13 OUR SUSTAINABILITY APPROACH HOW WE ARE GOVERNED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SHAREHOLDERS’ INFORMATION ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE Beyond this, we continue to partner social enterprises, namely Silent Teddies Bakery and Dialogue Includes All (“DIA”) Academy, with whom we have fostered meaningful collaborations over the past twelve (12) years. Their advocacy for dignity, entrepreneurial spirit and a selfstarter mindset mirrors our very own culture of empowerment and resilience at Kenanga Group. In addition to being consistent patrons of the baked goods from Silent Teddies Bakery, an establishment run by hearing-impaired youths, we have also been actively supporting their expansion and renovation efforts that have been ongoing in recent years. In 2024, the humble bakery will be transformed to include a well-equipped learning centre for the hearing impaired, as well as a café that will cater to a broader audience. Witnessing their remarkable progress, especially as they grow their business, fills us with pride, highlighting the distance they have covered since our initial collaboration. In tandem, our alliance with DIA reflects our dedication towards inclusivity. DIA, beyond being a café, is an exhibition space advocating for people with disabilities. During the year, in collaboration with DIA Academy, our asset management arm, Kenanga Investors Berhad, organised immersive empathy workshops for their teams and network of financial advisers. Led by visually impaired trainers from DIA Academy, these workshops, conducted in darkness, encompassed empathy theories and activities aimed at reshaping awareness, fostering deeper appreciation, and breaking down barriers between abled and disabled communities. THE YEAR AHEAD For 2024, it is undeniable that we will be confronted with another set of challenges that will test our resilience and strategic acumen. Despite the hurdles ahead, our outlook is one of cautious optimism. While there are expectations that there will be a pause and eventual return to a lower interest rate environment which will be beneficial to the business, we are aware that other challenges exist. This includes slower global economic growth, the prospect of ongoing geopolitical conflicts disrupting global supply chains again, and China’s sluggish economic recovery. In the face of prevailing uncertainties, the Group will continue to be unwavering in its commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships with all stakeholders, driving innovation through the way we approach our business, as well as advocating sustainability in the marketplace. I am confident that these guiding principles will hold us in good stead, as we navigate the intricacies of the coming year. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to YM Tan Sri Dato’ Paduka Tengku Noor Zakiah Tengku Ismail, the Founder Emeritus and Adviser of Kenanga Group and to my fellow Board members. This expression of gratitude is particularly poignant as we celebrate our fiftieth (50th) anniversary, and recognise the support and wisdom of the stalwarts who have been instrumental in shaping the enduring success of Kenanga Group. Additionally, my deepest thanks go to the dedicated Management and employees of Kenanga Group. Their exceptional service and tireless commitment have further solidified and enriched the values that define the essence of Kenanga Group. Finally, I extend my appreciation to our esteemed clients, business partners, suppliers, and shareholders for entrusting the Group. A special acknowledgment goes to Bank Negara Malaysia, Bursa Malaysia Berhad, and the Securities Commission Malaysia for their invaluable advice and steadfast support. TAN SRI DATO’ SERI SYED ANWAR JAMALULLAIL CHAIRMAN
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