Latest news with #EkonomiMADANI
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
EPF registers investment income of RM18.31bil in 1Q
KUALA LUMPUR: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) recorded an investment income of RM18.31bil in the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 (1Q25), a weaker performance from a year ago as equities contribution fell amid softer global equity markets. The pension fund said its quarterly income - which was 13% lower than RM20.99bil in the corresponding period in 2024 - was cushioned by its diversified global portfolio. It added that its portfolio remained on course for long-term value creation. "In a more challenging and uncertain market environment, the EPF maintains a dynamic and well-diversified portfolio to help safeguard value and manage downside risks. "We continue to actively explore investment opportunities across both domestic and international markets to strengthen our portfolio and support long-term, sustainable returns for our members,' said CEO Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn. Moving forward, the EPF expects global economic conditions to remain challenging amid persistent geopolitical tensions and the risk of high tariff and non-tariff barriers between major economies, particularly the US and China. "While some central banks have begun to ease monetary policy, concerns over global political instability, fiscal imbalances, and regional conflicts continue to dampen market sentiment and undermine investor confidence." The EPF's total investment assets stood at RM1.26 trillion as at March 2025. Of these, 38% was invested internationally. As for domestic investments, the EPF said they accounted for 62% of total assets, providing long-term income stability through dividends, interests and profits from sukuk. "The EPF remains committed to supporting Malaysia's economic growth by continuing to invest over 70% of its annual allocation in the domestic market. "This reflects its role as a long-term investor and aligns with the Government's Ekonomi MADANI framework," it said. It added that it is focused on building investment opportunities in the healthcare sector via the GEAR-uP initiative, which aims to capture long-term growth, address critical system gaps and support healthier retirement for Malaysians. By asset class, equities - the highest contributor to the EPF's income - fell 23% year-on-year (y-o-y) in 1QFY25 to RM10.81bil due to weaker performance across global equity markets and a challenging investment climate. However, fixed income continued to anchor capital preservation with a RM5.99bil contribution, representing 33% of total investment income. "Fixed income, comprising Malaysian Government Securities and Equivalents, Loans and Bonds, continues to fulfil its dual mandate of delivering stable returns and as a counterbalance to equity market fluctuations. This underscores its strategic importance in safeguarding members' savings across market cycles," said the EPF. The real estate and infrastructure segment recorded an income of RM1.08bil during the quarter under review, while money market instruments generated RM430mil, in line with return expectations. Of the total investment income, RM15.87 bil was generated for Simpanan Konvensional, and RM2.44bil for Simpanan Shariah.
Borneo Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Youth development key to Sabah's future under SMJ, says Hajiji
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor poses with participants of the Youth Economic Forum: 'MADANI Aspirations in Developing Sabah Maju Jaya' after officiating its closing at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sabah Branch, Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday. KOTA KINABALU (May 27): Youth development remains a key priority under the implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development roadmap, in alignment with the national Ekonomi MADANI framework, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. He said youths are not only beneficiaries of government policies but also agents of change and driving forces behind a resilient and inclusive state development agenda. 'Youth economic development is no longer an option, it is a strategic necessity. Young people are the heartbeat of the future and will steer the direction of our state,' he said when officiating the Youth Economic Forum: 'MADANI Aspirations in Developing Sabah Maju Jaya' held at Dewan Amil Jaya, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sabah Branch on Tuesday. Hajiji said the state government has allocated RM101.49 million to the state Ministry of Youth and Sports for 2025 to carry out various youth and sports development programmes, including RM16.75 million specifically for human capital development. He added that several initiatives have been introduced to ensure Sabah youths are equipped to face current and future challenges, including the Sabah Maju Jaya Fellowship Programme, which provides direct exposure to government policies and administration. 'Through this programme, youths are shaped not just in terms of knowledge but also in leadership and national values, enabling them to contribute effectively to the state's development,' he said. He also highlighted entrepreneurship initiatives such as the Sabah Youth Entrepreneur Success Scheme (SYABAS), which offers grants, training and mentorship to young people keen on venturing into business. He said Sabah's economic development must be viewed through the lens of direct youth involvement, especially in key focus sectors under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap such as tourism, agriculture and fisheries. 'The vast potential that Sabah holds must be translated into real opportunities for the people, especially the youth. The government will continue to provide various initiatives and incentives so that young people are not merely observers, but become key players in the state's economy,' he stressed. Hajiji also commended the organisation of the forum, which not only served as a platform for discussion but also created opportunities for cross-sector collaboration to strengthen holistic youth development efforts. He believes that a collaborative approach through synergy between stakeholders will ensure that Sabah's youth talents and potential are fully nurtured, contributing meaningfully to the state's development agenda. He emphasised that close cooperation between the government and the community is crucial to translate youth aspirations into impactful policies for grassroots communities. 'I believe that with the spirit of Sabah Maju Jaya and the principles of Ekonomi MADANI, Sabah's youth are capable of building a more progressive, balanced and competitive future,' he said. Hajiji also suggested that similar youth economic forums be held in other districts throughout Sabah, so that the voices of rural youth can also be heard and elevated.
