Business Daily Media

Men's Weekly

.

Eq8 Unveils World's First Waqf ETF To Drive Socio-Economic Impact Investing

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 December 2024 - Eq8 Capital Sdn Bhd ("Eq8"), a member of Kenanga Investors Group ("Kenanga Investors"), has announced the listing of the world's first Waqf-featured exchange-traded fund ("ETF"), the Eq8 FTSE Malaysia Enhanced Dividend Waqf ETF ("Waqf ETF" or "EQ8WAQF"), on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad ("Bursa Malaysia" or "Exchange").

The Waqf ETF aims to distribute income annually with half of the income distribution to be allocated as Waqf assets with the remaining half payable to unitholders. The launch is the result of a strategic collaboration between Eq8 and Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia ("YWM") which was announced in June this year with YWM as the appointed Waqf administrator of the Waqf assets generated by the Waqf ETF.

Sixth from left to right: Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, Chairman of Bursa Malaysia; Yang Berhormat Senator Dato
Sixth from left to right: Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, Chairman of Bursa Malaysia; Yang Berhormat Senator Dato' Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Na'im bin Haji Mokhtar, Minister of Religious Affairs, Prime Minister's Office and Chairman of Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia; Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director of Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad; Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift, Chief Executive Officer of Bursa Malaysia; Mr. Steven Choy Khai Choon, Chairman/ Non-Independent Non-Executive Director of Kenanga Investors Berhad; and first from right: Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Kenanga Investors Berhad at the launch of the world’s first Waqf-featured Exchange-Traded Fund, the Eq8 FTSE Malaysia Enhanced Dividend Waqf

"We are proud to announce the launch of the world's first Waqf-featured ETF together with YWM, marking a significant milestone after months of dedicated effort. The Waqf ETF underscores Kenanga Investors unwavering commitment to advance impact investing, especially in today's climate. Waqf is now widely recognised as a critical pillar of support for Malaysia's socio-economic development and contributes to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. We perceive the launch to be in alignment with the government's call for increased collaborations between religious bodies, the public and the private sectors in order to maximise potential for Waqf assets to fund projects such as education, healthcare, economic empowerment and environment. This reflects the spirit of Waqf in creating long-term, sustainable benefits for communities, fostering social equity, and addressing pressing societal needs", said Kenanga Investors' Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis.

The Waqf ETF represents a continuous commitment by Kenanga Investors and its group of companies to participate in the Securities Commission Malaysia's Islamic Fund and Wealth Management Blueprint, Waqf-Featured Fund Framework alongside the enhancements to Bursa Malaysia's Main Market Listing Requirements. The Waqf ETF is the third Waqf-featured product by the group that has been issued since the launch of the Kenanga Waqf Al-Ihsan Fund in 2021.

Umar Alhadad, Executive Director of Eq8, shared, "EQ8WAQF exemplifies how an Islamic capital market product can be innovatively developed to integrate investment returns while fostering inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity. Through democratised access on the Exchange, investors will have the opportunity to access and achieve dual impact investing goals from the Waqf ETF. EQ8WAQF features an index lead scheme to generate dividends from the thoughtfully designed index which combines an income-focused strategy with a momentum-based approach. This innovative strategy aims to deliver higher dividend yields while providing investors with potential capital growth, positioning it as an advantageous alternative to traditional dividend-focused funds".

"We are glad to continue our partnership with Kenanga Investors with the introduction of the Eq8 FTSE Malaysia Enhanced Dividend Waqf ETF. This Waqf ETF serves as an additional instrument in accommodating Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia's efforts to grow Waqf assets and the wellbeing of the community with the distribution of the Waqf assets for the EQWAQF to be channelled towards economic empowerment, education, healthcare, and environmental causes. With the formation of innovative products like this, investors of all faiths may now take part in contributing towards the betterment of society. We look forward to working closely with more stakeholders across Malaysia to drive the growth and development of Waqf", YWM's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ridzwan Bakar explained.

Bursa Malaysia's Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift, said, "We extend our congratulations to Eq8 and Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia on the launch of the world's first waqf-featured ETF. the Exchange has observed a growing trend of investors opting for Shariah or ethical investing, given its close alignment with ESG investing. As such, the introduction of the EQ8WAQF is therefore timely and is expected to be well-received by investors, particularly those seeking financial returns while making a positive impact on society. Importantly, the EQ8WAQF supports our effort to broaden investment opportunities and foster inclusivity for investors, offering more products to encourage their participation in the capital market". The Waqf ETF is the fifth addition to Eq8's ETF product suite making it the largest ETF issuer in Malaysia. EQ8WAQF is suitable for investors seeking medium to long-term investment opportunities in liquid financial instruments with index-tracking features that focus on high-yield, dividend-paying Shariah-compliant equities.

For more information about Eq8, please visit www.eq8.com.my.

Hashtag: #Kenanga

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

Eq8 Capital Sdn Bhd (Formerly known as i-VCAP Management Sdn Bhd) 200701034939 (792968-D)

Eq8 is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kenanga Investors Berhad and was incorporated on 25 October 2007. Eq8 holds a Capital Markets Services Licence (CMSL) for fund management in relation to portfolio management which was issued by the Securities Commission Malaysia under the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007. Its principal business activity is the provision of Shariah-compliant investment management services.

Eq8 manages five equity ETFs that are listed on Bursa Malaysia. As at 30 November 2024, the asset under management is RM348 million.

News from Asia

VinFast Indonesia to expand dealership network to 85 showrooms nationwide

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 July 2025 - VinFast, the Vietnamese Nasdaq-listed EV manufacturer, has officially signed agreements with 20 new dealership partners during th...

VinFast Indonesia continues to expand nationwide service workshop network

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 26 July 2025 - VinFast, the Vietnamese Nasdaq-listed pure-electric vehicle manufacturer, today announced the signing and implementation of strategic ...

HKSTP Takes Nine Game-Changing AI Tech Ventures to WAIC 2025 to Advance China's AI Plus Vision in Transforming Business and Industry

HONG KONG SAR / SHANGHAI, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 July 2025 - Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) is embarking on a mission to advance China's AI Plus vision wi...

Vietfood & Beverage - Propack Vietnam 2025: The Biggest International F&B Exhibition in Vietnam

HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 July 2024 - From August 7-9, 2025, Vietfood & Beverage - Propack Vietnam 2025 - The biggest international F&B exhibition in Vietnam will offic...

Jollibee Group Evolves its Corporate Brand to Help Power Global Growth

Brand update brings to life its global purpose and positioning as a unified group of brandsMANILA, PHILIPPINES - Media OutReach Newswire - 23 July 2025 - The Jollibee Group, one of the world's fas...

Taiwan Cybersecurity Day Returns to Thailand — Showcasing Solutions for Thai Enterprises

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 July 2025 - As global threats become increasingly sophisticated, cybersecurity has become essential for business continuity and digital trust. Taiwan ...

AIA Hong Kong continues to lead the insurance industry with the most market No.1* in Q1 2025

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 July 2025 - AIA Hong Kong has once again led the industry with the most market No.1 in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Provisional Statisti...

Aifeex Accelerates Global Strategy with Seven AI Ecosystems to Lead the Future of AI Finance

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 July 2025 - On July 22, 2025, Aifeex hosted the “2025 Global Artificial Intelligence Summit” in Kuala Lumpur, unveiling its strategic layout o...

YBUOJ Responds to BaFin Announcement, Reaffirms Compliance Credentials and Global Regulatory Commitment

COLORADO, USA - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 July 2025 - YBUOJ has issued an official response to a recent notice from the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority of Germany (BaFin), which alleged...

AsiaInfo Technologies Integrates with NVIDIA Omniverse to Accelerate Smart Manufacturing Transformation

BEIJING, CHINA- Media OutReach Newswire - 28 July 2025 - AsiaInfo Technologies Limited ("AsiaInfo Technologies" or the "Company"; HKEX stock code: 01675), a leading provider of software products...

Landowners Offered $30,000 Per Year for Just 1 Hectare: The Rise of 5MW Battery Projects Across Australia

In a pivotal shift reshaping Australia’s renewable energy landscape, landowners in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria are being offered up ...

Major national security tech alliance launches with Aerologix a founding member

Australia’s leading drone intelligence pioneer bolsters sovereign tech power Australia’s leading aerial data and drone intelligence platform, Aer...

Chris Hancock AM Honoured as 2025 Communications Ambassador

SYDNEY Chris Hancock AM, former CEO of AARNet, has been awarded the prestigious Communications Ambassador title at the 2025 Telecommunications Indus...

Baby boomers are driving development feasibility leading to larger apartments

As residential developers continue to grapple with feasibility issues on apartment projects, the sector is struggling to deliver volumes of new st...

Hays launches FY25/26 Salary Guide: ‘Salary Paradox’ deepens as pay rises fail Australians

Rising dissatisfaction with pay, progression and perks is fuelling a new wave of career change in FY25/26, as Australians demand more from employe...

Australian Businesses Still Stuck in the AI Hype Cycle

Data Governance Failures, ROI Gaps and Unclear Strategy Slowing Progress Despite artificial intelligence (AI) dominating headlines and boardroom ag...

Sell by LayBy