Inovatif

Category: business

  • Kenanga Futures launches “Futures Awaken”

    Kenanga Futures Sdn Bhd (“Kenanga Futures”) has announced the launch of its latest nationwide campaign, “Futures Awaken”. Running until 30 November 2025, the campaign is dedicated to shaping a new generation of traders by enhancing their financial strategies and redefining Futures as a vital hedging and risk management tool amidst ongoing global economic uncertainties.

    Futures Awaken highlights Malaysia’s growing prominence in the global derivatives space by showcasing the vibrant and dynamic product landscape of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives (BMD) as a gateway to new opportunities. Reflecting Kenanga Futures’ commitment to Building a Smart Derivatives Trading Community, the campaign offers a curated digital learning journey featuring interactive e-modules and seminars – all designed to foster financial literacy and empower Malaysia’s New-Gen, which makes up 25% of the population, to take charge of their financial future in the ever-evolving derivatives landscape.

    “At Kenanga Futures, we are building tomorrow, today. By staying true to our values, we strive to inspire and empower the next generation of traders through innovation and enhanced education to thrive in this dynamic derivatives industry. The Futures Awaken campaign is a timely initiative that celebrates the spirit of Malaysia Day by equipping Malaysians with a strong foundation in futures trading and advancing them to the next level. As the Gen-Alpha of today embraces disruptive technology and adopts AI-machine learning in trading strategy, the derivatives landscape is being redefined – unlocking new opportunities in this new era of trading,” said Azila Abdul Aziz, Chief Executive Officer/ Executive Director & Head of Listed Derivatives of Kenanga Futures.

    Throughout the campaign period, account opening fees are reduced to a nominal RM10, lowering the barrier of entry for newcomers to capitalise on the current market landscape. Additionally, new clients who successfully register and open a futures trading account with Kenanga Futures during the campaign period, and trade a minimum of 10 BMD contracts, will be eligible to receive a RM100 e-shopping voucher, while the top 20 traders must fulfil the minimum requirement of trading more than 500 BMD contracts during the campaign period in order to qualify for the RM300 e-shopping voucher.

    Looking ahead, Kenanga Futures plans to expand the campaign with advanced learning modules, collaborative initiatives, and partnerships with industry experts – reinforcing its commitment to Building a Smart Derivatives Trading Community.

  • StashAway launches Shariah Global Portfolios

    StashAway launches Shariah Global Portfolios

    StashAway, Malaysia’s leading digital wealth management platform, has announced the release of its Shariah Global Portfolios. These Shariah-compliant diversified portfolios have delivered back-tested returns of up to 14.4% annually over the past five years.

    The portfolios have demonstrated strong 5-year annualised composite historical returns ranging from 7.3% to 14.0% annually, positioning them competitively against conventional investment options. Built with low-cost Shariah-compliant ETFs, which have ample liquidity and low tracking errors, clients benefit from efficient execution.

    “We are proud to offer a solution that empowers more Malaysians to grow their wealth with their Shariah-compliant values. With our Shariah Global Portfolios delivering competitive double-digit returns, investors can access global growth opportunities while staying aligned to Islamic principles. We believe that the global exposure of our Shariah-compliant offerings is highly complementary to Malaysians’ core investments such as Amanah Saham Bumiputera and retirement-focused Employee Provident Fund which provide primarily domestic exposure,” said Wong Wai Ken, Country Manager, StashAway Malaysia.

    StashAway’s offering provides investors with four distinct risk levels to match different investor profiles, from moderate to very aggressive. The globally diversified portfolios offer exposure, through ETFs, to global equities, US equities, emerging market equities global Sukuk and gold, helping reduce over-concentration risk. Clients are also able to use these ETFs to build portfolios through StashAway’s Flexible Portfolios which include the asset classes listed above, alongside Silver, Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.

    StashAway’s Shariah-compliant offerings have been screened and certified by Masryef Advisory, a Shariah advisory firm registered with the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC). Ongoing reviews ensure portfolios remain aligned with Islamic principles, giving investors peace of mind.

    “Our partnership with StashAway reflects our shared commitment to enabling ethical, faith-aligned investing. Every ETF in the Shariah Global Portfolios has been rigorously screened and vetted based on globally recognised Shariah screening methodology. Investors can have confidence that their portfolios remain Shariah-compliant.” said Khairil Anuar, Principal, Masryef Advisory.

    This comes at a time when Malaysia’s Islamic finance sector continues to expand, with increasing investor appetite for Shariah-compliant investment products that deliver competitive returns. StashAway’s solution provides access to global markets which previously has proven difficult for individual investors to access cost-effectively.

  • Manulife and Bank of China Malaysia launch global income fund to strengthen retirement readiness

    Manulife and Bank of China Malaysia launch global income fund to strengthen retirement readiness

    Financial wellbeing is increasingly recognised as a key pillar of long-term health and longevity, with many acknowledging that financial fitness can significantly influence their quality of life as they age. In response to this growing awareness – and the pressing need to help investors in Malaysia better prepare for retirement – Manulife Investments and Bank of China (Malaysia) Berhad (BOCM) announced that they are offering BOCM clients the Manulife Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund (the Fund). The Fund invests at least 85% of its net asset value into the Manulife Global Fund – Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund (the Target Fund).

    The Manulife Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund is suitable for investors who seek regular income, and wish to participate in a diversified portfolio of assets in the global markets, and have a medium to long-term investment horizon.

    A recent survey[1] conducted by Manulife revealed that only 58% of Malaysians believe they have sufficient funds for retirement – raising concerns that the remaining 42% may face health and longevity challenges post-retirement. Additionally, over half (56%) believe it is critical to have a steady income stream after retirement, while nearly one-third say a diversified investment portfolio helps bridge their financial gap.

    The Manulife Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund takes a differentiated approach to income generation, focusing less on equity appreciation and more on delivering yield through fixed income and an option writing strategy. A key feature of the strategy is the tactical use of option writing, which may provide a steady income stream in both rising and falling markets. Option premiums tend to increase with market volatility, making this approach particularly valuable during market downturns – when traditional capital payouts may be under pressure.

    Yan Ye, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCM, said “BOCM understands that the country will become an aged nation earlier than expected by 2040, with those who are 60 years old and above accounting for 17% of the population[2] . According to a public mandatory retirement scheme, most Malaysians do not have enough savings for their retirement. Therefore, planning for retirement should start early to enable individuals to adopt suitable strategy. As a financial service provider, BOCM provides banking solutions that bridge the financial needs of Malaysians. Leveraging the Fund’s objective and Manulife Investments’ fund management expertise over the years, we are onboarding the Fund on our platform to enhance the range of options available for our customers’ selection.”

    Grace Ho, Head of Retail Wealth Distribution and Direct Digital Business, Asia, Manulife Investments said: “We are pleased to offer the Manulife Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund to the valued customers of BOCM. Across Asia, we continue to see rising demand for income solutions that can help investors navigate longer lifespans, shifting retirement expectations, and evolving market conditions. Bringing this established strategy to Malaysia reflects our commitment to supporting local investors with proven, globally diversified approaches that align with their long-term financial goals.”

    BOCM customers can subscribe to the Manulife Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund through bank branches and mobile banking (eWealth Banking) platform.

  • Razorpay Curlec and VISA launch instalment payments

    As Malaysia’s consumer spending gears up for a strong 2025, driven by an average income growth of 3.3% year-on-year, household expenditures are set to rise sharply – from RM896.9 billion in 2024 to an anticipated RM943.7 billion this year.

    But what’s truly reshaping the consumer spending landscape? A new wave of digitally savvy Malaysians is demanding smarter, more flexible payment solutions such as Easy Payment Plans (EPP) to help manage both planned and unplanned purchases.

    Recognising this shift in consumer expectations, Malaysia’s leading payment gateway, Razorpay Curlec, has joined forces with the trusted leader in digital payments, VISA, in a strategic partnership to deliver credit card-based instalment plans through VISA Instalment Solutions (VIS).

    This game-changing collaboration is designed to empower businesses nationwide, enabling them to offer customers easy and affordable ways to manage both planned expenditures and unexpected expenses.

    With VIS now integrated into the Razorpay Curlec platform, businesses can provide their customers the freedom to spread the cost of big-ticket items over manageable monthly instalments, available on credit cards from major banks. This partnership not only meets the evolving needs of Malaysia’s consumers but also unlocks fresh growth opportunities for businesses in a fast-paced digital economy.

    Kevin Lee, Country Head and Chief Executive Officer of Razorpay Curlec, said, “Today’s consumers do not just appreciate flexibility, they expect it, especially when it comes to making high-value purchases. To stay ahead, Malaysian businesses need solutions that deliver choice without compromising cash flow or customer experience.

    Through our partnership with Visa, we are enabling thousands of Razorpay Curlec businesses to offer trusted, seamless instalment options, empowering them to elevate the checkout experience, deepen customer relationships, and unlock new avenues for growth and loyalty,” Lee concluded.

    Previn Pillay, Country Manager of Visa Malaysia, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Razorpay Curlec to enable Visa Instalment Solutions at checkout, empowering consumers with seamless and flexible ways to pay. Instalments are increasingly becoming a smart and manageable way to spend, whether on everyday essentials or larger purchases, because they provide both choice and peace of mind. By bringing VIS to Razorpay Curlec, we are supporting financial confidence and giving consumers greater control of their spending, underscoring our commitment to driving inclusive payments built around the needs of consumers.”

    According to the 2024 Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes study, card payments are especially prevalent in more mature markets such as Singapore and Malaysia (91%), where card usage maintains a deeper foothold than other newer payment methods, despite the momentum for mobile wallets.

    With EPP, businesses offer customers 0% interest and no management fees on purchases with flexible instalments for credit card users. Customers can access over thousands of participating retailers across categories like home & living, electronics, jewellery, and beauty services.

    By combining world-class technology with deep local insight, Razorpay Curlec is redefining what it means to be a modern payment gateway in Malaysia. Trusted by businesses of all sizes, Razorpay Curlec remains committed to driving innovation, strengthening security, and delivering customer-first solutions to Malaysian businesses, powering growth in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic digital economies.

  • RHB introduces new Vehicle Financing-i (Variable Rate) Flexi Redraw

    RHB Banking Group introduces its new Vehicle Financing-i (Variable Rate) Flexi Redraw with the aim to provide a more responsive alternative to conventional hire purchase arrangements.

    The RHB Vehicle Financing-i (Variable Rate) Flexi Redraw seeks to address limitations of traditional vehicle financing through a two-pronged approach. At its core, the product allows hirers to make additional payments beyond their scheduled instalments. Crucially, these overpayments are designed to directly reduce the underlying profit charges on the outstanding financing amount. This mechanism presents a tangible opportunity for hirers to reduce their total financing cost over the tenure, a notable departure from standard fixed-payment structures.

    The “Flexi Redraw” element introduces a significant layer of financial agility by permitting customers to withdraw these accumulated excess funds when unforeseen circumstances arise. This feature effectively integrates a liquidity buffer directly into the financing arrangement, potentially alleviating the need for alternative, often more costly, short-term borrowing/financing solutions during financial exigencies.

    Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo, Managing Director of Group Community Banking, RHB Banking Group, highlighted the rationale behind the product, “Consumers are increasingly seeking financial solutions that offer both savings and flexibility. Our latest financing enhancement is designed to help our customers take control of their financial future by reducing overall costs while ensuring they have access to additional funds when needed.”

    In close partnership with Volvo Car Malaysia, RHB Vehicle Financing-i (Variable Rate) Flexi Redraw will now also be available as an option on Volvo Car Financial Services – Volvo’s premium financing solutions to help customers get in the seat of their new Volvo car.

    “We are grateful to have RHB Banking Group as our long-standing financing partner for Volvo Car Financial Services whose products have given our customers the flexibility of variable rates. The new Flexi Redraw option is an excellent value-add for customers seeking the safety, luxury, comfort and performance of our latest electrified cars without compromising their financial security,” said Chris Tan, Sales Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.

    For prospective motor vehicle owners in Malaysia, the RHB Vehicle Financing-i (Variable Rate) Flexi Redraw introduces several key advantages:

    • Cost Efficiency Potential: The ability to reduce profit charges through proactive overpayments offers a pathway to lower overall financing expenditure.
    • Integrated Financial Buffer: The redraw feature provides an accessible liquidity option directly linked to one’s vehicle financing.
    • Enhanced Control: The product design aims to empower hirers to better manage their long-term financial commitments.

    The product is available for individuals (18-65 years old) and various business entities, covering new, new unregistered reconditioned, and used vehicles, with a minimum financing amount of RM80,000. It is important to note that the profit charges discount on excess payments is capped at 50% of the total original financing amount, and withdrawals are subject to minimal fee, with a minimum withdrawal of RM2,000 and in multiples of RM1,000.

  • AFFIN launches “AFFIN 50 Years, 50 Prizes” Golden Jubilee campaign

    AFFIN launches “AFFIN 50 Years, 50 Prizes” Golden Jubilee campaign

    AFFIN Group (“AFFIN” or “the Group”) celebrates its 50th anniversary with the launch of the “AFFIN 50 Years, 50 Prizes” Golden Jubilee Campaign, a year-long celebration rewarding customers with exclusive prizes, strengthening financial literacy and empowering Malaysians on their financial journey. Running from 1 March 2025 to 31 January 2026, this milestone campaign features 50 exclusive prizes, including a Grand Prize of RM1,000,000.

    The “AFFIN 50 Years, 50 Prizes” Golden Jubilee Campaign invites customers to participate by performing eligible transactions, such as maintaining a minimum Month-End Balance (MEB) of RM5,000 in their AFFIN Current or Savings accounts. With every eligible transaction, customers earn entries for a chance to win.

    Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah, President & Group Chief Executive Officer of AFFIN Group, said, “For 50 years, AFFIN has underscored its commitment to strengthening financial resilience, fostering economic growth, and delivering value to our customers wherever they are. The “AFFIN 50 Years, 50 Prizes” Golden Jubilee Campaign reflects our dedication to creating opportunities, driving progress, and empowering people with financial solutions that meet their evolving needs. As we look ahead, we remain focused on building a future-ready financial ecosystem that serves a wider community, aligned with the strategic pillars of our AFFIN Axelerate 2028 (AX28) Plan, which are Unrivalled Customer Service, Digital Leadership, and Responsible Banking With Impact.”

    Beyond this flagship campaign, AFFIN is introducing a suite of initiatives tailored to meet the diverse financial needs of its customers, including Jalan-Jalan Raya AFFIN with Naelofar, the Porsche Cashback Campaign, the 1-for-1 Business Class offer with AFFIN Credit Card, and many more to be launched throughout the year. These initiatives are spearheaded by AFFIN’s key business divisions such as Deposit Business, Cards, Personal Financing, Mortgage, Auto Finance, Corporate Banking, Enterprise Banking and Wealth Management, in collaboration with Affin Hwang Investment Bank Berhad.

    Learn more about how customers can benefit from the “AFFIN 50 Years, 50 Prizes” Golden Jubilee Campaign and start earning rewards today by visiting www.AffinAlways.com or following @Affinmy on social media.

  • insureKU goes live with first native aggregation service

    Censof Holdings Berhad (Censof or the Group), a technology holdings company specialising in financial management software solutions, today announced that insureKU — Malaysia’s first fully digital, end-to-end insurance and takaful aggregator — is now officially live.

    Developed by its subsidiary, Censof Maal Sdn Bhd, insureKU is built with the consumer in mind and delivers a seamless, transparent, and user-friendly experience for comparing, understanding, and purchasing a wide range of insurance and takaful products — from life and general insurance to travel coverage and beyond.

    Commenting on the service launch, Ameer Shaik Mydin, Group Managing Director of Censof said, “insureKU represents a natural extension of Censof’s vision to empower Malaysians through innovative financial technologies. This service launch is not just about offering insurance online, it is about removing barriers, building confidence, and enabling consumers to make informed decisions about protecting their future. We believe insureKU is a key milestone in that journey.”

    The platform currently features travel insurance options for consumers to engage with, alongside plans to expand into other categories later this year, with an initial list of insurance providers that includes Generali, TokioMarine and Tune Protect. Using the service, insureKU is able to help consumers specify, identify, understand and purchase their specific travel insurance product in under three minutes which is a tremendous and empowering time and money saving hack.

    “insureKU is built to remove the complexity around insurance decisions and give consumers the clarity they need to feel in control,” said Shadhana Sekaran, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of insureKU. “From a single platform, users can compare plans from multiple providers, understand their options with greater transparency, and complete their purchase with confidence — all in just a few clicks. Our goal is to simplify insurance for everyone, and we’re just getting started.”

    More Than Just Comparisons – A Smarter, Trusted Way to Secure Coverage

    Backed by Censof Maal Sdn Bhd’s decades of experience in developing complex financial systems, insureKU leverages this expertise and the domain experience in insurance of its management team, to enhance how it offers an intuitive, technology-driven solution that places consumer empowerment in their hands.

    As one of the earliest authorised participants under Bank Negara Malaysia’s Financial Technology Regulatory Sandbox, insureKU has been extensively developed and tested over the past one year to meet real-world needs. The platform is the first of its kind in Malaysia to offer fully integrated aggregation and digital solutions across both the insurance and takaful sectors.

    To shift perceptions and expectations of what insurance can and should be for consumers, insureKU’s service launch focuses on the first step of its long-term planning; education, comparison, and the aggregation of information to allow consumers to make easier, better, and value-driven decisions for their insurance needs. Savings gained through insureKU’s processes are also passed back seamlessly to consumers, aiming to make insurance more affordable over time.

    insureKU is committed to continual innovation, with upcoming enhancements including multi-lingual support, expanded product offerings, and user-centric tools such as the Need Analysis Calculator and Financial Budget Calculator — all designed to help users tailor their insurance plans to suit their personal goals and financial circumstances, further simplifying and enhancing the digital insurance experience.

    “This is more than a product service launch — it is the beginning of a much needed movement to dismantle the barriers that have long excluded many Malaysians from securing their financial future,” added Shadhana.

    To celebrate the service launch, insureKU is rewarding the first 100 customers who purchase travel insurance through the platform with items from a limited exclusive merchandise offering – making it even more rewarding as consumers in Malaysia take their first steps toward easier, smarter, and empowered insurance choices.

    For more information and to explore your insurance options, visit www.insureku.com.

  • RAM: Malaysian banks on steady footing despite external pressures

    RAM Ratings maintains a stable outlook on the Malaysian banking sector in conjunction with the release of its latest sector commentary, Banking Insight 2025 – Maintaining Momentum.

    While uncertainties from US protectionist measures and ongoing geopolitical tensions could spill over to the domestic economy, it is still too early to assess the full extent of these effects. With the US and China being key trading partners of Malaysia (approximately 14% of Malaysia’s total value-added production), the retaliatory tariff contest may dampen the positive trade momentum and Malaysia’s growth trajectory.

    “Despite these external challenges, we anticipate banks’ credit profiles to hold steady. Banks are also entering the year in strong shape, with still-solid capital buffers and asset quality at its most robust ever,” said Wong Yin Ching, RAM’s Co-head of Financial Institution Ratings.

    Key expectations:

    • Loan growth to hold steady at 5.5% in 2025. Household loans may ease slightly but will likely be the main driver of loan growth, while business loans increase from infrastructure projects and investments.
    • Capital reverting to pre-pandemic levels. The industry’s common equity tier-1 capital ratio declined to 14.3% as at end-2024 (2020-2023 average: 15.3%; end-2019: 14.6%), although still robust. Banks are cautiously raising dividends, with most estimating the impact of new Basel III reforms to be manageable.
    • GIL ratio to remain stable at 1.4% this year. The system’s gross impaired loan (GIL) ratio hit a historic low of 1.44% as at end-2024. Prudent underwriting and potential write-offs will help sustain the GIL ratio amid new challenges.
    • Funding and liquidity profiles to stay sound. As loan growth outpaced deposit growth, the sector’s loans to deposits ratio surpassed 90%. Other metrics like the liquidity coverage ratio and net stable funding ratio were kept healthy.
    • Moderate earnings increase in 2025. While 2024’s non-interest income surge may not repeat, banks are on track for moderate profit growth from stable credit expansion and a low credit cost of around 20 bps.

    RAM’s GDP growth expectation of 4.0%-5.0% for 2025 (2024: 5.1%), though slower, will be driven by domestic demand given favourable labour market conditions and accommodative interest rates.

    Investment activity will gain from progress on multi-year infrastructure projects and greater realisation of record-high levels of approved investments last year, as well as the ongoing rollout of catalytic initiatives under the national master plans. These factors are likely to stimulate business lending. On the retail front, home financing will continue to be a major growth contributor while auto lending is anticipated to normalise in line with the lower total industry volume forecast for 2025. “Beyond these, the overall loan growth trajectory will also inevitably depend on how global external risks and domestic adjustments to fuel subsidies and electricity tariffs unfold,” Wong adds.

    On the asset quality front, the weighted average credit cost ratio of eight selected local banks rated by RAM eased further to 18 bps in 2024 (2023: 23 bps). Banks’ loan loss coverage (with regulatory reserves) is strong, with the average of the eight banks improving to 143% as at end-2024 (end-2023: 134%)
    “Malaysian digital banks are also making a nascent mark on the industry, with all three operational banks ramping up deposit gathering efforts over the past year, driven by high-interest savings accounts,” said Sophia Lee, RAM’s Co-head of Financial Institution Ratings. Digital banks have also recently expanded their services to include lending, strategically focusing on specific customer segments.

    Expectedly, all three digital banks are still far from breaking even, with quarterly trends indicating that losses have yet to peak in view of high set-up costs. “The key hurdle for these banks lies in retaining tech-savvy and price-sensitive customers in a competitive market while managing acquisition costs and scaling up without assuming significant risks. Shareholders have so far demonstrated strong financial support, with all three players receiving additional capital injections in 2024,” Lee adds.

    RAM’s Banking Insight is available for download at www.ram.com.my.

  • Kenanga Investors celebrates multiple wins at the 2025 LSEG Lipper Fund Awards

    Kenanga Investors celebrates multiple wins at the 2025 LSEG Lipper Fund Awards

    Kenanga Investors Berhad (“Kenanga Investors”) was presented with a total of five awards at the LSEG Lipper Fund Awards 2025, surpassing previous successes by earning recognition across multiple categories,.

    The firm was recognised for the performance of the following funds:

    1. Kenanga DividendEXTRA Fund (“KDEF”) – Best Equity Malaysia Diversified – Malaysia Funds Over 3 Years
    2. Kenanga Malaysian Inc Fund (“KMIF”) – Best Equity Malaysia Diversified – Malaysia Provident Funds Over 10 Years
    3. Kenanga Balanced Fund (“KBF”) – Best Mixed Asset MYR Balanced – Malaysia Provident Funds Over 10 Years
    4. Kenanga Managed Growth Fund (“KMGF”) – Best Mixed Asset MYR Flexible – Malaysia Provident Funds Over 10 Years
    5. Kenanga SyariahEXTRA Fund (“KSEF”) – Best Mixed Asset MYR Balanced – Malaysia Islamic Funds Awards Over 10 Years

    Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, expressed pride in the firm’s performance, stating, “These awards highlight our ongoing commitment to excellence and consistency, especially in delivering strong returns year after year, even in tough market conditions. Our success comes from a disciplined, bottom-up stock-picking approach, which helps us identify high-quality companies and spot opportunities others may miss. We dig deep into industry dynamics, company business models, and the key factors driving return on equity. Through thorough channel checks, we assess competitive advantages and growth drivers, focusing on management quality, sustainability, industry trends, and balance sheet strength. As such, we are glad to see our expertise demonstrated by our success in both conventional and Shariah categories”.

    Lee Sook Yee, Chief Investment Officer, shared the firm’s outlook for 2025, stating, “We will continue to emphasise stock picking, while maintaining a higher-than-usual cash allocation to ensure flexibility amidst ongoing external uncertainties. We will focus on sectors tied to Malaysia’s domestic growth story, such as financials, construction, and healthcare, while complementing these with increased defensive holding. Selected small-cap stocks could present an opportunity, especially after their underperformance compared to large-cap stocks in 2024. By staying consistent with our investment philosophy, I am confident we can manage our portfolios effectively to capitalise on market opportunities, even with volatility”.

    The performance1 of KMIF2 for the 2024 calendar year, which has received recognition for four consecutive times at the Awards, stands at 24.14%, significantly outperforming its benchmark of 16.98%. KDEF2 recorded returns of 21.31%, surpassing its benchmark of 16.98%, while KMGF3 delivered 19.24%, exceeding its benchmark of 10.39%. KBF4 posted a return of 18.53%, also outperforming its benchmark of 12.52%, and KSEF5 achieved 15.39%, outpacing its benchmark of 10.23%.

    The LSEG Lipper Fund Awards, granted annually, highlight funds and fund companies that have excelled in delivering consistently strong risk-adjusted performance relative to their peers. The Awards are based on the Lipper Leader for Consistent Return rating, which is a risk-adjusted performance measure calculated over 36, 60 and 120 months.

    With this year’s multiple wins, Kenanga Investors strengthens its position as a leading fund house in Malaysia, committed to delivering value and growth for its investors over the long term.

  • Maybank Asset Management launches first in-house Shariah Global Tech Fund to tap AI megatrends

    Maybank Asset Management launches first in-house Shariah Global Tech Fund to tap AI megatrends

    Maybank Asset Management Sdn Bhd (“MAM Malaysia”) is proud to introduce the Maybank Global Technology-I Fund (“the Fund”), its second in-house global fund and a key addition to its suite of Shariah-compliant investment solutions. Designed for investors seeking long-term capital growth, the Fund aims to offer investors access to high-growth technology companies that are shaping the future of the global economy while adhering to Shariah principles.

    Hisham Hamzah, CEO of MAM commented, “The launch of the Fund comes at a pivotal time as financial markets navigate heightened volatility. Following President Donald Trump’s return to office, the U.S. has imposed significant tariffs on key trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, and China, introducing renewed uncertainty in the global economy. Amid these challenges, investors seek resilient investment solutions, and the Fund is designed to meet this need.”

    He added, “Concurrently, China’s technological advancements are reshaping the competitive landscape. Notably, a Chinese startup has released a low-cost, high-performance AI model, R1, which has garnered significant attention and is seen as a major development in the AI industry. Keeping up with these rapidly evolving market developments can be complex for investors, requiring the expertise of professional fund managers to identify opportunities and mitigate risks. the Fund offers a unique opportunity to participate in the future of innovation while benefiting from professional investment management.”

    As an equity fund, the Maybank Global Technology-I Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of Shariah-compliant equities and equity-related securities of technology-driven companies worldwide. By maintaining at least 75% of its net asset value (NAV) in global Shariah-compliant technology-related equities, the Fund aims to provide investors with meaningful exposure to cutting-edge innovations in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital payments, and cloud computing.

    Denominated in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) as the base currency, the Fund is available in both retail (MYR Class) and institutional (MYR Institutional Class) offerings, with a minimum investment of RM1,000 and RM250,000, respectively.

    Investors are advised to read and understand the contents of the Fund’s Product Highlights Sheet and Prospectus, dated 6 February 2025, before making any investment decisions.

    The Maybank Global Technology-I Fund is now available on Maybank2U and Maybank branches nationwide. To learn more about the Fund, investors can visit www.maybank-am.com.my.