The Borneo Post

EPF commits RM250 mln to catalysing mid-togrowth stage companies

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KUALA LUMPUR: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is committing up to RM250 million aimed at catalysing midto-growth-stage companies in Malaysia through its partnershi­p with Gobi Partners.

Gobi Partners is a pan-Asian venture capital firm with an extensive investing track record.

The partnershi­p is part of its commitment to increase deployment into the domestic market, strengthen­ing its position as the largest investor in the domestic market with assets under management of RM702.48 billion as of December 2023, the EPF said in a statement yesterday.

“The investment­s will focus on six strategic themes, which include healthcare focusing on aged care and the silver economy; agricultur­e and food science looking at improving the food production ecosystem; financial services inclusivit­y; sustainabi­lity focusing on energy transition; education aiming at provision of quality education; and social infrastruc­ture as well as future themes that would fit into the EPF’s strategic mandate,” it said.

EPF chief executive officer Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn said that the retirement fund is committed to participat­ing in the growth journey of highpotent­ial companies in Malaysia as it aligns its strategy with the developmen­t of an inclusive social protection ecosystem.

“This commitment was

In support of the Madani Economy Framework, the EPF seeks to play an integral role with the other government-linked investment companies in supporting and advancing the early-stage ecosystem, and by strategica­lly investing and addressing critical gaps where it could help propel the growth trajectory of these earlier stage companies while reaping attractive risk-adjusted returns.

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF)

mandated to cater to several strategic investment themes which include healthcare, with a specific focus on aged care and the silver economy, reflecting the EPF’s recognitio­n of the importance of addressing the needs of an ageing population.

“In the long run, we hope this effort contribute­s to building a resilient society to economic and social challenges while delivering profitable returns for our members,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gobi Partners co-founder and chairperso­n Thomas G. Tsao said the venture capital firm is proud to stand alongside the EPF in this significan­t commitment towards the growth of midto-growth-stage companies in Malaysia.

“Our strategic focus on the six key themes underscore­s our dedication to driving innovation and creating lasting socio-economic impact,” he said.

The EPF remains committed to increasing its investment­s in mid-to-growth companies as they are integral to the provident fund’s mission of creating long-term value for members and providing capital to the Malaysian economy as a whole.

“In support of the Madani Economy Framework, the EPF seeks to play an integral role with the other government­linked investment companies in supporting and advancing the early-stage ecosystem, and by strategica­lly investing and addressing critical gaps where it could help propel the growth trajectory of these earlier stage companies while reaping attractive risk-adjusted returns.

“The commitment also represents EPF’s continuous efforts to strengthen social protection through strategic investment­s in promising midsized companies within the Malaysian landscape,” it added.

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