KUALA LUMPUR, 1 November 2024 – Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) [KWAP] is pleased to announce the promotion of Nazaiful Affendi Zainal Abidin to the position of Chief Strategy and Services Officer (CSSO), effective 1 November 2024. With over 25 years of experience in investment strategy and research across various markets and asset classes, Nazaiful brings a wealth of expertise to the executive team. His 16-year tenure at KWAP, most recently as Head of Portfolio Strategy and Research, has been instrumental in shaping the organisation’s strategic asset allocation, driving investment research initiatives, and strengthening its internal investment governance framework.
As part of KWAP’s Teras 5 transformation, he drove the responsible investment and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda within the investment division, collaborating closely with the Chief Investment Officer (CIO). His contribution was more significant in the merger between the Portfolio Strategy and Research Departments under the transformation initiative. Nazaiful had also successfully led numerous strategic initiatives and key projects within the organisation.
His expertise in investment research and governance was built through progressive leadership roles at several established institutions. Before his transformative years at KWAP, Nazaiful honed his research and analytical acumen in various establishments including the Securities Commission, Kumpulan Guthrie Berhad, and Alliance Merchant Bank.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KWAP, Datuk Hajah Nik Amlizan Mohamed said, “Nazaiful’s vast experience and good track record in capital markets make him the most suitable candidate for our top management team. His strategic acumen will be instrumental as we navigate today’s dynamic investment landscape and fulfill our mission as Malaysia’s leading public sector pension fund. As we remain committed to serve as ‘Your Retirement Companion’ for our pensioners, his expertise will continue to help strengthen KWAP’s position and drive innovative solutions for our stakeholders. We look forward towards further contributions he will bring to the team.”
Drawing on his extensive industry expertise and deep understanding of market dynamics, Nazaiful will spearhead KWAP’s corporate strategy, sustainability, and services initiatives. In his new role, he will focus on advancing the organisation’s long-term vision and enhancing enterprise-wide stakeholder value creation. His leadership is expected to strengthen KWAP’s position as a world-class sovereign wealth pension fund and support national agenda priorities, particularly in response to evolving market conditions and growing ESG emphasis.
Nazaiful holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration majoring in Finance and Economics from the International Islamic University Malaysia.
