Latest news with #KWAP
The Star
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
KWAP, MFF INK MOU TO ACCELERATE BIODIVERSITY, NET ZERO GOALS
KUALA LUMPUR: The Retirement Fund Inc (KWAP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday with the Malaysia Forest Fund (MFF) aimed at advancing Malaysia's sustainability agenda through forest-based solutions. The partnership is a step in supporting Malaysia's transition to a net-zero economy and reinforces KWAP's commitment to achieve Net Zero Portfolio by 2050, a key element of its broader environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy. The signing ceremony, held in conjunction with the KWAP Inspire Satellite 2025 event and witnessed by Secretary General of the Treasury and KWAP's chairman Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, marks the beginning of a collaboration to advance forest conservation and nature-based solutions (NBS). This MoU also supports the development of credible and scalable national carbon credits to help KWAP's investee companies meet their decarbonisation goals. KWAP chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Nik Amlizan Mohamed said, 'The collaboration with MFF will be a game-changer for both KWAP and Malaysia's broader sustainability efforts. 'As a responsible institutional investor, KWAP is committed to driving stewardship through impactful actions and pursuing purpose beyond returns. 'By contributing to the development of a credible, nationally anchored carbon ecosystem, we aim to empower our investee companies with the tools they need to meet their net-zero commitment while also making significant contributions to Malaysia's climate and biodiversity goals.' The MoU features the Forest Conservation Certificate (FCC) to support domestic conservation initiatives, focusing on preserving Malaysia's vital biodiversity and ecosystems. MFF will also oversee development of the Forest Carbon Offset (FCO), a market-based mechanism that allows companies to offset their emissions through investments in forest conservation projects that reduce, remove and avoid carbon emissions. Through this MoU, KWAP has become a participant in the National Forest Carbon Offset (FCO) technical working group (TWG), established by MFF. The group aims to ensure the needs of institutional investors – including the nuances of ESG investing, are integrated into the framework, where relevant. This participation will also help align FCO standards with international carbon market requirements and best practices. These initiatives, aligned with Malaysia's National Climate Change Policy 2.0, aim to drive knowledge-sharing and capacity-building efforts to enhance participants' skills in forest management and carbon offsetting. This includes supporting the achievement of targets such as a 45% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 and Net Zero GHG Emissions by 2050, as well as Malaysia's commitment to maintaining at least 50% forest and tree cover. MFF CEO Datuk Shah Redza Hussein said, 'This collaboration with KWAP is a pivotal step in our mission to strengthen Malaysia's carbon market, achieving the nation's sustainability targets and accelerating meaningful climate action. 'By leveraging nature-based solutions, particularly through the Forest Conservation Certificate and the upcoming Forest Carbon Offset, we are creating a pathway for businesses towards achieving net-zero goals while supporting forest conservation, aligning with national climate commitments. 'Our work with KWAP and other stakeholders will drive long-term environmental and economic benefits, not only for Malaysia but for the global community as we strive towards a greener and more resilient future.' The collaboration puts KWAP as a sustainability thought leader, enhancing its reputation in the financial sector while contributing valuable insights to both domestic and international markets. By exploring potential integration of nature-based solutions into its ESG investment and non-investment strategies, KWAP reinforces its role in advancing Malaysia's decarbonisation agenda and setting a strong example for other institutional investors. KWAP and MFF will continue to explore opportunities to enhance the Forest Carbon Offset system and other potential nature-based solutions initiatives, ensuring they become key drivers for sustainable development in Malaysia. The partnership will also support ongoing efforts to build local capacity for biodiversity and forestry management, ensuring that the benefits of the projects reach the communities directly involved. KWAP also build on its MFF collaboration by engaging with interested parties to drive collective action, with the hopes of exploring potential collaborations with fellow GLICs and relevant organisations, in line with the Ministry of Finance's Government-linked Enterprise Activation and Reform Programme (GEAR-uP) initiative, aimed at synergising efforts across Government-linked Entities for national impact. This collaboration represents a critical next step in KWAP's broader commitment to empowering partnerships that drive collective action for sustainability, as outlined in its Sustainability Pledge 2, 'Empower Partnerships for Collective Action.' By joining forces with MFF and other stakeholders, KWAP helps preserve Malaysia's forests and the communities that depend on them for future generations.
New Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
KWAP to advance Malaysia's sustainability agenda via forest-based initiatives
KUALA LUMPUR: Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) (KWAP) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malaysia Forest Fund (MFF) to advance Malaysia's sustainability agenda through forest-based solutions. Chief executive officer Datuk Nik Amlizan Mohamed said the collaboration will be a game-changer for both KWAP and Malaysia's broader sustainability efforts, reinforcing its commitment to drive stewardship through impactful actions and pursuing purpose beyond returns. "By contributing to the development of a credible, nationally anchored carbon ecosystem, we aim to empower our investee companies with the tools they need to meet their net-zero commitment while also making significant contributions to Malaysia's climate and biodiversity goals," she said. The MoU features the Forest Conservation Certificate to support domestic conservation initiatives, focusing on preserving the country's vital biodiversity and ecosystems. MFF will oversee the development of the forest carbon offset, a market-based mechanism that allows companies to offset their emissions through investments in forest conservation projects that reduce, remove and avoid carbon emissions. Through the partnership, KWAP becomes a participant in the National Forest Carbon Offset technical working group established by MFF. The working group aims to ensure the needs of institutional investors, including the nuances of ESG investing, are integrated into the framework, where relevant. This participation will also help align foreign carbon offset standards with international carbon market requirements and best practices. MFF chief executive officer Datuk Shah Redza Hussein said the partnership is a pivotal step in the mission to strengthen Malaysia's carbon market, achieving the nation's sustainability targets and accelerate meaningful climate action. "By leveraging nature-based solutions, particularly through the Forest Conservation Certificate and the upcoming Forest Carbon Offset, we are creating a pathway for businesses towards achieving net-zero goals while supporting forest conservation, aligning with national climate commitments. "Our work with KWAP and other stakeholders will drive long-term environmental and economic benefits, not only for Malaysia but for the global community as we strive towards a greener and more resilient future," he added. KWAP and MFF will continue to explore opportunities to enhance the forest carbon offset system and other potential nature-based solutions initiatives, ensuring they become key drivers for sustainable development in Malaysia. The partnership will also support ongoing efforts to build local capacity for biodiversity and forestry management, ensuring that the benefits of the projects reach the communities directly involved. KWAP also will continue working with MFF by engaging interested parties to drive joint initiatives. This includes possible partnerships with other government-linked investment companies and organisations, in support of the GEAR-uP seek to build upon its collaboration with MFF by engaging interested parties in driving collective action.
Malay Mail
26-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia eyes role as Islamic crypto capital with KWAP's strategic stake in Fasset
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — On the eve of the Asean-GCC Summit, Malaysia has signalled its ambition to become the world's Islamic crypto capital, with a strategic investment in Dubai-based Islamic digital bank Fasset in the works. Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) [KWAP], Malaysia's largest public sector pension fund, is in advanced talks to invest between US$12 million and US$15 million in Fasset. The collaboration aims to place Malaysia at the forefront of ethical digital finance and frontier technology. Fasset, the world's first Islamic digital bank powered by blockchain and AI, is expected to relocate its Asia-Pacific headquarters to Kuala Lumpur as part of the proposed partnership. The firm also plans to establish a Centre of Excellence for Islamic digital assets in the Malaysian capital, to boost the country's ambitions to lead in Shariah-compliant blockchain, tokenisation, and inclusive financial infrastructure. The investment underscores growing institutional interest in high-impact, Shariah-aligned innovation platforms with regional potential. It aligns with KWAP's strategy to explore private capital markets, particularly in digital finance and Islamic-compliant investments. 'This collaboration aligns with KWAP's strategy to support the development of cutting-edge and emerging technologies, while leveraging Malaysia's solid position as a global Islamic finance hub,' said Hazman Hilmi Sallahuddin, Chief Investment Officer of KWAP. Fasset CEO and co-founder Mohammad Raafi Hossain said the partnership with KWAP reflects a shared long-term vision for ethical and inclusive finance. 'Together with KWAP, we are building more than just infrastructure — we are building trust, opportunity, and a stronger financial system for the world,' he said. Malaysia's move comes as the country intensifies its push to lead in Islamic fintech and digital infrastructure. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently pledged RM100 million towards Islamic finance innovation under the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030, underscoring the government's commitment to digital transformation and Shariah-compliant financial leadership. The collaboration also supports the broader national agenda to attract global technology firms with transformative visions, positioning Malaysia as a hub for sustainable digital finance across the Asean region.
Barnama
16-05-2025
- General
- Barnama
KWAP Extends Community Outreach With Santuni MADANI Programme In Kampung Kandis
BACHOK, May 16 (Bernama) -- Kampung Kandis here has been selected for the 'Satu Pemimpin, Satu Kampung' (Santuni MADANI) programme by the Retirement Fund Inc (KWAP), based on its social development needs and potential to empower rural communities through multi-stakeholder collaboration. Kampung Kandis is one of eight villages in Mukim Kandis, which has a total population of about 4,000 residents. Among the initial initiatives carried out under the programme was the handover of a hearse for the use of local residents, as well as the distribution of 100 MyPesara Prihatin packs containing basic necessities to government retirees, the asnaf, and the underprivileged. The hearse was donated through wakalah zakat (tithe) funds, contributed via income tithe payments by KWAP employees to the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council's Zakat Collection Centre (PPZ-MAIWP). The programme drew more than 500 local residents and featured various activities involving KWAP staff, fostering community spirit, unity and a sense of togetherness. KWAP chief executive officer Datuk Hajah Nik Amlizan Mohamed said that, in addition to social assistance, the agency planned to continue implementing the programme in stages throughout the year, involving strategic collaboration with various parties, including the Kelantan State Education Department, Bachok District Education Office, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, non-governmental organisations and pensioner associations. 'KWAP views social responsibility as a long-term investment in national development. Such initiatives not only benefit the local community but also strengthen ties between organisations like us and the people, in support of the Malaysia MADANI spirit,' she said. Nik Amlizan also expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation of the village head and school headmasters in the Bachok district, whom she described as key drivers of the programme's success. 'It is hoped that more parties will join in such efforts for mutual benefit,' she said.
