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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
EPF posts RM18.31bil investment income in Q1, total assests at RM1.26tril
KUALA LUMPUR: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) posted a total investment income of RM18.31 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. This was 13 per cent lower than the RM20.99 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2024, the country's pension fund said. As of March this year, the EPF's total investment assets stood at RM1.26 trillion, up from RM1.25 trillion as at December 2024, with 38 per cent invested internationally. EPF, in a statement today, said the total investment income included RM1.02 billion mark-to-market gains on securities that have not been realised, due to foreign exchange rate fluctuations. "In line with the EPF's policy, these gains will not be distributable as dividends," it added. During the quarter under review, equities contributed RM10.81 billion, a 23 per cent decline from RM14.02 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2024 (1Q24). The fund attributed the decline to underperformance in global equity markets and a difficult investment environment. "The asset class continued to be the highest contributor, accounting for 59 per cent of total investment income," it said. Fixed income investments remained a key pillar for capital preservation by the EPF, generating RM5.99 billion to account for 33 per cent of the 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," the EPF said. Real estate and infrastructure recorded an income of RM1.08 billion in 1Q25, while money market instruments generated RM0.43 billion. Of the total investment income, RM15.87 billion was generated for Simpanan Konvensional, and RM2.44 billion for Simpanan Syariah. During the quarter, international investments generated RM8 billion or 44 per cent of the total investment income, the fund said. Its domestic investment, which accounts for 62 per cent of its total assets, continues to provide 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 per cent 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 added. EPF chief executive officer Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn noted that global markets became volatile in early 2025 due to renewed trade tensions and policy uncertainty. He said although the US administration officially announced tariffs on April 2, the uncertainty surrounding US trade policies had already started to impact major stock markets throughout the quarter. "Despite the moderation of inflationary pressures in many economies, the pace and timing of monetary policy easing differed across regions, dampening risk appetites. "Our diversified global portfolio cushioned the impact and kept the EPF on course for long-term value creation," he said.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Eco-Shop Marketing targets 15-20% revenue, Patami growth in 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Eco-Shop Marketing Bhd is targeting growth of 15%–20% in revenue and profit after tax and minority interest (Patami) in 2025, supported by business volume and consumer demand, despite recent price adjustments. Chief financial officer Chong Yew Kai said the company observed no negative reaction when it raised product entry prices from RM2.40 to RM2.60 last month. 'In terms of not only revenue but also Patami, we are looking at 15% to 20% of growth year-on-year. Last round we had this price increase in 2022. So similar trends. Things are moving as per our expectation,' he told a press conference after the company's listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia today. CEO Jessica Ng said the listing marks a new chapter for the household products retailer, enabling it to scale growth and strengthen its market position. 'With enhanced capital, we are now better positioned to expand our nationwide footprint, strengthen our warehousing and distribution capabilities, and invest in technology to enhance operations and customer experience – all while staying true to our promise of delivering unbeatable everyday value.' She said Eco-Shop's business model is built on high volume and scale, which enables it to achieve operational efficiency while keeping prices ultra-affordable. Ng noted that about 75% of the company's products are house brands, many of which are custom-packaged in smaller quantities to maintain affordability and variety. 'We buy in bulk and break them down into smaller packs – like our sachet drinks – making them more accessible to our customers. Our focus remains on daily essentials and basic home living needs.' To enhance customer experience, Ng said, Eco-Shop has refreshed its store image and layout to provide a more comfortable and enjoyable shopping environment. Eco-Shop plans to open 70 new stores annually, including five to six outlets under its Ecoplus brand, a premium retail concept aimed at urban markets and located in shopping malls. Ecoplus offers an expanded range of products beyond the standard RM2.60 price point, with options priced at RM6, RM10 and RM20. Ng said the company is open to future expansion into the Asean market, although its current focus remains on Malaysia. 'The dollar shop segment is still relatively new in Asia. Outside of mature markets like the US and Japan, there's a lot of room to grow. We're the first in this segment to list, and if the opportunity arises, we will evaluate it.' Eco-Shop made its debut on the Main Market at RM1.25 with a 12 sen premium over its initial public offering (IPO) price of RM1.13, with 25 million shares traded. It closed at RM1.20, up 6.19% from its IPO price, with over 209 million shares changing hands, making it one of the most actively traded counters. The IPO raised RM419.87 million for Eco-Shop, whichhas allocated RM56.27 million (13.4%) to accelerate the expansion of its retail footprint nationwide, RM200 million (47.6%) to expand its distribution centres, RM10.90 million (2.6%) for investment in information technology hardware and software, RM100 million (23.8%) to repay bank borrowings and RM52.7 million (12.6%) for working capital purposes and to defray the cost of the IPO and listing. Eco-Shop's Patami has grown at a compounded annual growth rate of 156% over the last three financial years from May 31, 2022 to 2024. The company recently reported Patami growth of 36% year-on-year for the nine months ended Feb 28, 2025. Maybank Investment Bank Bhd is the principal adviser, joint global coordinator, joint bookrunner and sole underwriter for the IPO. UBS Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd and UBS AG, Singapore branch, are joint global coordinators and Joint bookrunners, while RHB Investment Bank is also a joint bookrunner.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
EPF: External fund managers contribute 24% to 2024 income
A man stood before the EPF logo at Menara KWSP in Kwasa Damansara. —AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: The Employees Provident Fund's (EPF) panel of external fund managers contributed a record 24 per cent to the retirement fund's total income in 2024. EPF said in a statement today that as at Dec 31 2024, a total of RM213.21 billion had been outsourced to external fund managers, representing 17 per cent of the EPF's total investment assets. EPF chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali said the achievement is a testament to the depth of talent, insight, and collaboration across the investment ecosystem cultivated by the EPF and its external fund managers. "Despite the external headwinds and market volatility over the past year, the EPF and its external fund managers have demonstrated agility and resilience in managing a diversified portfolio aimed at delivering long-term value for our members," he said. In 2024, the EPF delivered a dividend rate of 6.30 per cent, with a payout of RM73.24 billion for Simpanan Konvensional and RM10.19 billion for Simpanan Shariah. The EPF recorded a total investment income of RM74.46 billion in 2024, while the size of its investment assets grew to RM1.25 trillion. Mohd Zuki added that EPF is committed to innovation, leveraging artificial intelligence and automation to enhance operational efficiency and develop a more agile, future-ready investment infrastructure. "We actively engage with our external fund managers to ensure they are aligned with our purpose for sustainable and inclusive growth," he said. Meanwhile, EPF honoured 12 top-performing external fund managers across their respective mandates at the annual EPF External Fund Managers Award Dinner. Among the winners are Best Domestic Equity Fund Manager (Shariah) 2024, which was presented to BNP Paribas Asset Management Najmah Malaysia Sdn Bhd, and Best Domestic Equity Fund Manager (Conventional) 2024, awarded to Franklin Templeton Asset Management (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. The category of Best Global Bond Fund Manager 2024 was awarded to BNP Paribas Asset Management Malaysia Sdn Bhd. - Bernama
New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
EPF nets RM75bil from RM213bil outsourced funds
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM213.21 billion had been outsourced to external fund managers as at end-2024, representing 17 per cent of the Employees Provident Fund's (EPF) total investment assets. In a statement, the retirement savings fund said its panel of external fund managers delivered a record total income of 24 per cent of its overall investment income. EPF chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali said the achievement reflects the depth of talent, insight and collaboration across the investment ecosystem cultivated by the EPF and its external fund managers. "Despite the external headwinds and market volatility over the past year, the EPF and its external fund managers have demonstrated agility and resilience in managing a diversified portfolio aimed at delivering long-term value for our members," he said. For the financial year ended 2024, the EPF delivered a dividend rate of 6.30 per cent for both Simpanan Konvensional and Simpanan Shariah, resulting in a total payout of RM73.24 billion. Of this amount, RM63.05 billion was distributed to Simpanan Konvensional, while RM10.19 billion to Simpanan Shariah. The EPF recorded a total investment income of RM74.46 billion in 2024, while the size of its investment assets grew to RM1.25 trillion. Mohd Zuki said the fund is committed to innovation, leveraging artificial intelligence and automation to enhance operational efficiency and develop a more agile, future-ready investment infrastructure. "At the same time, the integration of ESG considerations across our portfolios remains a strategic priority to reinforce long-term resilience. "We actively engage with our external fund managers to ensure they are aligned with our purpose for sustainable and inclusive growth," he added. To recognise their exceptional performance, the EPF honoured 12 top-performing external fund managers across their respective mandates at the annual EPF External Fund Managers Award Dinner. Among the winners are BNP Paribas Asset Management Najmah Malaysia Sdn Bhd named the Best Domestic Equity Fund Manager (Syariah) and Nomura Asset Management awarded the Best EPF Global Equity Fund Manager and Best EPF External Fund Manager.
Daily Express
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Johnsons Gallery timely, says NGO
Published on: Saturday, May 17, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 17, 2025 Text Size: 'The gallery will serve as a time machine, giving the visitors a glimpse of old Sandakan before it was almost totally destroyed during World War Two,' Lai said. SANDAKAN: Tourism players and stakeholders here praised the State Government for the planned initiatives amounting to RM1.25 million designed to lure more visitors to the district, especially the planned setting up of the Johnsons Gallery. Lai King Hang, Founder and Chairman of Sandakan Heritage Trail, said the Johnsons contribution to Sabah and Sandakan tourism through their Hollywood movies are well known. Advertisement 'Hence, creating a new gallery within the vicinity of Agnes Keith's House is long overdue. 'This American couple is well-known for documenting Sandakan, especially its wildlife and people in Abai in the 1920s and 30s. 'The gallery will serve as a time machine, giving the visitors a glimpse of old Sandakan before it was almost totally destroyed during World War Two,' he said, in a statement. Lai and his team from Sandakan Heritage Trail also took the opportunity to brief the Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, about their latest project of QR tagging prominent trees along the trail at Agnes Keith's House. Advertisement 'One can also find the tree planted by Harry Keith, the husband of Agnes Keith who was the first Conservator of Forest in Sabah,' he said. Also present were CK Teo President of Sandakan Tourism Association, Dr Arthur Chung, Lily Aw, among others. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
