Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has commended the Employees Provident Fund’s (EPF) efforts in exploring new approaches to enhance Malaysian retirement adequacy. Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said he believes the involvement of the EPF and other government-linked investment companies (GLICs) signals a strong public-private partnership that will also enhance healthcare infrastructure, accessibility, and quality, creating a system that can support all Malaysians.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar praised the EPF during his opening address at the International Social Wellbeing Conference (ISWC) 2025, emphasizing the importance of shifting focus from lump-sum savings to sustainable retirement income as people live longer. He stressed the need for a system that reflects greater solidarity, especially for those with limited lifetime earnings. Anwar stated, “In our government’s vision, no Malaysian should grow old in fear of poverty, fear of abandonment, or fear of irrelevance.”
The prime minister noted that countries worldwide are rethinking their labour and retirement policies in response to longer, healthier lifespans and evolving work preferences. He highlighted that many nations are adjusting retirement ages and increasing workplace flexibility to foster age-inclusive environments.
Anwar pointed out that the economy is being reshaped by microentrepreneurs, gig workers, and the self-employed amid structural shifts in the labour market. Under the MADANI Economy, the government is committed to investing in digitalisation, inclusive innovation, and SME growth. He mentioned initiatives like the SME Digitalisation Grant, the National Industry ESG Framework, and support through Tekun and BSN as crucial steps toward an inclusive, innovation-driven economy.
The event also saw the presence of Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, EPF chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. The two-day ISWC 2025, themed ‘Living to a Hundred: Are We Prepared?’, has attracted over 2,000 participants, 25 strategic partners, and 24 distinguished speakers from around the world.