IMLD and IFM Tanzania collaborate on a training programme to enhance treasury management for pension funds

The Institute of Management and Leadership Development (IMLD) at UTAR, in collaboration with the Institute of Finance Management (IFM), Tanzania, successfully conducted a training programme titled Effective Treasury Management for Pension Funds from 15 to 19 December 2025 for delegates from the Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF), Tanzania.

The programme was designed to enhance delegates’ understanding of Malaysia’s pension ecosystem, with a particular focus on governance structures, investment strategies, financial reporting, and risk management practices adopted by key national institutions. It also aimed to promote cross-border knowledge exchange and institutional learning in public fund management.

Prof Cheng (standing) welcoming the delegates

Delegates were exposed to Malaysia’s pension framework through sharing sessions and institutional visits to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Private Pension Administrator (PPA) and Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (KWAP). At EPF, delegates gained insights into an overview of pension schemes in Malaysia, EPF’s governance framework and long-term investment strategy, its products and engagement approaches, as well as operational and investment risk management practices.

The delegation also learned about Malaysia’s Private Retirement Scheme (PRS) framework during a visit to PPA, and subsequently gained exposure to the pension scheme for public servants through an engagement with KWAP, which highlighted the operational and governance aspects of managing public sector pension funds.

Clockwise, from top left: Group photo taken at EPF, PPA, and KWAP

In addition, the delegates attended sessions on the operation and financial reporting of social security funds, delivered by the SOCSO Chief Financial Officer, Mr Ahmad Nazli bin Othman Mohd, and the Head of Accounting Department, Mr Muadz Abdul Jalil. This was followed by an academic-led session by UTAR lecturer Mr Yap Wai Onn on financial reporting for pension funds. These sessions provided both practical and conceptual perspectives, strengthening the delegates’ understanding of reporting standards, accountability, and transparency in fund management.

The programme further featured an industry-led session on investment strategies and portfolio management, delivered by Dr Muhammad Irfan Abdul Rahman from RHB Bank, offering market-based insights into institutional investment decision-making. This was complemented by a session on risk management, conducted by UTAR Assoc Prof Dr Lee Hui Shan, which reinforced delegates’ understanding of risk identification, assessment, and mitigation within pension and social security funds.

Engaging discussions and sharing sessions at UTAR

The programme concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony officiated by the Director of IMLD, Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu, marking the successful completion of the programme. The programme marked a significant milestone in fostering international partnerships and promoting knowledge exchange in treasury management.