KUALA LUMPUR: Ekuiti Nasional Bhd (Ekuinas) marked the first Bumiputera "relay race” milestone under the government-linked investment company (GLIC) ecosystem following the transfer of a 60 per cent stake in Orkim Bhd
to Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) after the tanker operator’s initial public offering (IPO).
The transaction, completed after Ekuinas’ 11-year investment journey in Orkim, generated RM828 million in gross proceeds, of which RM350 million was distributed as dividends to PNB for the benefit of its unit trust holders, according to Ekuinas’ 2025 Impact Report released today.
The transaction reflected the successful transfer of ownership and stewardship to support Orkim’s next phase of growth, while reinforcing broader Bumiputera wealth creation within the national investment ecosystem, said the government-linked private equity company in a statement.
Ekuinas chief executive officer (CEO) Aliff Omar Mohamad Omar said the progress in 2025 reflected the group’s continued evolution as an integrated private capital investor, supporting mid-market Malaysian businesses across different stages of growth.
"By strengthening our focus across private equity, private credit and capacity building, alongside the successful delivery of our first Bumiputera ‘Relay-Race’ milestone via the Orkim initial public offering (IPO), we are demonstrating how value can be created, sustained and passed forward within the broader national investment institutions,” he added.
Since its inception in 2009, Ekuinas has committed RM5.1 billion across 49 companies and realised RM5.7 billion in proceeds, generating RM7.1 billion in Bumiputera equity value and RM8.5 billion in total shareholder value.
It said healthcare increased to 29 per cent of its active portfolio in 2025, while bumiputera representation in management roles across portfolio companies rose to 36.9 per cent.
Capacity Building supports lower mid-market Bumiputera companies through structured, non-financial interventions over a three-year period, addressing gaps in leadership, governance, operational capabilities, and investor readiness.
Ekuinas said following a foundational year in 2025 to establish its framework, Kopi Hang Tuah was recently selected as the first company under the programme.
It added that it continued expanding its social impact platform, ILTIZAM, through initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, education and community development.
In 2025, RM12.6 million was disbursed, bringing cumulative contributions since inception to more than RM115 million with key programmes including small and medium enterprises’ (SME) capability development, graduate employability initiatives and skills development programmes, and targeted community empowerment efforts.
Ekuinas has also entered a new phase as the firm was consolidated under Yayasan Pelaburan Bumiputera in January last year, followed by its transition to a fully-fledged subsidiary of PNB in July.
This was accompanied by refreshed leadership with the appointment of Aliff Omar as its CEO.
Looking ahead, Ekuinas said it remained focused on disciplined capital deployment, operational value creation and expanding opportunities across private equity, private credit and capacity building.
"Our priority going forward is disciplined execution; building resilient companies, supporting long-term growth, and remaining well-positioned to seize the right opportunities as they emerge,” said Aliff Omar.
Looking ahead, Ekuinas said it remained focused on disciplined capital deployment, operational value creation and expanding opportunities across private equity, private credit and capacity building.
"Our priority going forward is disciplined execution; building resilient companies, supporting long-term growth and remaining well-positioned to seize the right opportunities as they emerge,” said Aliff Omar. - Bernama
