KWAP Launches New Investment Fund Focusing On Venture And Startup Companies

In an effort to galvanise Malaysia’s venture and startup ecosystem, Malaysia’s public sector pension fund for civil servants has launched a new investment fund called Dana Perintis.

KWAP, short for Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) is tasked with managing the retirement funds for Malaysia’s civil servants. Malaysia’s civil service staff currently number over 1 million in 2023.

Dana Perintis will invest up to RM500 million over the next 18 to 24 months. The aim is to empower early stage companies and driving economic resilience.

Malaysia-focused VC funds

Dana Perintis is driven by two main strategies. Their investments will focus on selected Malaysia-focused Venture Capital (VC) funds and direct investments into early-stage companies. Each of these two strategies will be allocated RM250 million to invest in companies that align with their goals.

A substantial amount of the RM250 million will be used to invest in venture capitals that are focused in Malaysia. The aim is to help develop a self-sustaining venture ecosystem. 

“KWAP recognises the potential for innovation and growth within Malaysia’s venture ecosystem,” said Encik Hazman Hilmi Sallahuddin, Chief Investment Officer of KWAP.

The introduction of Dana Perintis is also in line with KWAP’s role as one of Malaysia’s prominent investors. This is why they’re targeting their focus to inject vitality in Malaysia’s early-stage companies.

“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.

While implementing this initiative, KWAP also remains grounded to their main role, which is to spur the growth of their pension fund in order to help pensioners live comfortably after their retirement.