Amanah Saham 1 Malaysia *UPDATED 3 AUG 2009

*Original article*

Finally, the most awaited moment had arrived. PM Dato Seri Najib had make the announcement today, 31 July 2009 on the launching of the biggest ever trust fund so far with the size of 10 billions. Dear readers, mark your calendar on 5 August 2009, Wednesday to do camping again to buy these units. For employees, hope it is not too late to apply leave now. A shocking news is that Najib also announced that 50,000 fresh undergraduates of local public institutions of higher learning will get 100 units of this newly launched Amanah Saham 1 Malaysia. Though the amount is not that big, it however provide a starting point or catalyst for the students to learn how to save their money and generate some income through long term investment plan. In another view, it make the students easier to make additional investment in the future by having an account now. Let's have a look to this plan.

From what I can see, this plan is exactly the same like Amanah Saham Malaysia which I bought few weeks ago. It just differs in terms of the date of birth and the fund size. Haha.

On the maximum investment, there is a difference from ASM. Initially, ASM was sold to all and later on a new system of selling based on race quota was introduced. For this plan, the new system is used. Though it is stated unlimited investment, I think the maximum investment or limit will still apply even after the initial sales period.

As stated, those aged 55 years and above can only purchase a maximum of 100,000 unit per unit holder whereas those bellow 55 years old can only purchase a maximum of 50,000 units. Such limitation is of course a good news to all poor to moderate income Malaysians but not to the big tauke or big boss. They no longer can enjoy the luxurious of putting their 'side income' amounting hundred thousands ringgit and buy all the units within days of launching.

Another difference is that there is a new ruling stating that 1% of amount invested may be charged after initial sales period. Not to bias, this system seem targeted to charge the Chinese for buying the additional units after initial sales period ended. Why such ruling never been implemented before but now?

As usual, from the 10 billions fund size, there will be 50% allocation to the Bumiputras, 30% to the Chinese, 15% to the Indians and 5% to the other races. So, there will be 3 billions allocated for the Chinese. The Chinese who are well known to buy all the allocation within days may have a better chance among them. This is due to the maximum limit that one can buy. Judging into this, we can expect more people will but this units and hence there will be a longer queue.

The time frame for this allocation to finish up is predicted to be about 2 days with extension of another half day. So, dear friends, are you interested to start your an investment for your own future? As for me at the time of writing, I am still unsure whether to buy or not as I need to consult with my 'financial supplier' first. Most probably I will start it small if I do not get allocation this time. However, this is a golden opportunity to all Malaysians and I foresee to have a better dividend payout looking to the current economic that is slowly recovering. I would like to share a tip for buying this units.

QUEUE up as early as possible. It's better for you to suffer from getting up early than having a super long waiting time till the end of the day should you come on or after 9-10 am. If your number is still far away, don't be silly to stand at the banks. Go to have your breakfast and estimate the time. Last time when I bought ASM, it was about 6-8 people in 1 hour. If your investment is low lets say RM 1000, take the money out and buy at post office. it will be much faster. If possible, take the application form from the banks and filled before you come so that you won't be lost on that super crowd day.

Bring a headset and enjoy to your music or bring a book. Ask some friends to accompany you and a light meal before you start queuing. if you don't mind people laughing at you, bring a movable stool so that you can sit while waiting. A newspaper is a good companion. Find banks located in a less denser population or lesser Chinese populated area. That's all from now. So, any friends want to camp with me??



*Latest update as on 5 August 2009 together with exclusive clarification of the plan, click HERE*

*Latest update as on 3 August 2009*

I went to Maybank today and the first word they said to me was 'no capital guaranteed, think first before you buy. Apparently, the whole Malaysians was confused and assume this new AS 1 Malaysia to be same as ASM. Well, it is NOT.

Accordingly, this new plan is based on market value and the expected dividend payout is 3.7 to 4%. which is not a guaranteed. (might have loses as well). After the initial sales period, the price per unit is not fixed at RM 1.00 but will shoot up or down depends on the market value. Hence, it poses a risk in the investment but it is not something new in mutual funds like those offered by banks.

Besides, it has also additional charges namely management fees (if not mistaken 5% of the investment value) and also trustee feees (if not mistaken 0.5 % of investment). Such 'new' plan makes the buyers to have a second thought on the reliability and risks of this investment. I am not sure about mutual funds, but if it same like them in terms of risks and return rates, question arise is why don't I invest in established mutual funds? Comments from experts are essential HERE ASAP in helping us making a decision.

For the form, it will be only distributed on Wednesday during launching. TQ.

*UPDATE ENDS* 

COSMOBEAUTE ASIA 2009, 13-16 July, PWTC

So, it was Tuesday and the second week of the new sem when I visited this show . CosmoBeauté Asia 2009 was organised from 13 to 16 July 2009 at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur. It was a last minute plan, a day before before we concluded to visit our fellow colleagues as well as to satisfy the girls excitement on attending this event. The planning for this event was well organised. The 2nd floor was used as registration 'hall' for all the visitors. Then, some staffs were stationed at the escalators to check the forms filled and to do pre-screening. Once reach to a floor higher, the registration counter was beside the main entrance. More 'cones' were placed at the front counter so that the people will queue up obediently. The name tag printed was the biggest so far with approximately 3 x size of the usual one. Guess, the organisers were more rich this time as the cost of the big tag was not that cheap. A minute after I entered, I knew it was wrong idea to come. The girls seemed enthusiated with the ongoing promotion especially the varieties of mask which cost as low as RM 1.5o per piece. Me and Vun just followed the girls doing testing and shopping. Well, it was a real shopping and they did it every year. Quite surprising to us before we decided to walk on our own as the place there was crowded and mobility was a big difficult especially in groups. There were exhibitors, big pavilion from Taiwan and Singapore as well. Lots of female stuffs such as cosmetics, accessories, lipstick, make up powder and etc were on hot sale! Not less than 10 minutes after touring the entrance hall and the above hall, we started to feel BORING. Well, it was extremely boring as I had no idea what to do there beside looking around. There was no seating area and the number of males around there was limited. Finally, we decided to watch a model show but the sad thing was we need to stand all the time. Sob.

Sexy?

Looking to the build up of the two men, the girls started to look at me and asked me to do gym and so on. Well, I were trying hard to diet now and I don't like to do sit up, it was so tiring. Do you know who was the person above? It was Amber Chia doing some 'flagging' with her dress. Haha. Closer look of her. Do you notice any changes to her face. She was actually the main model for a face make up using electronic devices which was the latest technology invented by a Malaysia. The inventor, a man showed his skills in using the device to do the make up on her. Within minutes, the make up was done. Simple, easy and newer way of painting your face for your dinner. These were the models showcasting the newest technology of electronic make up. There was another make-up show by the Korean professionalist running at the same time. However, all crowd went to the previous one. We only came here after the former finished. Evan, Mei Chu, Evelyn, VK, Vun (thanks suk yen for becoming the photographer)

After that, we went to the staff room and chit chat with our bosses. We actually were disturbing them with our jokes and to cheer them up who looked extremely fatigue. Janice was sleeping while Sabrina was enjoying her rest. Simon as usual was attached with his computer. We wanted to leave earlier but instead spent long hours inside as it was raining heavily outside. Thanks Sabrina for stealing my free items. I actually got a pack of samples including collagen mask, face whitener, face cream and so on. The one that drew my attention was the super chilies reshaping cream. I am yet to try it but will do it soon for my growing tummy. Haha. The rests of the free items were stolen by her.

For our lunch, we went to KFC. Decided this place since VK complained that it was my fault for making her cannot eat KFC during the farewell dinner the other day. See her reaction. So happy to be able to eat KFC chicks!

*Why few photos? Our photographer run out of batteries.

Amanah Saham Malaysia (ASM)

Camping at Maybank? Some of my friends were puzzled when I told them I will be going for a camp. However, close friends knew that my destination was to Maybank instead to purchase the Amanah Saham Malaysia (ASM) which was selling like hot cakes. It was an issue that have been long discussed. Ever since the Prime Minister announced that there will be a new unit trust called Amanah Saham 1 Malaysia, I were searching the information online as well as friends around. A shocking finding was that many of them about 40% had actually bought ASM long time ago. I had heard about ASM previously but too naive to know what was it all about until today. So, what is ASM? The below images were captured from the ASNB website.

In short, ASM is like a fixed deposit. The difference would be the return rates or interest rates. You can only buy the unit trust during the selling period after which it is difficult for you to purchase unless there is people selling off their units but very slim chance.

Normally, during the first launching, there will be NO limit to the amount you wish to purchase. Then, there might be additional fund in the subsequent years of which the unit trust holders can purchase additional unit for their investment. If not mistaken, there is no race quota for this unit trust when it was introduced. As the time changed, the policy also had changed.

ASM is an equity-income fund launched in 2000 with a fund size of two billion units which were fully subscribed in 21 days. It must be noted that such unit trust has quota for different races. On 21 April 2009, 3.33 billions additional unit were open for sale. RM 1.665 billion (50%) were allocated for the Bumiputras, 999 millions (30%) for Chinese, 499.5 million (15%) were allocated to Indians and the remaining 5% for other races. All the Chinese quota was sold off while 99.4% or 496 millions quota for Indians were purchased as on 7 July 2009. All the Chinese allocations has been sold off within hours or HALF DAY.

As on 20 July 2009, the allocations for the Indians have been totally sold out. The Bumiputras bought 7.65 millions (50%) from the allocated 1.665 billion. There was a total of 1.635 billions unsubscribe ASM units for Bumiputra which probably include those units from previous ASM launch that was unsold. The expiry of this newly introduced quota based offer period was till 20 July 2009, after which will open for sale to ALL.

The minimum initial investment is 100 unit or RM 100. However, it is only logical for investors to invest at the minimum RM 1000 in order to gain good return. This ASM is yearly basis sort of FD which expiry on every 31 March. From the table above, the dividend payout is as high as 6.25 to 7.8%. Lets take 2009 as an example. At the current FD rate of 2.5 % per year, the difference if you invest the money into ASM is additional 3.75 % (6.25-2.5%) CASH into your account. It is exactly 2.5 x more interest rate or return to your investment.

I myself predicted that the dividend payout for 2010 will be slightly higher based on the current positive economic boost. (compared to other countries globally) Lets say you have a capital of RM 100, 000 and you used it to purchase ASM. If you have any FD or special investment FD alike plan offered by the banks, the interest rate would be 2.5-3.5% per year. Compared to ASM, you are actually earning RM 6250/year (as for 2009) rather than RM 2500-RM 3500.

As the terms investment, the more you invest the visible is the figure of earning. As compared to any other forms of investment, this ASM or any other related unit trusts are the SAFEST in terms of cost and risk of investment.

On 21 July 2009, PNB offered 1.6 billion unsubscribed ASM units including the Bumiputera quota to all Malaysians. However, there was 20,000 unit maximum limit for investors to ensure all the people have the equal chance to purchase and to prevent the rich to buy all the remaining units. It is a fair for all investment. If you want to purchase and earn some money, you need to compete with the rest of Malaysians to grab this opportunity.

The fundamental of purchasing this unit trust is to QUEUE up as early as possible. For those who had bought before and own an investment book, it is much faster for them to top up their account or investment than those newbies spending at least 10-15 minutes registering for new account. Such great deal is mainly targeted to low to moderate income Malaysians to somehow earn some money and learn on investment.

So, as planned, I met up with Vun at 7.30 am at Maybank, Taman Connought. He came earlier a bit than me and was 2 persons in front of me. There were many other friends whom I told them about this plan and interested on it. However, this ASM might be new to them and they need time to decide and prepare the investment capital. I suggest to those who are interested to open up a account now based on your convenience and later top up your investment as needed when you think the need arise. Early minimum investment can save up your time in future as you no need to wait a longer queue to register a new account.

See.. this was the queue at 7.30 am and there were about 20-30 people in earlier than me. Those experienced uncles and aunties brought along foldable stool, newspaper and some foods along. For the younger one, they brought along headset to listen to the music while reading books. (the person in front of me) It is always good to have somebody to accompany you to prevent you dying from boredom. This was my first time experience queuing up and will never forget the long hours I stood. For your information, Maybank opens its door at 9.15 am and they start giving out the numbers at 8.30 am.

Vun got number 14 while me, 17. Coincidentally, my mum who also queued up got the number 17 like me as well. Ironically, I got the number by queuing up at 7.30 am but she got hers at 8.15 am ++. What I wanted to stress here is that always aim at the banks who have lesser customers or in less dense population or in this case, Malay dominated area. This is because if the Malays are interested to buy, they need not to wait until today to purchase (no bias against any race). Usually, the allocation for them will not run out so fast.

The small paper printed with the number is usually given out instead of printed from the machine. It was claimed by the bank officers that such transaction was done manually and hence no auto generated tickets. I found this way of distributing the tickets is not efficient. When we are purchasing ASM, they claimed they will call your number out but sadly they speak softly and the customers cannot listen to their voice. By having the usual auto generate ticket and usual calling up of number using the display board, it is much easier for the customers to know.

See the queue. Due to the inefficiency of the calling, some customers went to queue up for long period of time only to know that their number will be called out later. The process of registering a new account may take from 10-15 minute. It was a dreadful period having the need to stand for a long period of time before waiting for your turn. It was my turn at about 11.15 am after queuing up for approximately 3 hours and I think I got everything settle by 11.30 am before rushing back to the university. If you bring CASH, the application is faster and can be even done at Post Office which opens at 8.30 am. However, there is a risk and its better to do money transfer at banks.

On 22 July 2009 approximately 11 am, my sister who queued up and got number 7 was told that all the ASM units have been sold off. This meant that the 3.33 billions additional funds launched in April were fully subscribed. The duration of sold out should be in just 1.2 days for 1.6 billions. It is actually longer than expected 1 day time.

So, do you want to buy ASM? PM Dato Seri Najib had announced that there will be launching of new fund called Amanah Saham 1 Malaysia in coming September with the size of 10 billions. If the quota remains to be 30% to the Chinese, the amount would be 3 billions. Lets do some prediction:
a) If 999 millions were sold out half day, it means that the maximum sold out time will be in only 3 DAYS time.
b) If 1.6 billions were sold out 1.1 day with the maximum investment of RM 20, 000, it means that maximum sold out time will be only in exactly 2 DAYS only.

So, what do you think? As for me, I was happy to own my very first investment book. Hope it grows more and more and more. Haha =P

McD Olympic Day Run 2009, Dataran Merdeka

To begin with, I was awaiting this run since I knew about it last year. Some of my friends went to the very first of such event and told me the fun they had. For this year, I had no idea about this run and was totally forgot about it. I remembered it was Saturday afternoon (while busy working for OGA) when Wan Nah sent me a sms asking me whether I were interested to participate and to reply her ASAP. Without hesitation, I replied her after I read the sms as she need to register for me before the deadline which was on the next day. TQ so much to her who has been helping me and others to register various run events including this one.

All others except me drove cars from Cheras to Dataran Merdeka. I was back home that time and it wasn't a problem from me to go there from Setapak. So, all the pictures during dawn time was without my presence. I was still on my way waiting for the trains. So, these early birds took picture around and pinned the plain cloth printed with our registration number on the T-shirt. For this year, there was no cap given to the participants.

When I arrived, the sky was already bright. I cut my hair a day before just because of this event. It was much easier and better with short hair. Wui Yan friends' group Small kids lining up for a photo. As early as 7 am, participants were seen already crowded at the starting line. We had to wait quite a long period at about 7.20 to 7.30 am before the official opening of the run. Look at the sky. It was already very bright, only then the event was started. Finally, every one was speeding from the starting line in a bid to beat their own records and to win medals. Huge crowd of people. We were not intend to win anything from this event and hence it was another run for fun event for us. And we managed to stop a while for a photograph while everyone behind was running like mad. Between, Suk Yen did not join for this event due to 'late reply' and was in charge for our official photographer. Thanks so much for helping us to keep this memory alive with these pictures. This would be another category official opening. Run Run Run for your LIFE!! The kids category Somehow, their participation in such event can really give them a lot of exposure. Too bad, I wasn't have the same opportunity those days. Random picture. These people were running towards the finishing line. Spotted on the left was Wui Yan while on the right was Raj. The main target was to reach to this finishing line in the fastest possible time. As you see from the picture, there were 11 categories. After the run, we seated on a covered area on the grass. The reason was to wait for the lucky draws. We waited till long hours before we realized that we need to put our registration number plain cloth to the lucky draw box. OMG! There was no notice or anything and how do you expect to know such way of lucky draw. Before the entry to the waiting area at the starting line, we needed to give our numbered ticket to the person in charged. So, we thought it would be a usual way to pick lucky draws from the tickets. Haiz, waited our time and efforts. Me and the finisher certificate. For this time, I set a time frame of 70 minutes for 7 km. I didn't expect much as I had gained fat recently and did not do any exercise in the previous days. Well, you know.. my time was full with my busy working schedule. I managed to reach to the finishing line in approximately 54 minutes. Thanks God, I'm still alive after long period of runs. Speecless. I did not direct them for this pic. They said they want to take a prisoner picture. Suk Yen, Chie chek, Me and Nicholas Prisoners Jumping high after completion of our run Love this pic.. Glory oh glory!! Raj, CC, Me, Nic and Wui Yan This one was directed by me. Football players style pic by our lady coach, Ms Wui Yan. Do you know what we were doing? We were trying to make the word McD to convey our sincere appreciation to McD for organising such event. TQTQ.

Hope to participate this event again for next year!! After the run, we went to makan at Petaling Street at the claimed famous yong tau foo but a bit expensive located at the wet market. I actually wanted to go for a Starbucks session with them to 'redeem' the buy 1 free 1 voucher complimentary for signing up Digi Campus plan. However, some were tired while some wasn't free to stay any longer. So,no choice that we all headed back home. Since it was long time I never go to Popular Bookshop, I went to the the place and spent some time there. Only then I realised they were having a book promotion with discount from 50 to 70%. Wow, lot of books only costs below RM 20 and some RM 10. While on the search for books, I met with Heather who was so happened to spend her time there during her lecture break time. So, we were discussing on certain topics and then came up to idea to go Starbucks.

Instead of me buying books, I bought these fun learning materials for Jun Jun. Out of sudden, I felt like I was a father. When I see those kids stuff, the first time I will do is look something for him. And it wasn't easy to find one suitable for him as the materials cannot be too deep or too hard too understand or too easy to learn. Between, Jun Jun can read mandarin nursery books at tender age of 3. Bravo.. this kau fu really lose to him. However, I am yet to give him. Starbucks at Kotaraya I ordered Java Chip ice blended while Heather tried the new coffee jelly Frappuccino. For you guys who which to try the new menu, please don't ever try. The jelly is the normal cincau and has nothing special but the price can be higher than normal Java chip ice blended venti. Personally, I don't like to drink coffee with the cream. However, I was forced to eat all those cream as she do not want to be fat. Haha.