As Malaysia undergoes a profound demographic shift, the conversation around retirement planning, financial adequacy, and ageing has never been more critical. The International Social Wellbeing Conference (ISWC) 2025, jointly organised by the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department, the Ministry of Finance (MOF), and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), brought this topic to the forefront under the theme, “Living to a Hundred: Are We Prepared?”.

Officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the conference served as a call to action for policymakers, industry leaders, and individuals to reimagine how Malaysians prepare for longer lifespans – not only in terms of income, but through comprehensive reforms spanning healthcare, economic participation, and urban living.

ISWC 2025 also spotlighted the potential of the longevity economy as a driver of intergenerational collaboration and economic growth. By expanding opportunities in elderly care, fintech, and wellness industries, the longevity economy offers new pathways for youth employment while meeting the evolving needs of an ageing society.

Within this context, the GEAR-uP initiative, guided by the Ekonomi MADANI framework, is highlighted, with EPF being one of the key players in driving domestic investments, particularly in sustainable healthcare for the ageing population. This ensures that our ecosystems can support the financial and physical needs of older Malaysians.

PM Anwar Ibrahim commended EPF’s efforts in advancing retirement security, noting that reforms must be forward-looking, particularly in pensions, healthcare delivery, and social protection. “We have to recognise and acknowledge that the EPF has done remarkably well, and they are continuing to explore new approaches to enhance retirement adequacy,” he said during his keynote address at ISWC 2025 recently.

The EPF, as the country’s primary retirement savings institution, has taken a leading role in looking at ways to reform the retirement ecosystem to prepare for Malaysia’s ageing society. “We recognise that financial security is the bedrock of meaningful retirement. Planning for longevity starts with an honest understanding of the income required for a long and fulfilling life,” said EPF chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Zuki Ali.

“We also acknowledge that retirement readiness is no longer an individual pursuit but a shared responsibility among families,” he added.

Crucially, the EPF will be introducing an intergenerational savings transfer feature by the end of 2025. This initiative allows family members to contribute directly to one another’s retirement accounts, reflecting the deeply rooted culture of collective financial support in Malaysian households. It marks a significant policy shift — acknowledging that retirement planning is no longer an individual pursuit, but a shared responsibility.

ISWC 2025 also highlighted the importance of urban planning in supporting an ageing population. Features such as accessible transportation, walkable neighbourhoods, and age-friendly public spaces contribute to healthier, more active lifestyles in later years. These considerations go hand-in-hand with financial readiness, as quality of life in retirement depends on more than income alone.

• TAGS:
• Ageing Nation
• Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
• Employees’ Provident Fund
• EPF
• GEAR-uP Initiative
• International Social Wellbeing Conference
• ISWC
• Retirement
• Tan Sri Dato' Seri Mohd Zuki Ali
• Youth Employment