Kenanga Investors Recognised At The Global Islamic LSEG Lipper Fund Awards 2025 For Shariah-Compliant Excellence
Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer said, "We are pleased that the Kenanga SyariahEXTRA Fund has received its second Lipper recognition in a year for its impressive performance. Shariah-compliant funds have seen increased interest, partly due to inclination toward defensive sectors like healthcare, telecommunications, and utilities, which tend to be more resilient during market downturns, making them attractive to both Muslim and non-Muslim investors seeking resilience amid market uncertainty. The Fund exemplifies our commitment to investing for good, blending Shariah principles with the benefits of impact investing. By focusing on sectors that align with both ethical values and long-term sustainability, we strive to deliver strong returns for our investors while contributing to meaningful, positive outcomes.
As at 31st March 2025, the KSEF delivered returns of 46.30%* (5-years), 62.85%* (10-years), 220.02%* (since inception). Launched in 1996, KSEF aims to provide investors with medium to long-term capital appreciation through investments in specified asset classes by adopting a balanced approach towards equities and fixed income exposure based on Shariah principles.
Lee Sook Yee, the Chief Investment Officer of Kenanga Investors explained, "The KSEF's outperformance is mainly attributed to Shariah-compliant stock, sukuk selection and asset allocation. The team continued the strategy of identifying key sectors or groups of Shariah-compliant securities that we believe would perform well under an anticipated economic condition. Individual Shariah-compliant securities selection will then focus on well-managed, financially sound companies with attractive relative valuations and a potential for high earnings growth over the medium to long term time frame. We believe in staying consistent with our investment philosophy so that we may manage our portfolios effectively to capitalise on market opportunities, even with volatility".
The firm recently saw its innovative efforts within the Shariah investing landscape recognised at the Bursa Excellence Awards 2024 which awarded its exchange-traded funds' arm, Eq8 Capital Sdn Bhd with the Special Award – Thought Leadership for launching Eq8 FTSE Malaysia Enhanced Dividend Waqf ETF, the world's first Waqf-featured Exchange Traded Fund. The Waqf ETF aims to distribute income annually with half of the income distribution to be allocated as Waqf assets with the remaining half payable to unitholders.
The Global Islamic LSEG Lipper Fund Awards celebrate funds and fund management firms that have delivered consistently strong risk-adjusted performance relative to peers.
For more information about Kenanga Investors, please visit www.kenangainvestors.com.my.
*Source: Lipper Investment Analytics, 31 March 2025.
Hashtag: #Kenanga
https://kenangainvestors.com.my
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 Award 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
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Zawya
Vingroup awarded first-class labor order for outstanding achievements in developing the national exhibition and convention center
HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – Vingroup was awarded the First-Class Labor Order in recognition of its exceptional achievements in developing the National Exhibition and Convention Center. This prestigious award acknowledges the Group's breakthrough efforts and determination in completing the project 15 months ahead of schedule, celebrating the 80th National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and making a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the capital city and the nation. The conferment ceremony was part of the Inauguration and Groundbreaking Ceremony of National Projects commemorating the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025), held at the inauguration site of the National Exhibition and Convention Center, Tu Lien Bridge area, Dong Anh District, Hanoi. The National Exhibition and Convention Center is a state-level key project, ranked among the top 10 largest exhibition centers in the world. With a total area of about 900,000 square meters, it is envisioned to become a premier international destination for global trade fairs and exhibitions, as well as a new symbol of Hanoi's development. Construction commenced on August 30, 2024, and the site was handed over on June 27, 2025—after just 10 months of construction, 15 months ahead of schedule. This remarkable pace set a new benchmark in Vietnam's construction sector, overcoming major challenges in engineering and executing a massive steel dome structure of unprecedented scale and complexity. As both investor and general contractor, Vingroup maximized all resources, proactively designed construction plans, coordinated manpower, equipment, and materials, and ensured seamless supply chain management across multiple contractors. During peak construction periods, the project mobilized hundreds of contractors and about 3,000 workers and engineers, supported by 800–1,000 pieces of heavy machinery sourced from across the country, including 300–500 ton cranes and super-heavy transport vehicles. The site operated at full intensity, 24/7 in three shifts, optimizing every moment to shorten construction time by 60%. While accelerating progress, Vingroup also maintained strict oversight of each component, ensuring safety, quality, and long-term sustainability of the project. Mr. Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup, shared: "Receiving the First-Class Labor Order at the inauguration of the National Exhibition and Convention Center is a profound honor and pride for all Vingroup employees. We are committed to continuing our spirit of perseverance and determination to operate the Center successfully, contributing to making Hanoi and Vietnam leading destinations for world-class political, economic, cultural, and social events." At the heart of the Center is the Kim Quy Exhibition Hall, one of the world's largest circular exhibition hall with an area of approximately 130,000 square meters and a central height of 56 meters. Inspired by the sacred Golden Turtle God (Kim Quy) of the Co Loa legend, the hall's unique architecture is hailed as a new wonder of the capital. Its engineering posed extraordinary challenges: a steel dome weighing 24,000 tons, assembled from ultra-large steel beams and high-strength bolts using specialized torque-severing methods to ensure quality control and double the standard safety factor. The roof is covered with ultra-light, ultra-durable fiberglass fabric, offering natural translucency and energy efficiency in line with global green building standards. Beyond the Kim Quy Exhibition Hall, Vingroup has developed a comprehensive exhibition ecosystem including four outdoor plazas (East, West, South, North), the VinPalace International Convention Center, landscaped green parks and lakes, and large-scale parking facilities. With capacity for hundreds of thousands outdoors and thousands indoors, the Center is not only suited for mega exhibitions but also for large-scale events such as concerts, national festivals, and global technology showcases—meeting the strictest international requirements and redefining Vietnam's MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. One of the key drivers behind this construction milestone is the upcoming National Achievements Exhibition – 80 Years of Independence, Freedom, and Happiness, taking place from August 28 to September 5, 2025. For the first time, all provinces, ministries, sectors, and enterprises across Vietnam will gather in a single national-scale exhibition, expected to attract millions of visitors and reignite national pride. The accelerated completion of the National Exhibition and Convention Center not only demonstrates Vingroup's strong financial capacity, professional execution, and effective project management, but also affirms its commitment to serving the nation and the strength of Vietnam's private enterprises in this new era of global integration. Hashtag: #Vingroup The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Vingroup
Khaleej Times
13 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE, Saudi SWFs, mutual funds power GCC AuM to $2.2 trillion
The GCC's asset management industry has entered a new phase of expansion, reaching $2.2 trillion in assets under management (AuM) in 2024 — a 9 per cent increase from the previous year — according to a new report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The strong momentum is being powered by sovereign wealth funds (SWFs), retail mutual fund growth in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and a rapid embrace of digital transformation. The region's trajectory is unfolding against a backdrop of global market volatility, fee compression, and evolving investor preferences. Yet experts say the GCC has carved out a unique position, with sovereign wealth funds providing resilience and retail participation offering depth. 'The next decade's leaders will be those who redefine their future, not just endure challenges,' said Lukasz Rey, managing director and partner at BCG and Middle East head of financial institutions. 'With Saudi Arabia and the UAE anchoring regional momentum, the GCC's strategic diversification and SWF dominance signal a future where local asset managers could rival global giants.' Saudi Arabia and the UAE remain the anchors of this growth, together accounting for the bulk of retail mutual fund expansion. Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority has introduced reforms to deepen liquidity and strengthen the investment environment, while the UAE has seen robust inflows into funds tied to its rapidly expanding capital markets, including Dubai's IPO boom and Abu Dhabi's ADX growth. Kuwait and Abu Dhabi, meanwhile, remain the dominant players in sovereign wealth, led by the Kuwait Investment Authority and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which are among the largest sovereign funds globally. Collectively, SWFs in the GCC control more than $4 trillion in assets, with increasing allocations to alternative investments and sustainable finance. Analysts say the GCC's AuM growth of 9 per cent in 2024 outpaced the global average of 7 per cent. Much of this increase was driven by market performance rather than fresh inflows, underscoring the region's exposure to global equity swings. Still, experts believe the structural story remains intact. 'Saudi Arabia and the UAE are driving retail mutual fund expansion, while Kuwait and Abu Dhabi lead in sovereign wealth fund dominance,' said Mohammad Khan, managing director and partner at BCG. 'The region is steadily establishing itself as a global financial powerhouse.' One notable trend has been the rise of private assets, traditionally the domain of institutions but now attracting retail investors. Globally, semi-liquid private funds have grown more than fivefold in four years to surpass $300 billion, with GCC investors increasingly participating in these vehicles. In Saudi Arabia, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been a catalyst, channeling capital into domestic infrastructure and technology while also investing heavily abroad. Similarly, Mubadala and ADQ in Abu Dhabi have been active in renewable energy, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing — sectors aligned with their respective national diversification visions. Experts argue that the sector's future growth will hinge on its ability to adapt to three structural forces reshaping the industry worldwide: evolving investor demand, consolidation, and digital disruption. On the demand side, active exchange-traded funds (ETFs), model portfolios, and separately managed accounts are emerging as areas of opportunity. Consolidation is already under way, with larger players leveraging scale to expand offerings and cut costs. Smaller firms are increasingly turning to niche strategies and leaner models to stay competitive. Technology is perhaps the most transformative force. Asset managers are investing in artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, to automate portfolio management, enhance research, and streamline middle- and back-office operations. 'Cost discipline is now a strategic focus, with firms prioritising unique value creation, embracing lean practices, and investing in transformative technologies,' said Nabil Saadallah, managing director and partner at BCG. Industry insiders note that pension funds and sovereign wealth funds are 'quietly reshaping the region's financial architecture' by becoming more active and sophisticated allocators. Saudi pension funds, for example, are diversifying away from traditional fixed income into equities, private markets, and global infrastructure. This not only supports the domestic economy but also integrates the GCC more deeply into global capital flows. The GCC's evolution as an asset management hub also reflects broader economic reforms. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 has spurred capital market deepening and foreign investor participation, while the UAE has positioned itself as a global fintech and investment hub through regulatory innovation and attractive free zones such as DIFC and ADGM. The IMF projects GCC non-oil GDP growth at 4.3 per cent in 2025, reinforcing the link between economic diversification and capital market vibrancy. At the same time, the industry must manage challenges. Fee pressure continues to erode margins, forcing managers to rethink value propositions. Global investors are increasingly demanding sustainable and ESG-focused products, an area where GCC managers are beginning to respond, particularly in renewable energy-linked funds. Furthermore, volatility in global markets — from US rate uncertainty to China's slowing growth — could affect inflows and performance. Despite these risks, the outlook remains broadly positive. According to Preqin, assets under management in private markets worldwide are expected to reach $24 trillion by 2028, and the GCC is positioning itself to capture a meaningful share of that growth. Regional SWFs are already among the most active investors in private equity, venture capital, and infrastructure, while retail investors are steadily being drawn into professionally managed products. In a region once heavily reliant on hydrocarbons, the rise of a $2.2 trillion asset management sector signals both resilience and reinvention. As BCG's Rey put it, 'The GCC has the ingredients — sovereign fund strength, retail momentum, and diversification strategies — to not just withstand global market volatility, but to emerge as a serious competitor to the world's leading asset managers in the decade ahead.'
Zawya
13 hours ago
- Zawya
ISCA Launches $2 Million Career Support Programme to Help Jobseekers Pivot into Accountancy Profession
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 August 2025 - With the demand for accountancy and finance professionals growing amid Singapore's transition to a digital and sustainable economy, the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) today launched a $2 million Career Support Programme to help jobseekers and mid-career individuals pivot confidently into the accountancy profession. Unveiled by Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Finance and National Development at ISCA's Annual Dinner, the initiative is designed to provide both practical career support and financial relief at a time when many Singaporeans are seeking to reskill and future-proof their careers. Developed in partnership with the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and Workforce Singapore (WSG), the Career Support Programme includes: Professional Affiliation & Recognition – Eligible jobseekers will enjoy ISCA membership fee waivers, gain recognition through ISCA credentials, and access structured pathways to professional designations. Learning & Upskilling Support – Complimentary networking events, talks, and e-learning via ISCAccountify, alongside a "Skills First, Pay Later" scheme that lets participants train first and only pay when they secure employment. AI-enabled ISCA Talent Marketplace – As the programme's centrepiece, this platform connects jobseekers with employers, conducts personalised skills-gap analyses, and provides tailored recommendations for next career steps. Since its soft launch in July, the platform has featured over 100 job postings by 28 employers, and over 150 job profiles created by jobseekers. The roles range from sustainability, AI consultancy to business finance and traditional accountancy roles. Accountancy careers continue to experience sustained demand and the diversity of roles across industries offer opportunities for professionals who are open to upskill and expand their skillsets or even do a career switch. Professionals from general administration, customer care, engineering and equity investment who have leveraged WSG's Career Conversion Programmes have successfully pivoted to assurance and financial accounting roles. Ms Dilys Boey, Chief Executive, WSG, said: "The ISCA Career Support Programme offers a robust platform that guides individuals into accountancy careers. The synergy between WSG's career advisory services and ISCA's AI-enabled Talent Marketplace as well as industry expertise creates more opportunities for Singaporeans to join the sector at any career stage. This partnership not only enhances employment outcomes but also makes accountancy a more accessible career choice for all. Together with ISCA, we're committed to helping Singaporeans discover and pursue meaningful careers whilst enabling companies to fulfil their talent requirements." The Career Support Programme will also prepare professionals for the impact of AI on jobs. According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, global macro trends will create about 170 million new jobs this decade while displacing 92 million roles. Technological skills, especially AI and big data, are projected to grow in importance more rapidly than any other skills in the next five years. In anticipation of these shifts, ISCA had committed $2 million to spearhead its AI for Accountancy Industry (AI for AI) initiative through a multi-pronged approach. Through research, education, and adoption, the initiative will support firms and accountants in effectively harnessing AI across audit, non-audit, and commercial sectors. ISCA President Mr Teo Ser Luck said: "AI will fundamentally reshape the accountancy sector and fuel demand for accountants with new skills to thrive in the digital economy. The ISCA Career Support Programme reflects our strong commitment to the profession and its people. By providing resources, financial relief, and practical tools such as the AI-enabled ISCA Talent Marketplace, we aim to support individuals — whether they are new entrants to the profession or experienced accountants displaced by change — through skill-gap training and career opportunities. Our goal is to help them find their footing, stay relevant, and move forward with clarity and purpose." Hashtag: #CareerSupportProgramme #CSP #Jobs #AI #Accountancy The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore with over 40,000 ISCA members making their stride in businesses across industries in Singapore and around the world. ISCA members can be found in over 40 countries and members based out of Singapore are supported through 12 overseas chapters in 10 countries. Established in 1963, ISCA is an advocate of the interests of the profession. Complementing its global mindset with Asian insights, ISCA leverages its regional expertise, knowledge, and networks with diverse stakeholders to contribute towards the advancement of the accountancy profession. ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the Designated Entity to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore – CA (Singapore) – designation. ISCA is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global family that brings together the members of leading institutes to create a community of over 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 countries. For more information, visit Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)
