Manulife Investment Management has been selected by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) as an asset manager under the Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP), a S$5b initiative aimed at enhancing liquidity and investor engagement in Singapore’s equities market. The programme focuses on actively managed strategies, particularly in small and mid-cap companies, to broaden market depth and research coverage.
The appointment will see Manulife launch a Singapore All-Cap Equity strategy, which is benchmark-unconstrained and research-driven. This strategy will allocate approximately 40% of its portfolio to small and mid-cap companies whilst maintaining significant exposure to large caps to ensure liquidity and diversified opportunities. HuiJian Koh, CEO of Manulife Investments, Singapore, stated, “This appointment reinforces our commitment to Singapore. By combining our global capabilities with deep local expertise, we aim to enhance market vibrancy and create long-term value for investors.”
With over 120 years of investment management experience in Asia, Manulife has managed Singapore equities since 2007. The firm plans to leverage its ability to raise external capital across various channels to support market development. Hock Fai Chan, Head of Equities, Singapore, noted the potential in Singapore’s small and mid-cap space, which has been historically under-researched. “These companies represent high-quality businesses with strong fundamentals and growth potential,” Chan said.
The EQDP is expected to catalyse greater research coverage and liquidity, fostering a more dynamic market for both institutional and retail investors. Manulife’s involvement underscores its focus on delivering long-term value and supporting Singapore’s ambition to become a leading investment hub in Asia.
