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Purpose - Under its \u22Members Investment Scheme\u22 strategic initiative, the Malaysian Employees Provident Fund (EPF) permits its members to invest part of their retirement savings in approved external funds. Given there is an increasing number of unit trust funds available in the market, it is not an easy task for members to make this investment choice decision. The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceived importance of fund selection criteria within the context of retirement savings in Malaysia. In addition, it also seeks to examine whether there is a relationship between religious affiliation and choice of fund. Design/methodology/approach - A questionnaire-survey was carried out among 440 individual EPF members. Findings - The survey results show that the ranking of mutual fund selection criteria differs between Muslim and non-Muslim members. Past performance was the most important criterion valued by the non-Muslim EPF members. In line with conforming to religious belief, the fund\u27s commitment to Islamic principles was the most important criterion considered by Muslim EPF members. Both type of religious group members also considered the overall reputation of the fund as important criterion in selecting a mutual fund. Research limitations/implications - The paper is subject to the normal limitations associated with survey research. Practical implications - The findings of this study can help fund management companies to better promote their funds to the right investors. Originality/value - The paper provides empirical evidence regarding mutual fund selection criteria from the perspectives of individual investors

Purpose of the study: This paper aims to examine whether intellectual capital (IC), measured through the value-added intellectual coefficient (VAICTM) affects the firm performance of the industrial sector in the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE). Methodology: The sample comprised 50 industrial companies listed in ASE over the period 2008-2017. The methodology included estimating the impact of IC, measured through VAICTM and its components on the market to book ratio (M/B) and earning per share (EPS). Research hypotheses were tested through the display of descriptive statistics, multicollinearity, normality tests, correlation matrix, and multiple regression models. Main Findings: The results indicate a positive relationship between VAICTM with the M/B ratio and EPS. As for the M/B ratio, the result is a positive significant relationship for the CEE but not for the SCE, and HCE. However, the results are counterproductive for EPS and found HCE, and SCE has a significant impact on the EPS but CEE not significant. Applications: The results suggest that industrial companies in Jordan must hold practical and knowledge experiences because it is vital for their competitive advantage, and must reduce unemployment rates by employing new employees with expertise and skills. The present study integrates previous methodologies in order to investigate the relationships between IC and firm performance of industrial companies listed on the ASE. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study extends previous studies on intellectual capital and firm performance in Jordan by incorporating more samples and the latest period of study. In addition, it also shed some new findings on the effect of intellectual capital on the M/B ratio and EPS.

This paper investigates individual retirement savings investment choices of members of Malaysia's Employees Provident Fund (EPF). The focus is on the option available to EPF members to invest part of their savings in approved unit trusts. A survey of EPF members allows a contrast with existing empirical evidence, largely drawn from developed countries. Three significant factors are identified: perceived importance of financial advisor; financial risk tolerance and perceived plan design. Gender and marital status were also significant predictors of investing in the unit trusts, though religion and religious commitment were not significant. Several implications emerge from these findings. First, results highlight the important role of unit trust consultants in individuals' choices which in turn highlights the important role of the governing body of consultants in ensuring appropriate advice is delivered to clients. The study is relevant to the EPF as policy-maker, on the behaviour and attitudes of its members.

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