KUALA LUMPUR (March 18): The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is committing up to RM250 million aimed at catalysing mid-to-growth stage companies in Malaysia via a partnership with pan-Asian venture capital firm Gobi Partners.

In a statement on Monday, the fund said the partnership is part of its commitment to increasing deployment into the domestic market, strengthening its position as the largest investor in the domestic market, with assets under management of RM702.48 billion as at December 2023.

The EPF said the investments will focus on six strategic investment themes — healthcare focusing on aged care and the silver economy; agriculture and food science looking at improving the food production ecosystem; financial services inclusivity; sustainability focusing on the energy transition; education aiming at provision of quality education; and social infrastructure as well as future themes that would fit into the EPF’s strategic mandate.

Chief executive officer Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn said the healthcare theme reflects the fund’s recognition of the importance of addressing the needs of an ageing population.

“In the long run, we hope this effort (the RM250 million commitment) contributes to building a resilient society to economic and social challenges, while delivering profitable returns to our members,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gobi Partners co-founder and chairperson Thomas G Tsao said the strategic focus on the six key themes underscores the firm’s dedication to driving innovation and creating lasting socio- economic impact.