Teraju calls for stronger Bumiputera presence in M'sian capital market

Borneo Post

18-06-2025

Junady delivers his welcoming speech at the event. — Photo by Jude Toyat
KUCHING (June 19): Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (Teraju) has called for greater Bumiputera participation in the Malaysian capital market to bridge longstanding equity ownership gaps and boost Bumiputera corporate competitiveness.
Its chief executive officer Junady Nawawi said that about seven per cent of companies listed on Bursa Malaysia were Bumiputera-controlled, and in the past three years, out of 97 new listings, only one was a majority Bumiputera-owned company.
'The journey towards initial public offering (IPO) is undoubtedly challenging – despite six decades of efforts to empower the Bumiputera economy, Bumiputera ownership and control in the capital market remains low.
'The reality is that much more needs to be done. This gap is not just a number – it is a call to action. It underscores Teraju's ongoing commitment to formulating comprehensive financing and facilitation strategies to build more competitive Bumiputera enterprises that are ready to penetrate global markets,' he said in his welcoming address at the 'Road to IPO: Sarawak Edition' programme held at Hilton Hotel here yesterday.
Junady said the programme was a significant initiative underlining Teraju's mission to ensure Bumiputera inclusion in the mainstream of the national economy, particularly within the growing capital market ecosystem.
'This marks the beginning of a strategic and long-term transformation journey. The path towards public listing not only demands perseverance and proper planning, but also discipline and competitiveness to succeed in a dynamic and challenging market environment,' he said.
He expressed appreciation to Bursa Malaysia and strategic partners Deloitte Advisory for working hand-in-hand with Teraju to realise this shared vision.
'This collaboration reflects a true spirit of partnership, where we jointly strengthen the national capital market while opening more opportunities for Bumiputera companies to grow and compete,' he said.
The programme also aims to support the state's strategic framework for Bumiputera economic empowerment through the 3-7-20 agenda, which outlines three key targets to be achieved by 2030.
'This framework aligns with the federal government's Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35) and Sarawak's PCDS 2030, both of which emphasise sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic growth,' Junady said.
He added that through PuTERA35, the government has set an ambitious target to increase individual and mandated Bumiputera equity ownership from RM1.71 trillion to RM2.93 trillion by 2035 – a 30 per cent increase in 10 years.
'This target is not just a figure, but a reflection of our national resolve to ensure Bumiputeras become more significant stakeholders in the economy,' he said.
Junady also highlighted Sarawak's key role in Malaysia's overall economic development.
'Companies in this state have demonstrated high potential, not just in terms of resilience, but also in their aspirations to expand into domestic and international markets,' he said.
The event saw the participation of representatives from Sarawak Bumiputera Socioeconomic Transformation Group (KGBS), as well as presidents of various Bumiputera chambers of commerce including Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS), Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), and Orang Ulu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OUCCI).
Junady urged participants to take full advantage of the programme.
'Get actively involved, absorb the insights shared, ask questions, and build your network. Such interactions are not mere formalities, but bridges to your next phase of growth,' he said.
He reiterated Teraju's commitment to supporting Sarawak through strategic financing and guidance, aiming to strengthen the corporate landscape and foster a sustainable and competitive Bumiputera economic ecosystem.
'Let us move forward together toward a brighter future, where Sarawak Bumiputera companies stand tall as champions at the regional and global levels,' he said. Bumiputera Capital market lead TERAJU