By AUFA MARDHIAH

Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (KWAP) yesterday launched its Dana Perintis which aims to inject vitality into Malaysia’s venture and startup ecosystem.

Dana Perintis was also launched in conjunction with the Economy Madani initiative – reflecting KWAP’s focus on enabling small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for growth, supporting economic growth and contributing to Malaysia’s entrepreneurial future.

The initiative witnessed KWAP’s plans to invest up to RM500 million over the next 18 to 24 months to empower early-stage enterprises, foster innovation, and enhance economic resilience.

KWAP’s chief investment officer Hazman Hilmi Sallahuddin remarked that Dana Perintis is an initiative that also acts as a testament to KWAP’s dedication to enhancing the growth of Malaysia’s startup business.

“With Dana Perintis, we are not just investing financial capital, but also putting in our expertise, resources and commitment to seeing these Malaysian startups succeed on a global stage – especially with the ones we are directly involved in,” he said in a statement.

Dana Perintis encompasses two strategic pillars – investments into selected Malaysia-focused Venture Capital (VC) funds and direct investments into early-stage companies.

With a RM250 million allocation for each pillar, KWAP intends to drive growth in the Malaysian entrepreneurial scene, in keeping with its sustainability commitment as a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).

As one of Malaysia’s leading investors, KWAP aspires to play a critical role in directing the country towards a thriving early-stage environment.

The agency strives to push the growth trajectory of the startup ecosystem by proactively investing and fixing crucial gaps, yielding attractive risk-adjusted returns for its stakeholders.

A significant amount of up to RM250 million will be invested in VC funds with a focus on Malaysia – which is consistent with KWAP’s goal of fostering the growth of a self-sustaining venture ecosystem.

These venture capital firms act as active catalysts, developing new startups by giving essential capital and guidance.

KWAP’s strategic investments will cover the startup experience, from accelerators to growth managers, contributing to the maturing of Malaysia’s overall venture landscape.

In addition to the fund investments, another RM250 million will be committed to direct investments in promising early-stage enterprises – which also matches KWAP’s objective to guide entrepreneurs through the stages of growth and expansion.

“We are dedicated to empowering startups and SMEs, supporting employment, and nurturing innovation.

“In realising these visions, KWAP has already identified several potential startups to invest in, which currently employ more than 1,000 Malaysians from different backgrounds,” Hazman added.

As KWAP conducts the initiative, it remains mindful of its responsibility and commitment to its key stakeholders (the pensioners), in order to promote the growth of the pension fund, while enabling KWAP to fulfil its position as retirement companion.