Khazanah seeks long-term investment bond with China

KUALA LUMPUR: Khazanah Nasional Bhd wants to forge a longterm bond with China on investments, says managing director Datuk Shahril Ridza Ridzuan.

Speaking at a China conference on Wednesday, he said Khazanah had a long history of investing in China and now is looking at new technologies, e-commerce, artificial intelligence and new media.

“From the government’s point of view, we view our relationship with China as important. We need to build a new network of friends, partners and investors.

“Going forward, Khazanah wants to forge a long-term bond with China to capture investment opportunities in the hugely populated country,” said the new Khazanah chief, who was heading the Employees Provident Fund previously.

Shahril noted that Chinese investments were coming into Malaysia in various sectors and Alibaba was keen to replicate its businesses in Malaysia.

“For Khazanah, we see markets in China that are multifold in size... we are looking at how much more we can do in China.

“Our focus will be on the new economy, digital media and technology.”

Shahril encouraged Malaysians to go to China to find the right partners and technologies for investment.

“You can always find the right investments there,” he said.

Responding to a question that China’s economy is slowing, Shahril said China is a more matured economy now and hence Khazanah expects higher risk but also higher returns.