fit as a satellite allocation alongside a core portfolio of Singapore blue chip stocks.

Gain access to high-growth sectors through ETFs on the SGX

The Singapore Exchange has steadily expanded its ETF ecosystem over the past years.

By the end of 2025, SGX hosted 50 ETFs with total assets under management (AUM) of S$18 billion, up 37% year-on-year, reflecting rising investor adoption.

Today, SGX-listed equity ETFs provide exposure to:

• China technology and innovation leaders
• Southeast Asia’s fast-growing digital economy
• Next-generation sectors such as AI, EVs, and advanced manufacturing

For investors seeking growth without concentrating risk in individual stocks, ETFs offer a diversified and cost-efficient way to participate in long-term structural trends.

Why invest in SGX-listed ETFs for growth exposure?

#1 – No need to navigate overseas markets

SGX-listed ETFs trade like any other Singapore stock, during local market hours from 9:00am to 5:00pm (with a midday break). 

There is no need to open overseas brokerage accounts or track multiple foreign exchanges.

This also removes the need to monitor US or China markets late at night, making portfolio management more convenient for long-term investors.

#2 – SGD-denominated (with selected ETFs offering dual-currency options)

Most SGX ETFs trade in Singapore dollars, with selected ETFs also offering USD counters.

This simplifies portfolio tracking and reduces friction from frequent currency conversions.

#3 – SRS-compatible

Some growth-focused ETFs are SRS-eligible, allowing investors to deploy retirement funds into higher-growth assets instead of leaving SRS balances idle.

Notably, SRS and CPF-IS ETF investments grew nearly 400% since 2020, reaching about S$1.2 billion in asset under management (AUM) by end-2025. 

This shows a structural shift toward ETFs as long-term portfolio building blocks.

Find out the top 10 ETFs bought by SRS investors in 2025 here.

5 SGX-listed ETFs offering targeted growth exposure

#1 - Amova MSCI AC Asia ex Japan ex China Index ETF (A93.SI / A94.SI)

The Amova MSCI AC Asia ex Japan ex China Index ETF (A93.SI / A94.SI) aims to track the MSCI AC Asia ex Japan ex China Index, covering large- and mid-cap companies across developed and emerging Asian markets, excluding Japan and China.

The MSCI AC Asia ex Japan ex China Index is reviewed quarterly in February, May, August, and November.

Listed in April 2025, the ETF has an AUM of S$53 million and a TER of 0.70%. While it does not yet have 1-, 3-, or 5-year track records, it has delivered a 29.0% return since inception as of end-2025.

By excluding China and Japan, the ETF provides diversification into other Asian growth engines such as Taiwan, India, and Korea. These are markets benefiting from supply-chain realignment, semiconductor manufacturing, and domestic consumption growth.

This ETF is less concentrated than single-theme tech funds and is better viewed as a regional core growth holding rather than a tactical trade.

Holdings typically include large regional leaders across technology, financials, and industrials, offering balanced exposure rather than a single-theme bet. You may see familiar names such as TSMC, Samsung and DBS holdings. 

Read more about Amova MSCI AC Asia ex Japan ex China Index ETF here.

Explore more ways to invest your SRS savings for yield or growth with Amova SGX-listed ETFs here.

#2 - CSOP iEdge Southeast Asia+ TECH Index ETF (SQQ.SI / SQU.SI)

The CSOP iEdge Southeast Asia+ TECH Index ETF (SQQ.SI / SQU.SI) is designed to track the iEdge Southeast Asia+ TECH Index, which includes 30 of the largest technology companies across India and Southeast Asia.

The iEdge Southeast Asia+ TECH Index typically includes leading SEA companies across Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and neighbouring markets, giving investors diversified exposure to the region’s digital transformation.

The index is reviewed semi-annually and rebalanced quarterly. 

As of 31 December 2025, the ETF has an AUM of approximately S$265 million and a TER of 1.41%.

Unlike China-focused tech ETFs and US-centric tech ETFs, this fund blends India IT services firms with Southeast Asia’s digital and tech-adjacent companies. This makes it a useful complement rather than a replacement for China or US tech exposure.

The ETF delivered a 1-year return of 2.4%. Due to its relatively recent listing on 20 June 2023, longer-term performance data is not yet available.

A snapshot of the ETF's top holdings shows names such as Infosys, Wipro, Astra International, Grab, Sea, and Venture Corporation among the larger weights, which suggests the "tech" label can include tech-enabled and tech-adjacent businesses too.

You can learn more about the CSOP iEdge Southeast Asia+ TECH Index ETF to invest in ASEAN tech giants here.

#3 - Lion-OCBC Securities Hang Seng TECH ETF (HST.SI / HSS.SI)

Listed on 10 December 2020, the Lion-OCBC Securities Hang Seng TECH ETF (HST.SI / HSS.SI) is designed to track the Hang Seng TECH Index, which comprises 30 of Hong Kong’s largest technology and internet companies. 

It offers direct exposure to China’s major platform, consumer tech, and innovation leaders through a single SGX-listed trade.

As of 31 December 2025, the ETF has an AUM of S$443 million and a total expense ratio (TER) of 0.68%. The index is reviewed and rebalanced quarterly.

The ETF was among the top 10 most actively traded equity ETFs on SGX in 2025, reflecting renewed investor interest in China’s tech recovery. It returned 16.7% over the past year and delivered a 3-year annualised return of 8.6%.

Because this is a focused tech-themed ETF, performance can be more volatile than broader Asia funds. Returns are also influenced by a smaller number of large holdings, which can result in sharper swings when sentiment toward China tech shifts.

Top holdings typically include Tencent, Alibaba, Meituan, SMIC, and BYD, spanning consumer internet, hardware, and advanced manufacturing.

As an SRS-eligible ETF, it may suit investors seeking long-term exposure to China tech, though we would consider it as a satellite holding rather than a core position in a balanced portfolio.

Explore ways to invest in China’s growth story through SGX-listed A-share ETFs here.

#4 - CSOP CSI STAR and CHINEXT 50 Index ETF (SCY.SI)

The CSOP CSI STAR and CHINEXT 50 Index ETF (SCY.SI) aims to track the CSI STAR & CHINEXT 50 Index, and it is structured as a feeder fund that invests at least 90% of its assets into an underlying China ETF linked to the same theme.

A feeder fund is an investment vehicle that pools capital from many investors and "feeds" it into a much larger master fund, which then makes the actual investments.

This structure allows everyday investors to access exclusive, high-cost strategies like global technology or private equity, with a much smaller starting amount than if they tried to invest directly.

STAR and ChiNext are often viewed as China’s equivalents of NASDAQ, housing innovative companies in semiconductors, biotech, advanced manufacturing, and software.

As of 31 December 2025, the ETF has an AUM of S$10 million and a TER of 2.70%. The index is reviewed and rebalanced semi-annually.

In 2025, this ETF was the top-performing China equity ETF on SGX, delivering a 1-year return of 53.1% and a 3-year annualised return of 9.8% as of 31 December 2025. 

As this ETF provides targeted exposure to earlier-stage growth companies compared to traditional China large-cap indices, this ETF may be useful when we want China innovation exposure that is not only about the big Hong Kong internet platforms.

Because it targets earlier-stage innovation companies rather than established internet platforms, performance can be more cyclical and sensitive to policy headlines and risk sentiment. We would expect higher volatility compared to broad China equity ETFs.

The ETF holdings span high-tech manufacturers, medical technology firms, and emerging software players, which are all sectors aligned with China’s strategic development priorities.

Being SRS-eligible, it may appeal to investors comfortable with higher risk in exchange for higher growth potential, though we would size this exposure carefully.

Explore ways to invest in China’s growth story through SGX-listed A-share ETFs here.

#5 - UOBAM Ping An ChiNext ETF (CXS.SI / CXU.SI)

UOBAM Ping An ChiNext ETF (CXS.SI / CXU.SI) aims to track the ChiNext Index, which comprises the 100 largest and most liquid A-shares listed on the ChiNext Market of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

These firms tend to be smaller, more innovation-driven, and faster-growing than traditional large-caps.

Listed on 14 November 2022, UOBAM Ping An ChiNext ETF (CXS.SI / CXU.SI) has an AUM size of S$3 million as of 31 December 2025 and has a total expense ratio (TER) of 1.39%.

The index is reviewed and rebalanced semi-annually in June and December.

ChiNext-focused ETFs were among the top-performing China equity ETFs in 2025 following weakness in 2023-2024, reflecting strong investor appetite for innovation-led growth themes in China's ChiNext market.

The ETF's 1-year return was 38.4% and the 3-year annualised return was 5.2% as of 31 December 2025. 

Given its focus on fast-growing innovation companies, this ETF can be more volatile than broad China equity funds and is more sensitive to shifts in China risk sentiment.

Explore ways to invest in China’s growth story through SGX-listed A-share ETFs here.

How these ETFs differ

While all five ETFs target growth, they serve distinct strategic roles within a portfolio, differing primarily in geographic focus, concentration risk, and sector maturity, as well as target different parts of Asia’s growth spectrum. 

They range from established technology leaders to earlier-stage innovation companies, and from single-country themes to broad regional exposure. 

Understanding these differences helps you combine them more thoughtfully within a diversified portfolio, rather than treating them as interchangeable.

#1 - Established leaders vs. new innovation

The Lion-OCBC Securities Hang Seng TECH ETF (HST.SI / HSS.SI) and CSOP iEdge Southeast Asia+ TECH Index ETF (SQQ.SI / SQU.SI) target large, mature tech giants with stable business models. 

In contrast, CSOP CSI STAR and CHINEXT 50 Index ETF (SCY.SI) and UOBAM Ping An ChiNext ETF (CXS.SI / CXU.SI) focus on China’s "innovation boards," featuring smaller, faster-growing companies that are more sensitive to market swings. 

The Amova MSCI AC Asia ex Japan ex China Index ETF (A93.SI / A94.SI) sits in the middle, offering broad regional exposure without a narrow sector tilt.

#2 - Geographic focus

You can choose China-centric growth via the Lion-OCBC Securities Hang Seng TECH ETF (HST.SI / HSS.SI), CSOP CSI STAR and CHINEXT 50 Index ETF (SCY.SI), or UOBAM Ping An ChiNext ETF (CXS.SI / CXU.SI). 

Alternatively, the CSOP iEdge Southeast Asia+ TECH Index ETF (SQQ.SI / SQU.SI)  captures the digital shift in India and Southeast Asia. 

For the most diversified regional exposure, the Amova MSCI AC Asia ex Japan ex China Index ETF (A93.SI / A94.SI) covers markets like Taiwan and South Korea while excluding China and Japan.

#3 - Cost and concentration

If you prefer lower fees, the the Amova MSCI AC Asia ex Japan ex China Index ETF (A93.SI / A94.SI) with 0.70% TER and Lion-OCBC Securities Hang Seng TECH ETF (HST.SI / HSS.SI) with 0.68% TER are the most cost-effective. 

More specialized funds like CHINEXT 50 Index ETF (SCY.SI) with 2.70% TER have higher costs because they provide access to niche innovation sectors.

Rather than picking just one, these ETFs can work together. 

The Amova MSCI AC Asia ex Japan ex China Index ETF (A93.SI / A94.SI) acts as a stable "core" anchor for regional growth. 

You can then add "satellite" positions like the Lion-OCBC Securities Hang Seng TECH ETF (HST.SI / HSS.SI) for big tech exposure or CHINEXT 50 Index ETF (SCY.SI) and UOBAM Ping An ChiNext ETF (CXS.SI / CXU.SI) for high-risk, high-reward innovation.

What would Beansprout do?

High-growth sectors can be volatile in the short term, but they often shape the long-term winners of tomorrow’s economy. 

Instead of trying to pick individual stocks across unfamiliar markets, SGX-listed ETFs offer a practical and accessible way to gain diversified growth exposure.

If you’re looking for diversification beyond China and Japan, the Amova MSCI AC Asia ex Japan ex China Index ETF (A93 / A94) offers exposure across multiple countries like Taiwan and India. 

For higher-risk, higher-reward exposure, the CSOP CSI STAR and CHINEXT 50 Index ETF (SCY) and UOBAM Ping An ChiNext ETF (CXS / CXU) focus on early-stage innovation in China. 

For exposure to India and Southeast Asia’s digital economy, the CSOP iEdge Southeast Asia+ TECH Index ETF offers a differentiated regional angle to invest in the growing digital economies of our own neighbors.

For direct exposure to China’s large platform tech names, the Lion-OCBC Securities Hang Seng TECH ETF remains the most straightforward option to own Hong Kong-listed tech giants like Alibaba and Tencent.

As these ETFs provide exposure to growth sectors, they may be more volatile compared to ETFs that offer exposure to blue chips, such as the STI ETF, bond ETFs or REIT ETFs. Also, they may not offer regular or significant dividend payments. 

As such, we can think of how they can offer diversification as part of a resilient portfolio, rather than allocating a significant portion of our portfolio towards these ETFs as the core. 

You can find out more about these ETFs on the SGX ETF screener page, or read our guide on how to choose the best ETF as a SRS investor.

For investors planning for retirement or managing an SRS account, adding growth ETFs may help build your SRS account without the need to pick individual stocks.

If you’re looking to balance your portfolio with growth and passive income, you may read our recent article on the Top 10 Singapore ETFs with highest dividend yields.

Don’t have a brokerage account yet? Check out our guide to the best online brokers in Singapore to get started.

Once again, here are some resources to help you familiarize yourself with the world of ETFs:

• Guide to STI ETF
• Best Singapore REIT ETFs
• Best Singapore Bond ETFs
• Best S&P 500 ETFs for Singapore investors
• 7 SGX ETFs to gain exposure to China
• Best gold ETF in Singapore
• Top 10 ETFs bought by SRS investors in 2025
• Top 10 Singapore ETFs with highest dividend yields in 2025

Disclaimer

Any information provided in this article is meant purely for informational and investor education purposes and should not be relied upon as financial or investment advice, or advice on corporate finance.

This article is not and does not constitute or form part of any offer, recommendation, invitation or solicitation to purchase any financial product or subscribe or enter any transaction. This article also does not take into account your personal circumstances, e.g. investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs and shall not constitute financial advice. You should consult your own independent financial, accounting, tax, legal or other competent professional advisors. 

The information provided in this article are on an “as is” and “as available” basis without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied. Beansprout does not recommend any particular course of action in relation to any investment product or class of investment products. No information is presented with the intention to induce any person to buy, sell, or hold a particular investment product or class of investment products.