Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kenanga Investors Berhad

In addition to the above, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis was awarded Malaysia CEO of the Year, marking this the fifth year that he has received this prestigious award. Simultaneously, Chief Investment Officer, Lee Sook Yee was awarded her seventh Malaysia CIO of the Year title.

The investment landscape has been dominated by a host of macro issues, yet the firm's focus has remained steadfast on identifying growth opportunities. "The global markets, especially in the United States, have been widely acknowledged as the performing markets of the year. Despite this, our global and ASEAN funds showcased remarkable resilience and performed well even amid adverse market conditions. This success is largely due to our strategic focus on regions and sectors that demonstrate robustness and are poised to benefit from cyclical trends", says Datuk Wira De Alwis. The firm's investment excellence is demonstrated in its 6^th consecutive Best Equity Manager and 5^th consecutive Best House for Alternatives awards.

Kenanga Investors' leadership in sustainability and impact investing is demonstrated through its commitment to generating positive social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns for its clients. "Today, our role and engagements with investee companies has evolved beyond raising awareness, to fostering in-depth, two-way conversations focusing on enhancing existing practices and developing structured strategies. As such, we are honoured to receive not one, but two awards recognising our efforts within this space, including Best Impact Investing Manager in ASEAN", Datuk Wira De Alwis explains.

Continuing its trajectory of innovation, Kenanga Investors recently broadened its product portfolio with the introduction of the Kenanga Islamic Asia Pacific (ex Japan) Total Return Fund. This new fund diversifies into the global Asia Pacific region in order to capture growth opportunities and to cater to a wider range of investor preferences, particularly those seeking Shariah-compliant investment options. This, combined with the expansion of its distribution networks, growth of its client segments and improved operational efficiency has contributed to its second Most Improved Fund House title.

In 2024, the firm expects to bring to market new solutions; from strategies that incorporate AI to regional private credit opportunities, as well as broader private market solutions and sustainability-linked investments.

The Malaysia Best Impact Investing Manager award recognises a firm's success in deploying impact investing strategies in either public or private markets to generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside sustainable financial returns.

The Best Impact Investing Manager in ASEAN recognises a firm's efforts in making a difference in deploying its impact investing strategy in either public or private markets, the research and investment process, and assets under management.

The Malaysia Best Equity Manager award is in recognition of the success of the fund house's equity products within Malaysia's domestic market given the challenging trading conditions and its abilities in capturing potential growth opportunities.

The Malaysia CEO of the Year award is in recognition of the CEO's overall achievements, performance of funds, increase of assets under management and their demonstration of leadership in the market.

The Malaysia CIO of the Year award is based on the CIO's achievements at the country level and the strategies employed to capture growth whilst navigating risks associated with the pandemic.

The Malaysia Best House for Alternatives award recognises the firm's achievements in growing the alternatives market, its performance record, and its growth in client base.

The Malaysia Most Improved Fund House award recognises a manager's strong financial performance by growth in revenues and profits in the past two years.

The Malaysia Best Investor Education recognises the fund house's role in raising awareness about financial planning in order to enhance retirement savings, initiatives taken, and channels deployed, use of technology as well as the significance of these efforts at the country level.

Asia Asset Management is the world's longest-running publication focused on Asia's institutional asset management and pension fund industry. Its Best of The Best Awards recognises the finest performers in Asia from financial services companies and institutional investors to service providers whose influence and excellence expands beyond borders.

For more information about Kenanga Investors, please visit www.kenangainvestors.com.my^[2]

https://www.kenangainvestors.com.my/^[3]

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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

References

1. ^{^} Media OutReach Newswire (www.media-outreach.com)
2. ^{^} www.kenangainvestors.com.my (www.kenangainvestors.com.my)
3. ^{^} https://www.kenangainvestors.com.my/ (www.kenangainvestors.com.my)