AmWealth’s funds management division comprising AmFunds Management Berhad and AmIslamic Funds Management Sdn. Bhd., bagged eight awards at Asia Asset Management’s Best of the Best Awards 2026, underscoring how the firm is leveraging environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration, pension platform and sukuk expertise to sharpen its competitive edge.
The recognition highlights a strategy that embeds ESG considerations across asset classes — from equities and fixed income to retirement solutions and Islamic investments — positioning the firm as a sustainable fund manager of choice.
Kevin Wong, chief executive officer of AmFunds Management Berhad, says the approach is anchored on long-term value creation.
“Our ESG vision is to build a suite of strategically diversified and responsible investment solutions, ensuring that sustainability is embedded across everything we do,” he says.
ESG integration at the core
ESG has been formalised as a structural pillar of AmWealth funds management division’s investment model, supported by a formal sustainability framework and guidelines introduced since year 2024.
The framework outlines governance structures, risk management processes and investment principles designed to deliver measurable environmental and social outcomes while maintaining financial discipline.
At the portfolio level, ESG considerations are integrated across both equities and fixed income, with screening processes applied to bonds, sukuk and equities. The firm also applies proprietary ESG-scoring methodologies to assess investee companies, supported by structured investment processes that incorporate sustainability risks and opportunities at each stage of decision-making.
Wong says this ensures ESG is embedded, rather than treated as a separate overlay.
“We integrate ESG considerations into our investment process to manage risks and drive positive impact, while delivering sustainable returns for our clients.”
This approach is complemented by partnerships with global fund managers, enabling access to specialised ESG capabilities across regions and asset classes, alongside in-house expertise in Asian equities, bonds and global sukuk.
Pension scale supports long-term growth
AmWealth funds management division’s pension franchise is another key pillar of the firm’s strategy, underpinning its win as Best Pension Fund Manager.
As at March 2026, pension mandates and private retirement schemes account for 28.9 billion ringgit (US$7.2 billion), or 51% of total assets under management (AUM) of 56.4 billion ringgit. The segment has recorded steady growth over the past five years, reflecting consistent inflows and the firm’s ability to manage long-term savings pools.
“We take a long-term, disciplined approach to managing pension assets, with a strong focus on consistency, risk management and diversification. This ensures we can deliver sustainable returns for our clients over time,” Wong says.
The integration of ESG into pension portfolios further strengthens this proposition, ensuring retirement savings are managed with both financial and sustainability objectives in mind.
Strength in sukuk and fixed income
AmWealth funds management division’s expertise in Islamic finance, particularly sukuk, also contributed to its strong showing at the BOTB Awards 2026.
With more than 40 years of experience across conventional and shariah-compliant investments, the firm has built a comprehensive fixed-income platform spanning unit trusts, discretionary mandates and private retirement scheme funds.
As at March 2026, sukuk and bond assets stand at about 47.9 billion ringgit, highlighting the scale of its capabilities in managing income-generating portfolios across both conventional and Islamic segments.
The firm actively manages local and global sukuk mandates, supported by collaborations with international managers to enhance diversification and broaden market access
Building a sustainable platform
AmWealth funds management division’s multi-award haul reflects the growing convergence of ESG, pensions and Islamic finance in shaping the asset management landscape.
The firm’s ability to integrate these capabilities into a cohesive platform spanning retail, institutional and retirement solutions has helped differentiate it in a competitive market.
Wong added that the firm remains focused on strengthening this approach.
“We are committed to expand our sustainable investment offerings while continuing to meet the evolving needs of our clients,” he says.
With ESG increasingly central to capital allocation decisions, AmWealth funds management division’s performance signals how sustainability, scale and specialisation are becoming defining factors in the next phase of asset management growth.
Disclaimer: This article is sponsored by AmFunds Management Berhad (“AmFunds”) and is for general information only; it does not constitute investment advice or an offer or solicitation to invest in any fund. Past performance, awards, recognition, and ESG integration are not indicative of future results. Investments are subject to risks, including potential loss of principal. Awards are conferred by Asia Asset Management (AAM) based on its own criteria and methodology. AAM is an independent third party not affiliated with AmFunds. This article has not been reviewed by the Securities Commission Malaysia.
