Beyond Retirement: EPF embraces sustainability and resilience

The Star

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has unveiled its Sustainability Commitment agenda, marking a strategic step towards supporting a just transition to a more inclusive, climate-resilient, and secure future for all Malaysians.  Speaking at the launch during the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2025 (ISWC 2025) on Wednesday (June 18), EPF chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali said that while the EPF’s core mandate remains to help Malaysians secure sufficient retirement income, its approach is now expanding to embrace environmental sustainability, social well-being, and broader economic resilience.  Mohd Zuki said the EPF is aligning its strategies with a long-term vision of sustainable and inclusive growth—one that protects not only capital, but also communities; and builds not only financial returns, but systemic resilience.  WATCH MORE: https://thestartv.com/c/news SUBSCRIBE: https://cutt.ly/TheStar LIKE: https://fb.com/TheStarOnline

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00:00We were deeply honoured by the presence of Yang Ammar Bahumat, Prime Minister of Malaysia,

00:09Dr Sianwa Ibrahim, whose keynote address outlined a compelling vision for a fairer and future

00:17ready Malaysia, one that not only adapts to an aging society, but thrives because of it.

00:26As we reflect on the discussions from yesterday, a clear message emerged.

00:36Preparing for longer life requires more than just policies and programmes.

00:41It demands a fundamental rethinking of how we build resilience across all aspects of society.

00:50From reimagining retirement systems, fostering healthier, more inclusive communities,

00:59we must now add with agency and purpose.

01:03This calls for institutions like the EPF to lead not only in financial stewardship,

01:10but in shaping a future that is sustainable, equitable and prepared for the challenges ahead.

01:17It is in this spirit that, on behalf of the Employee's Providence Fund,

01:24I am proud to officially launch the EPF Sustainability Commitments,

01:29our bold and purpose-driven agenda to support a just transition

01:36toward a more inclusive climate resilience and secure future.

01:41While our core mandate remains steadfast, that is to help Malaysians achieve a comfortable retirement income,

01:53we know this goal does not exist in isolation.

02:00It is deeply connected to the world around us,

02:04to the equality of our environment,

02:08the resilience of our communities and the strength of our economy.

02:13In this age of accelerated climate change,

02:16we face unprecedented challenges and opportunities.

02:22Detirement of security cannot be detached from rising inequality,

02:27ecological degradation or economic volatility.

02:30We must respond with cross-sight, courage and collective will to act.

02:40This is why EPF is aligning its strategies with a broader vision of sustainable and inclusive growth,

02:48one that protects not just capital, but communities,

02:53one that births not only returns, but resilience.

02:56We are already witnessing the impact of the changing climate and the loss of biodiversity.

03:05These realities are no longer abstract,

03:09as they are already affecting life and livelihoods,

03:12particularly among the vulnerable.

03:17The role of institutions like ours must now evolve

03:22from safeguarding savings to stewarding futures.

03:28We believe that capital, when directed with purpose,

03:31can be a powerful level for change.

03:35By investing in businesses and industries with strong sustainability practices,

03:40we contribute to the long-term stability of our portfolio

03:45and to the broader help of the economy, the environment and society.

03:52Ladies and gentlemen,

03:54sustainability is no longer optional.

03:56It is a strategic imperative

03:58and to launch of the launch of the EPF Sustainability Commitments.

04:03We are embedding this principle into operations, policies and investment decisions.

04:11This commitment spans three key pillars.

04:17Pillar one is environmental action to drive climate resilience and low-carbon growth.

04:23Pillar two is social impact to promote inclusion, equity and community well-being.

04:32Pillar three is culture and governance to ensure transparency, integrity and accountability in everything we do.

04:41In making sustainability a core part of our DNA,

04:48we move from aspirations to action and from intents to impact.

04:55This is how we ensure that as our members retire,

05:00they do so in a world that is still worth living in.

05:06As custodians of public trust,

05:08we must ask what kind of world will we live for those who come after us?

05:16Will they inherit thriving communities and stable institutions

05:21or the consequences of our inaction?

05:27These questions can no longer be left for tomorrow.

05:31They demand immediate structural responses.

05:34And today, with this launch, the EPF reaffirms its role in that response,

05:41not just as a fund manager,

05:44but as a national institution committed to the well-being for all Malaysians.

05:51We cannot do this alone.

05:54Achieving a future that is secure, inclusive and sustainable

05:59requires the collective effort of every sector.

06:04We need the innovation of businesses,

06:08the competition of civil society,

06:11the leadership of government

06:12and the participation of all Malaysians.

06:15So, I call on each of you,

06:18policymakers, academics, investors,

06:22employers and citizens, to join us.

06:24Let us forge a new social contract that honours the past,

06:30protects the present and prepares the futures.

06:35Let this launch be more than a milestone for EPF.

06:40Let it be a shared moment of commitment

06:44to build not just a stronger retirement system,

06:48but a better society.

06:52One that embraces longevity is a gift

06:58and threats sustainability as our shared duty.

07:04With that, I am honoured to officially launch

07:08the EPF Sustainability Commitments.

07:12Through this commitment,

07:13we reaffirm our promise

07:15not just to help Malaysians retire well,

07:20but to help them live well

07:22in a world worth inheriting.

07:25Sekian, wabillahi taufiw wa hidayah.

07:27Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi ta'ala.

07:29Wa rahmatullahi ta'ala.

07:32Yambubhagya Tanshi Chairman.

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