Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga) continues to strengthen its dedication to combating fraud and promoting ethical conduct with the launch of its eighth annual Fraud Awareness Week (FAW). This initiative aligns with the United Nations Global Compact’s 10th Principle, underscoring the group’s steadfast commitment to integrity and its ongoing fight against corruption.
Held in tandem with the International FAW organised by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), this year’s programme embraces the theme “Innovate, Integrate, Insulate”, calling for collective action to address evolving threats in fraud and financial crime. The theme also underscores the need for leveraging advanced technologies and active industry collaboration to fortify defences.
Speaking at the event, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner and guest of honour Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Panglima Haji Azam Baki commended Kenanga’s efforts, saying: “Kenanga’s FAW stands as a powerful initiative, embodying the proactive stance needed to address the complexities of fraud in today’s landscape. Events like these are invaluable, uniting leaders, regulators and industry experts to foster dialogue and share best practices, and I commend Kenanga for its strong commitment to raising fraud awareness and setting a model of integrity for the industry.”
Kenanga group managing director, Datuk Chay Wai Leong, reaffirmed the group’s dedication to this cause. “At Kenanga, our commitment to combating fraud is steadfast, and we hold integrity as central to our work. Fraud is an ongoing challenge that requires strong, forward-looking strategies, and we are dedicated to strengthening these efforts. Through initiatives such as FAW, we promote a culture of ethical standards and proactive measures to build resilience, where protecting our stakeholders and reinforcing trust remain top priorities as we work to set a dependable standard for ethical practices across the industry.”
The month-long flagship programme featured a mix of educational and interactive activities. Highlights included the opening ceremony at the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers, marking FAW’s return to in-person gatherings since the Covid-19 pandemic. Other key events included seminars led by fraud prevention experts and the signature FAW Games, which featured interactive anti-fraud quizzes and activities.
This year’s FAW Games saw a 14% increase in participation, with 250 teams registered compared to 219 in the previous year. Participants included Kenanga’s internal teams, regulatory bodies, public-listed companies and professional associations, as well as representatives from entities such as Bursa Malaysia Bhd, the Securities Commission Malaysia and Employees Provident Fund. International teams from Singapore, Indonesia, India, South Africa and Belgium were also present, emphasising the global significance of the event.
ACFE president John Gill lauded the initiative, saying: “Fraud and corruption are [enduring] challenges for organisations worldwide, and the importance of initiatives such as Kenanga’s FAW cannot be overstated. By prioritising education, fostering vigilance and advocating for strong ethical standards, Kenanga is actively contributing to a more resilient financial ecosystem. We commend Kenanga’s dedication to combating fraud through both awareness and proactive measures, setting a valuable example for others in the fight against fraud.”
This year’s FAW also introduced a new video campaign focused on scam awareness, engaging both the public and Kenanga employees to create and share content that raises awareness about fraudulent activities. This initiative reflects Kenanga’s broader commitment to fostering vigilance and ethical conduct within and beyond the organisation.
Kenanga’s FAW continues to set a benchmark for anti-fraud initiatives, highlighting the group’s leadership in building a secure and resilient financial environment.