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Kenanga Investors Group Sweeps Seven Accolades at Asia Asset Management's 2026 Best of the Best Awards

Asia Pacific

Kenanga Investors Group Sweeps Seven Accolades at Asia Asset Management's 2026 Best of the Best Awards
Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific

Kenanga Investors Group Sweeps Seven Accolades at Asia Asset Management's 2026 Best of the Best Awards

2026-04-13 12:20 Last Updated At:12:33

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 13 April 2026 - Kenanga Investors Group ("Kenanga Investors") has received seven prestigious awards at Asia Asset Management's 2026 Best of the Best Awards ("the Awards").

From left: Ranjit Singh Gill, Director & Head of Product & Market Development, Kenanga Investors, Tan Lee Hock, Publisher and Founder of Asia Asset Management, and Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director.

From left: Ranjit Singh Gill, Director & Head of Product & Market Development, Kenanga Investors, Tan Lee Hock, Publisher and Founder of Asia Asset Management, and Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director.

The firm was recognised with the following: Best Impact Investing Manager in ASEAN, Malaysia Best Impact Investing Manager, Malaysia Best Equity Manager, Malaysia Best Alternatives Manager, and Malaysia Best ESG Engagement Initiative.

In addition to the above, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis was named Malaysia CEO of the Year, marking this as the seventh year that he has received this prestigious award. Simultaneously, Chief Investment Officer, Lee Sook Yee received her ninth Malaysia CIO of the Year title.

Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis remarked, "The Awards have long been a benchmark of excellence for investment management, innovation and ESG-driven initiatives across the region. Being recognised for multiple achievements once again reflects our commitment to pursuing quality investment opportunities, supported by our capabilities in constructing diversified portfolios that are both dynamic and resilient. Of particular significance are our efforts in applying impact‑investing strategies and considerations to our decision‑making and operational processes, approaches that translate into measurable outcomes for our stakeholders. At the same time, our ability to draw on the expertise from established specialists have allowed us to provide a wider range of alternative products and services that our investors can rely on in today's volatile markets".

The firm attributes its outperformance in 2025 to disciplined stock selection and a resilient investment strategy during a year marked by geopolitical tensions. Chief Investment Officer, Lee Sook Yee, stated, "The investment team remained steadfast in our strategy of investing in companies with sustainable business models and competent management whilst trading at a discount to their intrinsic value. Regional and global diversification played a critical role in our outperformance, with Asia Pacific funds and global Islamic offerings delivering strong returns. This reflected our efforts to capture growth in emerging sectors such as AI while maintaining defensive positions locally through targeted stock picking. We are therefore honoured to be named Best Equity Manager in recognition of the success of our strategies".

In 2026, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad ("Kenanga Group") launched Myrra, a dedicated token platform leveraging the Stellar blockchain. Its inaugural deployment involved the tokenisation of Kenanga Investors' Kenanga Money Market Fund and Kenanga Islamic Money Market Fund. The Funds represented the first tokenised unit trust funds to go live in the Malaysian market. This milestone followed the publication of Project Juara: Malaysia's Asset Tokenisation Opportunity, a whitepaper, authored by Kenanga Group, Saison Capital Pte Ltd, Helicap Labs Pte Ltd and Satori Research Ltd, which offered insights into the potential of Malaysia's asset tokenisation industry.

The firm also recently launched the Kenanga Growth Fund Series 3 ("KGFS3"), the third fund within its flagship conventional fund series. The KGFS3 utilises Kenanga Investors' proven investment philosophy and is managed with an active investment strategy depending on the market conditions and outlook, combining a top-down asset and sector allocation process with a bottom-up stock selection methodology.

The Malaysia Best Impact Investing Manager award recognises a firm's success in deploying impact investing strategies in either public or private markets to generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside sustainable financial returns.

The Best Impact Investing Manager in ASEAN recognises a firm's efforts in making a difference in deploying its impact investing strategy in either public or private markets, the research and investment process, and assets under management.

The Malaysia Best Equity Manager award is in recognition of the success of the fund house's equity products within Malaysia's domestic market given the challenging trading conditions and its abilities in capturing potential growth opportunities.

The Malaysia CEO of the Year award is in recognition of the CEO's overall achievements, performance of funds, increase of assets under management and their demonstration of leadership in the market.

The Malaysia CIO of the Year award is based on the CIO's achievements at the country level and the strategies employed to capture growth whilst navigating risks.

The Malaysia Best House for Alternatives award recognises the firm's achievements in growing the alternatives market, its performance record, and its growth in client base.

The Malaysia Best ESG Engagement Initiative award recognises a firm's leadership in driving effective ESG engagement activities, enhancing corporate governance, and demonstrating positive market impact through its stewardship practices.

Asia Asset Management is the world's longest-running publication focused on Asia's institutional asset management and pension fund industry. Its Best of The Best Awards recognises the finest performers in Asia from financial services companies and institutional investors to service providers whose influence and excellence expands beyond borders.

For more information about Kenanga Investors, please visit kenangainvestors.com.my.

For more information about Myrra, please visit myrra.my.
Hashtag: #Kenanga

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Kenanga Investors Berhad 199501024358 (353563-P)

We provide investment solutions ranging from collective investment schemes, portfolio management services, alternative investments, as well as wills and trusts for retail, corporate, institutional, and high net worth clients via a multi-distribution network.

The LSEG Lipper Fund Awards 2026 recognised four funds under the Malaysia Provident Funds category; Kenanga Growth Fund was named Equity Malaysia (5 Years), Kenanga Growth Fund Series 2 was awarded Equity Malaysia Diversified (3 Years), Kenanga Malaysian Inc Fund was awarded Equity Malaysia Diversified (10 Years) while Kenanga Managed Growth Fund was recognised with the title Mixed Asset MYR Balanced – Malaysia (10 Years).

The Hong Kong-based Asia Asset Management's ("AAM") 2026 Best of the Best Awards awarded Kenanga Investors under the following categories, Malaysia Best Impact Investing Manager, Best Impact Investing Manager in ASEAN, Malaysia Best Equity Manager, Malaysia CEO of the Year (Co-Winner), Malaysia CIO of the Year, Malaysia Best House for Alternatives and Malaysia Best ESG Engagement Initiative.

At the AAM ETF Awards 2026, Kenanga Investors received an accolade under the category Malaysia Leverage and Inverse ETF of the Year for the Kenanga KLCI Daily 1x Inverse ETF. The IFN Investor Awards 2025 awarded the Kenanga Islamic Balanced Fund under the categories of "IFN Investor Best Balanced Mixed Assets Fund in Malaysia — MYR 2025", "IFN Investor Best Balanced Mixed Assets Fund in Asia Pacific 2025", and "IFN Investor Best Global Balanced Mixed Assets Fund 2025".

The FPAM Financial Planning Leadership Award 2025 presented Kenanga Investors with the Platinum Award under the Charter Member Category, highlighting our dedication to shaping the future of financial planning. The FSMOne Recommended Unit Trusts Awards 2025/2026 has awarded the Kenanga Growth Fund Series 2 with the "Sector Equity — Malaysia Focused" award for the fourth consecutive year since 2022. For the ninth consecutive year, we were affirmed an investment manager rating of IMR-2 by Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad, since first rated in 2017. The IMR rating on reflects the fund management company's well-established investment processes and sound risk management practices.

This Press Release was issued by Kenanga Group's Marketing, Communications & Sustainability department.

Disclaimer: Investors are advised to read and understand the Master Prospectuses ("MPs"), the Supplemental Master Prospectus ("SMP") (if any), Information Memorandums ("IM") (if any), Product Highlights Sheets ("PHS") as well as consider the fees, charges and risk factors involved before investing. The MP, SMP (if any), IM (if any) and PHS have been registered and/or lodged with the Securities Commission Malaysia ("SC"), who takes no responsibility for its contents and related advertisement or marketing materials, does not indicate that the SC has recommended or endorsed the product/service. The advertisement has not been reviewed by the SC. Investors have the right to request for a copy of PHS and other relevant product disclosure documents which are available at our office, at any authorised distributors and our corporate website before making investment decisions. If you are in doubt when considering the investment or any of the information provided, you are advised to consult a professional adviser. A Fund's track record does not guarantee its future performance. Kenanga Investors Berhad is committed to prevent conflict of interest between its various businesses and activities and between its clients/director/shareholders and employees by having in place procedures and measures for identifying and properly managing any apparent, potential and perceived conflict of interest by making disclosures to Clients, where appropriate. Kenanga Investors Berhad 199501024358 (353563-P).

** This press release is distributed by Media OutReach Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

  • No. 1 QSR in Vietnam (Euromonitor): Achieved top ranking despite not having the largest store network
  • 250+ stores across 50+ provinces: Sustained expansion since market entry in 2005
  • Strong local relevance: Growth driven by localized menu, superior taste, and consistent execution
  • ~1.5 million students reached across 676 schools: Deep engagement with youth, supported by 500+ scholarships and a 15,000-attendee anniversary concert
  • Recognized by independent institutions: Named No. 1 most reputable F&B company in Vietnam and Grab Vietnam's 2025 Restaurant Partner of the Year

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 May 2026 - Jollibee Vietnam has been named the No. 1 quick-service restaurant brand in Vietnam by Euromonitor International in its Consumer Foodservice 2026 edition study—achieving the top ranking despite not having the largest store network in the market. The recognition underscores the brand's strong consumer relevance and execution in one of the Jollibee Group's key international growth markets.

Loved by locals. Strong consumer demand continues to drive high traffic across Jollibee Vietnam’s growing store network.

Loved by locals. Strong consumer demand continues to drive high traffic across Jollibee Vietnam’s growing store network.

Jollibee Vietnam's success reflects the brand's steady growth over two decades, built through consistent execution and a strong connection with Vietnamese consumers. Since opening its first store in Ho Chi Minh City in 2005, Jollibee Vietnam has expanded to over 250 stores across more than 50 provinces and cities, establishing a broad national presence.

The expansion has been supported by a range of store formats—including mall-based, street-front, and delivery-oriented locations—allowing the brand to serve different consumer occasions across the country.

"Vietnam is a highly dynamic and competitive market, and our progress reflects our focus on understanding local consumers and executing well on the fundamentals," said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global President and CEO of Jollibee Group. "It also underscores the strength of combining a well-loved brand with deep local understanding and consistent execution, reinforcing our belief that long-term growth in international markets comes from staying relevant to consumers while building strong operating foundations."

Strong local relevance

Jollibee Vietnam's growth has been anchored on a clear understanding of local tastes and behaviors. Core products such as Chickenjoy fried chicken, Chili Chicken, and Jolly spaghetti continue to resonate with consumers, supported by a passion for superior taste and warm, joyful service that encourages repeat visits.

The brand has also maintained strong engagement with younger consumers through school and community-based activations, as well as digital platforms. In 2025, Jollibee Vietnam's high school and university programs reached 676 schools and approximately 1.5 million students, while awarding more than 500 scholarships. Its 20th-anniversary concert, attended by over 15,000 people, further underscores the brand's connection with the youth segment.

"We're grateful to the Vietnamese consumers who continue to choose Jollibee and make us part of their everyday moments," said Dennis Flores, EMEAA Region President. "This recognition belongs equally to our Jollibee Vietnam team, whose care for the customer and commitment to getting the fundamentals right have made this possible. As we move forward, we remain focused on delivering superior-tasting food and a consistently positive customer experience."

Jollibee Vietnam's performance has also been recognized by independent organizations. The brand was named the No. 1 most reputable F&B company in Vietnam by Vietnam Report and was awarded Restaurant Partner/Merchant of the Year 2025 by Grab Vietnam, reflecting its strong brand equity and market execution.

For the Jollibee Group, Vietnam reflects how its brands can grow in international markets through a consistent approach to local adaptation and disciplined execution. And as Jollibee Vietnam continues to grow, the milestone underscores how sustained performance is built over time through relevance, consistency, and trust.

*Euromonitor International Limited; Consumer Foodservice 2026 edition, Foodservice Value sales in RSP, data for 2025. Fast food restaurants as per Limited-Service Restaurants category definition.

Hashtag: #Jollibee #QSR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Jollibee Group

Jollibee Foods Corporation (PSE: JFC) (the "Company") is one of the world's fastest-growing restaurant companies, driven by its purpose of spreading joy through superior taste. It manages and operates a portfolio that includes 19 brands (the "Jollibee Group") with over 10,000 stores and cafés across 33 countries.

The Jollibee Group's portfolio includes nine (9) wholly-owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five (5) franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology.

The Jollibee Group's global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Company has been recognized as the Philippines' Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes' World's Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a five-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME's World's Best Companies and Fortune's Southeast Asia 500 List.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

** This press release is distributed by Media OutReach Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

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