Public Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Public Mutual, is launching a new fund named Public Islamic Regional ESG Fund (PIRESGF) on 7 November 2023.

PIRESGF aims to achieve capital growth over the long term by investing in Shariah-compliant stocks of companies primarily in the Asia Pacific region which incorporate environmental, social & governance (ESG) considerations in their business practices.

The Fund seeks to ride on long-term sustainability trends as companies are increasingly being compelled by governments, regulators and stakeholders to operate in a sustainable manner. Companies with higher ESG scores tend to be equal-opportunity employers with enhanced workers’ rights and may also be less likely to be subject to monetary fines and/or reputational damage as a result of environmental shortcomings¹.

PIRESGF is also leveraged to the growth of the Asia Pacific region, which is expected to be underpinned by the improvement in economic activities and corporate earnings following the re-opening of economic sectors and international borders within the Asia Pacific region.

“The Fund caters to investors who seek to capitalise on the long-term growth potential of the Asia Pacific region while incorporating ESG and Shariah-compliant considerations,” said Public Mutual’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Chiang Kang Pey.

PIRESGF will invest 75% to 98% of its net asset value (NAV) in Shariah-compliant shares or securities equivalent to shares, with the balance invested in Islamic money market instruments and deposits. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its NAV outside of the Asia Pacific markets (i.e. eligible markets such as the United States and Europe) to tap into a broader array of sustainable investment opportunities available globally.

The initial issue price for PIRESGF is RM0.25 per unit during the 21-day initial offer period from 7 to 27 November 2023. The minimum initial investment amount is RM1,000 while the minimum additional investment amount is only RM100.

In conjunction with our DDA Campaign 2023, investors will stand a chance to win cash prizes^* when they invest via DDA during the campaign period. Terms and conditions apply. Click here for detailed information about the campaign.

For more details on the PIRESGF, please get in touch with Public Mutual’s unit trust consultants (UTCs) or visit any of Public Mutual’s branches nationwide.

Public Mutual is Malaysia’s largest private unit trust company with more than 170 funds under its management. It is also an approved Private Retirement Scheme (PRS) provider, managing nine PRS funds. It has a total of 31 branches/customer service centres nationwide.

¹ Financial materiality: Understanding the financial performance of ESG strategies
https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/investigation-fraud-and-risk/financial-materiality-esg/

^*Subject to terms and conditions.

Investors are advised to read and understand the contents of the Prospectus of Public Islamic Regional ESG Fund dated 7 November 2023 and the fund’s Product Highlights Sheet (PHS) before investing. Investors should understand, compare and consider the risks, fees, charges and costs involved in investing in the fund. A copy of the Prospectus and PHS can be viewed at our website. Investors should make their own assessment of the merits and risks of the investment. If in doubt, investors should seek professional advice. Please refer to our investment disclaimer.