ASTUTE CEO’s Message for 2024

Dear Stakeholder,
CEO's Message for 2024

As the New Year gets underway, I would like to take a moment to thank you for the support and confidence you have placed in ASTUTE.

A number of our Malaysia funds namely Dana Al-Kanz, Dana Al-Faiz, Dana Al-Sofi, Dana Aslah, Malaysia Growth Trust, Quantum Fund and Dynamic Fund delivered solid returns and performed very well against their respective benchmarks and compared to the KLCI and Lipper in 2023.

Additionally, Dana Al-Kanz is a leading Shariah money market fund on a 3 month/1 year/3 year/5 year basis (based on Lipper as at 31 December 2023).

The AUM of our Company reached a new high in 2023.

We increased the number of marketing partners in the course of last year.

Also, our Company launched a new discretionary private mandate product under the EPF Managed Investment Scheme ("EPF-MIS") segment. Please contact our sales representatives if you wish to learn more about this offering.

The progress made by ASTUTE would not be possible without the support of our clients and dedication of our employees.

We look forward to managing your investments in 2024.

May we take this opportunity to wish you a happy and prosperous year ahead.

Sincerely

Clement Chew
CEO

5 January 2024

Notice: Replacement Master Prospectus

Dear Valued Investor,

Greetings from Astute Fund Management Berhad (“Astute”). Thank you for investing in our funds.

We are pleased to inform you that the Replacement Prospectus shall be in place to reflect the various changes made to the Fund. This includes:
1. The company details;
2. Revised to the Investment Policy, Strategy and Permitted Investment of the Funds;
3. Revised to the risk associated with the Funds;
4. Updates to the Trustee details; 5. An update for Tax Advisor’s report; and
6. An update in the Fund’s Deed detail.

The list of amendments of the Replacement Master Prospectus will be made available on our website at https://www.astutefm.com.my/Download/Master%20Prospectus/Master%20Prospectus20230817163256.pdf . The changes shall apply on the date of issue of the Replacement Master Prospectus which will be not less than 14 days from this letter date.

Please note that the Replacement Master Prospectus will be available on our website at www.astutefm.com.my on the date of issue of the Replacement Master Prospectus.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support. Please contact your sales representative should you require further clarification on the above.

Thank you.
Best regards,
Astute Fund Management Berhad

Article: Astute's views on Asean becoming a compelling investment destination

Dear Valued Clients,

We are delighted to inform you that Astute Fund Management Berhad was quoted in this article on July 24,2023 as attached.

To download or view the full article:

https://www.astutefm.com.my/Download/Articles/Articles20230724104759.pdf

Happy Reading!

Unit Trust Consultant

Job Responsibility
• Assist clients to achieve their financial goals by investing in Astute Fund Management products.

Why Join Astute Fund Management Berhad?
• Astute is a fast-growing Unit Trust Management Company with consistent fund performance.
• Attractive commission schemes for new/existing Unit Trust Consultants
• We are passionate about client service and building a productive agency to service our clients better.

Job Requirements
• Minimum SPM Qualification or equivalent (3 credits in any subjects)
• Degree holders and Bumiputeras are encouraged to apply
• This Position is open for all locations in Malaysia

Job Benefits
• Opportunity to build your own business at almost no cost.
• Flexible working hours.
• Unlimited income potential.
• Car allowance.
• Achieve financial independence.
• Free trips and recognition.

Astute's Portfolio Managers’ Views

Dear Valued Clients,

The Portfolio Managers’ Views for January 2024 is now available to view at our website.

Click here to read the full portfolio:

https://www.astutefm.com.my/Download/Market%20Commentary/Market%20Commentary20240122162943.pdf

Happy Reading!

ANNOUCEMENT : Change in Funds Name

Pursuant to the change in our Company name from Apex Investment Services Berhad to Astute Fund Management Berhad, we are pleased to inform you that we have changed the fund name for the following funds with the issuance of a Third Supplementary Master Prospectus (“Prospectus”) and Product Highlights Sheet (“PHS”).

Please take note that there may be other changes made on the disclosure of the funds, kindly refer to the Prospectus and PHS of the respective funds for further details.

Our 3rd Supplementary Master Prospectus is available at:
https://astutefm.com.my/Download/Supplemental%20Master%20Prospectus/Supplemental%20Master%20Prospectus20220630143610.pdf

Please contact your sales representative if you have any queries or require further clarification on this matter. Alternatively, we can also be reached via phone or email at 03-2095 9999 / enquiry@astutefm.com.my.

Thank you.

Announcement - Shareholding changes

Dear Client/Consultant/Investor,

On 9 March 2022, Apex Equity Holdings Berhad disposed their entire 43% stake in Astute Fund Management Bhd. We are grateful for our long association with the Group and in particular with Apex's late founder, Mr Chan Guan Seng without whom we would not be here.

We warmly welcome our new shareholders Mr Asgari bin Mohd Fuad Stephens and Mr Raevendren Ramachandran. They have acquired a 30% stake in our Company. Both individuals are professionals with a good reputation. Their experience and expertise will no doubt help us to strengthen our business.

The stake held by our existing shareholders has increased from 57% to 70%.

To reflect our new partnership and independence, we have recently changed our Company's name to Astute Fund Management Berhad.

Astute means smart, savvy, intelligent, bijak - an ability to see things quickly. We believe the name describes the essence of our organization's character and how we intend to operate moving forward.

We are on-track to build on our progress in the coming years.

The asset management industry has grown steadily and offers bright prospects as shown by the confidence of investors (see link below).

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/apex-equity-completes-disposal-fund-management-business

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/affin-hwang-asset-management-deal-bumps-cvc-capitals-malaysian-investment-above-us1-billion-

If we work hard and continuously improve, we have an opportunity to grow and reap the rewards in the future.

Regards,
Clement Chew
Chief Executive Officer

Article: Apex's views on Investors remain in a risk-off mode currently

Dear Valued Clients,

We are delighted to inform you that Astute Fund Management Berhad (formerly Apex Investment Services Berhad) was quoted in this article on March 10, 2022.

To download the full article:

https://astutefm.com.my/Download/Articles/Articles20220311111833.png

or

https://themalaysianreserve.com/2022/03/10/investors-remain-in-a-risk-off-mode-currently/l

Happy Reading!

Article: Apex's views on Millennials and Gen Z reshaping asset management industry

Dear Valued Clients,

We are delighted to inform you that Apex Investment Services Berhad was quoted in this article on February 28, 2022.

To download the full article:

https://astutefm.com.my/Download/Articles/Articles20220228172758.pdf

Happy Reading!

Article: Apex's views on Foreign funds to be hit by FSIE withdrawal?

Dear Valued Clients,

We are delighted to inform you that Apex Investment Services Berhad was quoted in this article on December 13, 2021.

To download the full article:

https://astutefm.com.my/Download/Articles/Articles20211221113208.pdf

or

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/foreign-funds-be-hit-fsie-withdrawal

Happy Reading!

Article: Apex's views on Omicron reignites fear, but 'No' to mass lockdown

Dear Valued Clients,

We are delighted to inform you that Apex Investment Services Berhad was quoted in this article on 30 November 2021.

To download the full article:

https://astutefm.com.my/Download/Articles/Articles20211130165638.pdf

or

https://themalaysianreserve.com/2021/11/30/omicron-reignites-fear-but-no-to-mass-lockdown/

Happy Reading!

Article: Apex's views on Swift reopening policy consistency key to economic recovery

Dear Valued Clients,

We are delighted to inform you that Apex Investment Services Berhad was quoted in this article on 27 September 2021.

To download the full article:

https://astutefm.com.my/Download/Articles/Articles20210927125230.pdf

or

https://themalaysianreserve.com/2021/09/27/swift-reopening-policy-consistency-key-to-economic-recovery/

Happy Reading!

Article: Apex's views on Investors hoping for positive changes to drive the market higher

Dear Valued Clients,

We are delighted to inform you that Apex Investment Services Berhad was quoted in this article on 03 September 2021.

To download the full article:

https://astutefm.com.my/Download/Articles/Articles20210903144132.png

or

https://themalaysianreserve.com/2021/09/03/investors-hoping-for-positive-changes-to-drive-the-market-higher/

Happy Reading!

Article: Apex's views on Money managers remain invested in stocks and time

Dear Valued Clients,

We are delighted to inform you that Apex Investment Services Berhad was quoted in this article on 12 August 2021.

To download the full article:

https://astutefm.com.my/Download/Articles/Articles20210820154951.pdf

or

https://themalaysianreserve.com/2021/08/12/money-managers-remain-invested-in-stocks-and-time/

Happy Reading!

Article: Apex's views on New Generation Of Wealth Creators

Dear Valued Clients,

We are delighted to inform you that Apex Investment Services Berhad was quoted in this article on 26 July 2021.

To download the full article:

https://astutefm.com.my/Download/Articles/Articles20210726133050.pdf

Happy Reading!

Revision of Sales Charge for Unit Trust Investment under EPF-MIS

Dear Valued Clients,

With reference to the Stimulus Plan under the Employees Provident Fund Members Investment Scheme (EPF-MIS) which will end on 30th April 2021, the maximum sales charges for all Apex Investment Services Berhad's approved unit trust funds under EPF-MIS will be reverted back to the normal rate according to the below:

1) Investments via manual submission (electronic-Pilihan Pengeluaran Ahli, e-PPA) shall be fixed at a maximum rate of 3%.

2) Investments via i-Invest shall be fixed at a maximum rate of 0.5%.

This will take effect from 1 May 2021 onward.

Should you need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us at 03-2095 9999.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Apex Investment Services Berhad (“AISB") was made aware of a fictitious page on Facebook.

This page has wrongfully used AISB`s company name and logo and gives the impression that the Company is offering an investment scheme which promises a very high return to a potential investor.

Please be informed that the information provided on this fictitious page is misleading, wrong and fraudulent.

This page has not been authorized by the Company. AISB has not made such a representation on Facebook.

Members of the public are advised to be vigilant and to avoid falling victim to such fraudulent actions.

If you require further clarification, please contact us at 03-2095 9999 or email to us at: enquiry@astutefm.com.my.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Dear valued investors and partners,

As the year draws to a close, we would like to take a moment to thank you for your investment, support and belief in us.

2018 was a challenging year for financial markets. This was driven by global events and developments here in Malaysia. Markets were roiled by changes in government policies. The US–China trade tensions have dampened confidence. In Malaysia, priorities of the new government have forced investors to rethink their views on sectors and companies.

At Apex Investment Services (AISB), we have made significant changes. Some of these changes were relatively recent. However, much remains work-in-progress. Our team will not let-up. We will continuously strive to improve our processes and discipline. We remain steadfast in our goal to perform our best for our investors and partners. With the government embarking on structural reforms, we are hopeful that better days are ahead for Malaysia.

On behalf of our management and staff at AISB, please allow me to take this opportunity to extend our very warmest season’s greetings to you and your family.

SALES AND SERVICE TAX ANNOUNCEMENT

Effective 1 September 2018, the Ministry of Finance has announced that the Sales and Service Tx (“SST”) will replaced the Goods and Services Tax (“GST”).

Kindly be advised that provision of management services by any asset and fund managers are classified as non-taxable management services as listed in the Service Tax 2018 Guide on Management Services published by the Royal Malaysian Custom Department on 25 August 2018.

As such, we are pleased to advise that Apex Investment Services Berhad will no longer charge GST and also SST effective 1 September 2018.

Should you have any queries or further clarification, please feel free to contact your respective Consultants or our Customer Service at 03-2095 9999. Thank you.