BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  Enterprise Explores  >  Is It Time to Raise the Retirement Age to 70?

Is It Time to Raise the Retirement Age to 70?

Rajen Devadason, CEO, RD WealthCreation

14-Aug-25 12:00

Is It Time to Raise the Retirement Age to 70?

Retirement: It's an 'Income Problem,' Not an EPF Problem.

Proposals to restructure the EPF aim to solve Malaysia's retirement crisis by creating a pension-like income stream for retirees. But what if the problem isn't the EPF system itself, but a much deeper issue with our income and corresponding quality of education?

Rajen Devadason, Licensed Financial Planner with Manulife Investment Management (Malaysia) Berhad, joins us with a contrarian take, arguing that Malaysia has a fundamental "income problem" rooted in long-term educational policy missteps. He discusses his bold proposals for reform, including the controversial but necessary step of raising the retirement age to combat longevity risk.

We discuss:

  • Why the core issue is an "income problem," not an EPF problem.

  • The case for raising Malaysia's retirement age to 70.

  • How long-term educational policy has impacted national income levels.

  • What "longevity risk" is and why it's the biggest threat to retirement.

  • Why individuals must focus on building their own private pensions.

    For policymakers and anyone planning for the future, this is a conversation that dives into perspectives on deep, structural reforms needed to secure Malaysia's long-term economic well-being.

Produced by: Roshan Kanesan

Presented by: Roshan Kanesan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  economyfinancial wellnessinvestmentssponsored content

Tags:  retirement planningepfeconomic policypersonal financeeducation reformfinancial planningMDX2025





Play / Pause

Listen now : BFM 89.9 -- The Business Station

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy, Mizuho Bank tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Dr Kathryn Robison, Lecturer in American Studies, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney on the United Stated partial government shutdown and political tension.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Danesh Prakash Chacko of TINDAK weighs in on whether limiting the PM’s tenure and electing KL’s mayor could strengthen governance and trust.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Alex Ong, Executive Director of Hock Soon Capital, discusses the future of its poultry business on its way to the Main Market.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Ravi Kittane, Partner at Ernst & Young Consulting, discusses the digital banks' business in Malaysia and the region.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

(REPEAT) We dive into the local and international news that matters to you.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy, Mizuho Bank tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

Mohd Fadzerin Arrifin, Equity Analyst, BIMB Securities Research discusses Malaysia's property and REIT sectors.

9:35 AM

The Property Show

Dr. Tan Loke Mun, Principal of DrTanLM Architect, assesses KL's River of Life project 15 years on.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Buzz ditched its green-tech BeeBag idea after hitting a scaling wall, for “commerce media,” turning fintech apps into ad channels. We unpack the kill signal behind the pivot, why item-level purchase data is the real moat, and whether your banking app is about to become the next big billboard

11:00 AM

The Workplace

Sharmini Ann Jacob, Executive Director of Business Transformation (People & Change), KPMG Malaysia

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

What happens when the cost of intelligence hits zero? Peng T. Ong joins us to explore the "Economic Singularity." From the "Star Trek vs. Wall-E" future to the death of inflation, we ask: how do we survive the end of work, and what is the "human premium" in a world of automated abundance?

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Alex Ong, Executive Director of Hock Soon Capital, discusses the future of its poultry business on its way to the Main Market.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Earth Matters

This World Wetlands Day, we explore Kuala Selangor Nature Park, where mangroves, mudflats, and wildlife thrive just minutes from the city.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

“I’m overstimulated”. By now, we’ve probably heard or seen someone say this but what does it actually mean to be overstimulated? How do you know if that’s what you’re feeling like?

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

A countdown of the 5 biggest stories of the day, to catch you up on all you need to know!

6:00 PM

Big Issue

Education Plan 2026-2035

7:00 PM

Stories of KL

We learn about the art of Kavadi making with father-son artisans K Sivarajah and Sathish Raja.

8:00 PM

Cruise Control

Daniel shares his thoughts on what the 2026 Proton Saga MC3 is supposed to be for Malaysians after taking it out for a ride.