Manulife Investment Management (M) Berhad has unveiled the Manulife Singapore Equity Fund, providing Malaysian investors with a new avenue for income and long-term capital growth. This launch comes as Singapore’s equity market undergoes significant changes, driven by the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s SGD 6.5 billion Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP), which aims to enhance market liquidity and broaden investor participation.
The fund is a feeder fund investing in the Manulife Singapore Opportunities Income Fund, managed by Manulife Investment Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. It targets opportunities in Singapore’s small- and mid-cap segments, which have historically been undervalued due to limited analyst coverage and low liquidity. Jason Chong, CEO of Manulife Investment Management (M) Berhad, highlighted the fund’s potential to diversify portfolios alongside domestic and global equities.
Hock Fai Chan, Head of Equities at Manulife Investment Management in Singapore, noted that the fund’s strategy includes a 60% allocation to large-cap leaders and 40% to small- and mid-cap companies. This approach aims to capture re-rating opportunities as market conditions improve. The target fund currently yields approximately 4.2%, offering stable income and growth prospects.
The fund’s initial offer period runs from 10 June to 30 June 2026, available in SGD, RM, and RM-hedged share classes. It is designed for investors seeking capital appreciation and income with a long-term investment horizon.
