
Kenanga Investors Launches New Global Real Asset Fund
The Kenanga Alternative Series: Global Real Assets Fund offers investors exposure primarily to global real estate, precious metals, and commodities by employing proprietary investment models and advanced algorithms.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 3 June 2025 - Kenanga Investors Berhad (" Kenanga Investors") has announced the launch of the Kenanga Alternative Series: Global Real Assets Fund (" KASGRAF"), a new addition to its Kenanga Alternative Series (" Series"). The KASGRAF is an open-ended retail fund designed to achieve steady growth by diversifying investments across global real assets through carefully selected exchange-traded funds (" ETFs").
The Fund's ETF exposure is managed by GAX MD Sdn Bhd (" GAX MD" or " External Fund Manager"), which employs sophisticated algorithms and advanced investment models to ensure precise and effective management of global real assets. GAX MD is also the creator of MYTHEO, a digital investment management platform launched in Malaysia since 2019.
"The introduction of the KASGRAF enables Kenanga Investors to provide investors with enhanced growth opportunities through well diversified, global investment strategies. Amidst the complex economic landscape of today, the value of physical assets such as real estate, commodities and precious metals often appreciate, enabling investors to maintain the real value of their wealth. By integrating real assets into our portfolios, we offer our investors a robust hedge against market uncertainties and a means to achieve steady returns due to its sustainable growth potential", said Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kenanga Investors.
"Our partnership combines Kenanga Investors' extensive asset management expertise with GAX MD's advanced quantitative modelling capabilities, creating a strategy based on a systematic, data-driven and cost-efficient approach to portfolio construction that optimises performance while strengthening diversification and risk management", he elaborated.
KASGRAF aims to achieve a steady growth of investment assets and realise stable income, making it an ideal choice for investors with medium-term investment horizons. The fund's core strategy involves investing primarily in ETFs linked to a diverse array of real assets. This includes sectors such as real estate, precious metals and commodities. By diversifying across these areas, KASGRAF helps to mitigate risk while enhancing the potential for returns. The Fund is available for subscription in MYR with a minimum initial investment amount of RM1,000.
"We are excited to partner with Kenanga Investors in bringing our advanced proprietary algorithms to a wider audience. ETFs allow investors to access a diverse range of asset classes including real estate, commodities and precious metals, without the high costs and complexities of direct ownership. For optimal selection, the Fund's strategy follows a rigorous screening process based on key factors such as liquidity, expense ratios and tracking efficiency. By combining data-driven analysis with a structured ETF selection process, the strategy maximises efficiency while maintaining flexibility to adapt to evolving market conditions. At GAX MD, we are excited to contribute to the success of KASGRAF and its investors, empowering them to navigate the complexities of the market with confidence", said Ronnie Tan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GAX MD.
The launch of the Series aligns with Kenanga Investors' longstanding goal of offering diverse investment solutions to meet investors' varying needs/objectives. In addition to KASGRAF, the Series also includes the Kenanga Alternative Series: Income Opportunities Fund and Kenanga Alternative Series: Islamic Global Responsible Strategies Fund. Each fund offers unique benefits, allowing investors to diversify and hedge their portfolios according to their needs. This commitment to innovative products has earned the firm recognition for its expertise in alternatives investments. This year it received the Malaysia Best House for Alternatives award from Asia Asset Management's 2025 Best of the Best Awards for the sixth time.
For more information about Kenanga Investors, please visit www.kenangainvestors.com.my.
Hashtag: #Kenanga
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Kenanga Investors Berhad 199501024358 (353563-P)
We provide investment solutions ranging from collective investment schemes, portfolio management services, alternative investments, as well as wills and trusts for retail, corporate, institutional, and high net worth clients via a multi-distribution network.
The Morningstar Awards 2025 has recognised the Kenanga Blue Chip Fund as Best Malaysia Large-Cap Equity Fund. The Bursa Excellence Awards 2024 awarded KIB's exchange-traded funds' arm, Eq8 Capital Sdn Bhd with the Special Award – Thought Leadership for launching Eq8WAQF, the world's first Waqf-featured Exchange Traded Fund. Introduced under a newly established category, the award highlights innovations that are reshaping the investment landscape.
At the LSEG Lipper Fund Awards Malaysia 2025, KIB received awards for the Kenanga DividendEXTRA Fund ("KDEF") under the Best Equity Malaysia Diversified – Malaysia Funds over 3 years, Kenanga Malaysian Inc Fund ("KMIF") under the Best Equity Malaysia Diversified – Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 years, Kenanga Balanced Fund ("KBF") under the Best Mixed Asset MYR Balanced – Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 years, Kenanga Managed Growth Fund ("KMGF") under Best Mixed Asset MYR Flexible – Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 years, and Kenanga SyariahEXTRA Fund ("KSEF") under the Best Mixed Asset MYR Balanced – Malaysia Islamic Funds Awards over 10 years.
The Hong Kong-based Asia Asset Management's 2025 Best of the Best Awards awarded KIG under the following categories, Malaysia Best Impact Investing Manager, Best Impact Investing Manager in ASEAN, Malaysia Best Equity Manager, Malaysia CEO of the Year (Co-Winner), Malaysia CIO of the Year, Malaysia Best House for Alternatives, Malaysia Best ESG Engagement Initiative, Malaysia Fund Launch of the Year, and Malaysia Best Retail Asset Management Company.
The FSMOne Recommended Unit Trusts Awards 2024/2025 has awarded the Kenanga Growth Fund Series 2 with the "Sector Equity – Malaysia Focused" award for the third consecutive year since 2022. We were also recognised at The BrandLaureate BestBrands Awards 2024 - Brand of the Year under the category Wealth Management & Investment Solutions. For the eighth consecutive year, KIB was affirmed an investment manager rating of IMR-2 by Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad, since first rated in 2017. The IMR rating on KIB reflects the fund management company's well-established investment processes and sound risk management practices.
This Press Release was issued by Kenanga Group's Marketing, Communications & Sustainability department.
Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Khaleej Times
8 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Emirates Stallions Group builds on real estate success with launch of Royal Development Holding
Emirates Stallions Group, a leading UAE conglomerate and a subsidiary of International Holding Company, has launched Royal Development Holding, a boutique real estate developer aiming to evolve spaces and elevate lives. As part of its launch, Royal Development Holding unifies a group of specialized real estate development entities including Royal Development Company (RDC) and Royal Architect Project Management (RAPM), while paving the way for the introduction of new companies that will further strengthen its market presence and capabilities. The launch of Royal Development Holding marks a new era for the Group, enabling it to enhance its presence in the real estate value chain. By adding boutique real estate development capabilities, ESG strengthens its offerings to provide comprehensive, end-to-end solutions that elevate living experiences and support its long-term growth strategy. Kayed Ali Khorma, CEO of ESG, stated: 'Our subsidiary Royal Development Company has been the trusted force behind managing over 60 iconic projects in more than 15 countries across the globe enriching our expertise in the real estate sector. We are now evolving the Royal Development name and scope of work by launching Royal Development Holding, a visionary boutique developer that will build lifestyle-driven communities to nurture growth, transform the everyday experience, and shape the future of living.' In today's crowded real estate landscape, developers are racing towards creating integrated, intelligent, and inspiring communities that respond to the changing needs of society, provide futureproof living solutions and foster a sense of belonging. With Royal Development Holding stepping into the spotlight as a forward-thinking boutique developer, it underlines a solid commitment to shaping ecosystems that offer a blend of functionality, well-being, and sustainability, and creating vibrant developments that shape the future of intelligent and connected living. Tariq Nazzal, General Manager of Royal Development Holding, commented: 'At Royal Development Holding, we continuously enhance our performance and expand our activities by listing several of the Group's real estate development and project management companies under Royal Development Holding. This is in line with our vision of constant growth and transformation. By integrating innovation, sustainability, and creative design, we will be crafting truly transformational projects that redefine modern living and elevate lifestyles.'


Khaleej Times
9 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Reportage Group partners with Forbes Middle East at the Building the Future summit
Reportage Group partnered with Forbes Middle East for the Building the Future summit, held in Abu Dhabi. This gathering brought together the region's top government figures, industry leaders, and changemakers to explore how innovation, sustainability, and purpose-driven strategies are shaping the cities and economies of tomorrow. Among the speakers were Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, the Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Eng. Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, the Director General of ADPIC, and top executives from some of the region's most influential entities. The event served as a high-level platform for discussing the future of development, infrastructure, technology, and investment in the Middle East. A major highlight of the summit was a fireside chat with Andrea Nucera, CEO and Managing Director of Reportage Group, who shared bold insights on reshaping real estate through purposeful development. Nucera highlighted several key milestones in Reportage's journey, including surpassing $1.5 billion in sales by 2025, a testament to the Group's strategic growth and expanding footprint. But the conversation quickly moved beyond figures. He emphasized that sustainability is not just about the environment, it's also about social sustainability. For Reportage Group, that means designing communities that are not only eco-conscious but also inclusive, accessible, and attuned to the needs of modern life. When asked, 'In markets that are rapidly evolving, how does Reportage provide accessibility, particularly in terms of pricing and location, for the new generation of buyers?'Nucera underscored the brand's mission to make homeownership attainable for everyone, not just the privileged few. Through flexible payment plans, and a strong presence in prime locations, Reportage is redefining the real estate landscape. It has become the only developer in the UAE challenging traditional norms by offering investment opportunities to all segments of society, especially younger buyers entering the market for the first time.


Khaleej Times
9 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Private credit set to become a part of institutional investor portfolios
Private credit is set to become a part of all institutional investor portfolios globally, especially as investors seek yield in a higher interest rate, lower-beta environment, an industry veteran said. 'Over the next 5–7 years, the asset class will mature further in Asia, driven by bank's doing more plain vanilla lending, rising corporate borrowing needs, and increased investor appetite for fixed income alternatives,' Kanchan Jain, Head at Ascertis Credit Group, said. Excerpts from an interview: With increasing interest from GCC-based sovereigns and family offices in Asian private credit, are you seeing more opportunities for cross-regional partnerships or capital flows into your funds from the Middle East? GCC based sovereigns and family offices have been long-time supporters of Asian and Indian strategies but of late we are seeing an increasing interest from GCC based sovereigns and family offices in Asia and India private credit strategies. They are recognising the benefit of adding private credit strategies to their portfolio and exploring the best fit for them i.e through strategic investments, fund investments, directs and/or co-investments. We are also seeing increasing conversations around cross-regional partnerships as well capital deployment at scale. With over $1 billion deployed and four successful funds, how is Ascertis positioning its upcoming fifth fund in the current macroeconomic landscape, particularly in Asia ex-China markets? Ascertis Credit's latest fund is being launched at a pivotal time when companies across Asia are actively seeking non-dilutive growth capital amidst tightening bank lending. The Fund operates in the high-growth, underpenetrated private credit markets of India and Singapore-SEA, offering significantly outsized returns compared to developed markets. These markets are characterized by strong growth prospects, well-entrenched market positions, and lower leverage of good size, established companies. This geographic footprint also provides strong diversification benefits away from the headwinds created through ever-shifting geopolitics and risk of slowdown in largest developed markets in the West. The Indian economy represents one of the fastest growing large economies globally and is expected to grow at a CAGR of c. 6-7% in real terms, which translates to high teens nominal CAGR for most growing and well-established corporates with a significant need for customized capital. Beyond India, there is untapped potential in the various markets that collectively make up SEA where constituting countries have witnessed robust economic growth, reflected in their GDP expansion. A number of such companies are headquartered or have significant presence in Singapore and represent strong investment profiles. Singapore also provides a strong jurisdiction in terms of legal and creditor rights. Data from World Economic Forum suggests that over a ten-year period (2012 – 2022), ASEAN countries have accounted for 9% of global GDP growth – paralleled by the growth in the size of its banking and credit markets[1]. With a target size of $750 million to $1 billion, the fund will continue the firm's legacy of targeting high-quality, cash-generative businesses with a clear focus on capital preservation and strong governance. By leveraging macroeconomic trends—such as India's infrastructure boom, Southeast Asia's rising middle class, and the global shift towards diversified supply chains—Ascertis Credit aims to capitalize on underserved yet robust credit opportunities in the region. India and Southeast Asia are rapidly growing credit markets but remain significantly underpenetrated. What makes these regions uniquely attractive to Ascertis, and how do you navigate the associated risks? India and Southeast Asia offer a unique confluence of macroeconomic tailwinds, structural reforms, and demographic momentum. India, in particular, is projected to be the world's third-largest economy by 2027, with consistent GDP growth driven by policy reforms, digital inclusion, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. In addition to its market size, India's allure lies in the strength of its financial market institutions, democratic form of governance, vast domestic market and commitment to economic reforms resulting in a steady and consistent deal flow of diverse investment opportunities across sectors. The sheer breadth and depth of opportunities available from technology and manufacturing to infrastructure and consumer goods in the Indian private credit market distinguishes it from the private credit opportunities available in other emerging economies. The Singapore-SEA bucket focuses on the attractive deal flow of US$ transactions for Singapore-based sponsor and non-sponsor businesses that are well established with regional footprint and need bespoke non-dilutive capital for growth. Singapore serves as a financial gateway to Southeast Asia, offering regulatory stability and access to regional deal flow. Collectively, ASEAN has witnessed robust economic growth, reflected in its GDP expansion. Data from World Economic Forums suggests that over a ten-year period (2012 – 2022), ASEAN countries have accounted for 9% of global GDP growth – paralleled by the growth in the size of its banking and credit markets. The broader geographic focus to include Singapore-SEA helps the strategy benefit from diversification, lower FX drag on account of US$ transactions, and lower withholding taxes on US dollar transactions. Ascertis Credit addresses various risks through its proven and tested underwriting and risk management model, targeting established companies with a track record, investing via secured lending and using strong structuring mechanisms and credit enhancement features such as security, ringfencing assets, escrows and guarantees, as applicable along with strong covenants to create a strong investment profile. Our investment process is anchored in deep underwriting, ongoing monitoring, and a strong emphasis on compliance—enabling it to navigate volatility while preserving investor capital. Ascertis Credit today manages capital for several global, marquee institutions across NA, ME and Asia, and continues to see increasing appetite for its funds on the back of the strong track record delivered by it existing funds. Ascertis Credit is committed to scaling its performing private credit platform, diversifying its offerings across tenors, sectors and geographies, and continuing to lead with its solution-oriented investment philosophy. The firm's recent launch of a short-term income fund within the performing credit fund series reflects its responsiveness to evolving investor needs, while its upcoming flagship fund reinforces its commitment to long-term, structured private credit. With a seasoned team, proven track record, and regional depth, Ascertis Credit is poised to shape the next phase of private credit growth across Asia. Ascertis Credit has emerged as one of Asia's leading private credit managers. What has been the core strategy behind your success over the past decade, especially in sourcing off-market opportunities? As a pioneer and one of the longest investors' in the private performing credit investor in India, Ascertis Credit has built a reputation for delivering bespoke, risk-adjusted private credit solutions to high-growth companies in India and Southeast Asia. This source of capital is often seen to be critical in allowing existing established companies to take advantage of the strong growth prospects in their sector. The firm's success is anchored in its ability to source proprietary, off-market transactions through a unique sourcing engine of c. 500 relationships that the company has built over the years. This has been made possible by its long-standing on the ground presence in India and Singapore, deep local relationships spreading across Tier 2 and 3 cities in India, and a sector-agnostic approach focused on performance and structure over size. This approach has allowed Ascertis Credit to generate consistent and strong returns for its investors across all its funds, and provide access to high growth companies that are not accessible through public markets or typical private equity strategies. Additionally, since the underying exposure is secured debt, the return profile is much stronger and returns more reliable. Over the 11 years, the team has raised four funds and invested over US$ 1.2 billion across portfolio companies in diversified sectors. Ascertis Credit's investment focus is on Asia ex-China, with an emphasis on India and Singapore-SE Asia, representing some of the region's fastest-growing yet underpenetrated credit capital markets.