A record 650 investors turned up for The Sunday Times Invest Seminar on Saturday to hear veteran financial journalists and economic experts offer their views on the global economy and investment strategies.

Organised by The Straits Times Money Desk, the seminar, now in its third year, was presented by DBS Bank and held at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore hotel.

The event kicked off with Mr Lim Say Boon, chief investment officer at DBS Group Wealth Management and Private Bank, discussing his outlook on long-term trends in Asian markets amid an impending rise in interest rates.

Mr Lim said that the United States economy is likely to be stronger this year and suggested that investors bet on sectors in Asia that might benefit in the long term from the global economic recovery, such as the offshore and marine sector and the banking sector.

In response to questions about investment strategies, Mr Lim urged investors to stay invested at all times and to diversify their portfolio.

"One successful investor told me his secret to building wealth is to 'buy cheap, buy good, don't sell'. It is good advice," said Mr Lim.

Other speakers at the event included The Straits Times money editor Lee Su Shyan and deputy money editor Dennis Chan, as well as DBS Group Research senior currency economist Philip Wee and the bank's head of fixed income Clifford Lee.