Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) has set a new benchmark to outdo itself when it declared a record income and bonus distribution of RM14.5 billion for year 2024. This achievement underscores PNB’s dedication towards improving the financial wellbeing of Malaysians for years to come. PNB is now under the leadership of Datuk Abdul Rahman Ahmad as president and group chief executive officer. With his leadership, the firm is addressing changing economic challenges and broadening its reach to bring in more investors.
The company has since crossed the incredible milestone of 16.2 million accounts, with 13.1 million unique account holders. This growth further illustrates PNB’s ongoing commitment to engage more Malaysians and introduce them to investment opportunities. They are zeroing in specifically on their Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB) products. PNB faces a more serious hurdle in attracting new investors. With the shifts in spending patterns and rising pressure on net disposable income, the way Malaysians save today is vastly different from just a decade ago.
We applaud Datuk Abdul Rahman for acknowledging that recent geopolitical shifts and the U.S.’s new trade policies are injecting new market uncertainty. He called for a dose of realism, adding that the macroeconomic environment and capital markets are almost assuredly going to be highly volatile in the new year. Despite these challenges, he emphasized PNB’s resolve to execute strategic initiatives across six pillars outlined in the LEAP 6 Strategic Plan.
To improve its fund performance, PNB has consistently adopted a solid asset diversification strategy. That’s right—all 18 FP and VP funds—fixed price and variable price—well outperformed their benchmarks. Remarkably, 11 of those 12 VP funds ranked in the top or second quartile among their asset class peers. This milestone is a reflection of PNB’s sustainable fortitude to produce stable and attractive returns to its unitholders over the long haul.
“The ASB benefitted all Malaysians, distributing a total income of 5.75 sen, the highest over the last five years. All our 18 FP and VP outperformed their benchmarks, with 11 out of 12 of our VP funds ranked in the top or second quartile among their respective peer groups, reflecting the long-term resilience of PNB in delivering its purpose to uplift the financial lives of Malaysians across generations,” – Datuk Abdul Rahman Ahmad
Looking ahead, PNB is looking forward to further enhancing its sales and distribution execution. They aim to do this through innovative product development and enhanced financial literacy education. Some context The company is looking to further develop its distribution platform to ultimately serve the best interests of its current and future investors.
“However, we are optimistic that we can address this by strengthening our sales and distribution capabilities, supported by product innovation, financial literacy programmes, and an expanded distribution platform,” – Datuk Abdul Rahman Ahmad
Further, PNB is well on its way to shoring up its sustainability agenda. The company has pledged to reach net-zero emissions at the enterprise and portfolio levels. Simultaneously, it is a major champion of the mandatory minimum wage within corporate Malaysia.
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