ASB, ASM, ASN, ASNB. What are all these? What’s the difference? Why does it matter?
We get it. It’s really confusing. But don’t worry, we gotchu.
#1 What is ASB, ASM, ASN & ASNB?
Name | What Is It? | Price | Returns | Capital Guaranteed | Requirements | Number of Funds | |
ASB | Amanah Saham Bumiputera | A fixed-priced Unit Trust for Bumiputera. | RM1/unit (Minimum investment: RM10) | > 4% p.a. (historical returns) | “Yes” *Since the unit price is fixed. |
| 3 funds: ASB, ASB 2, ASB 3 DIDIK |
ASM | Amanah Saham Malaysia | A fixed-priced Unit Trust for all Malaysians. | RM1/unit (Minimum investment: RM10) | > 4% p.a. (historical returns) | “Yes” *Since the unit price is fixed. |
| 3 funds: ASM, ASM 2 WAWASAN, ASM 3 |
ASN | Amanah Saham Nasional | A variable price Unit Trust for all Malaysians / Normal Unit Trust Fund. | No fixed price (Minimum investment: RM10) | 1-4% p.a. | No |
| 11 funds |
ASNB | Amanah Saham Nasional Berhand | Fund management for ASB, ASM, ASN that is owned by PNB. | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
#2 What’s the difference between the 3 ASB funds?
Fund | Returns | Maximum Investment | Eligibility for EPF Members Investment Scheme (using EPF to invest in ASB funds) |
ASB | > 4% p.a. (historical track record) In FY22, returns were 5 sens/unit. | RM300,000 units | Not eligible. |
ASB 2 | > 4% p.a. (historical track record) In FY22, returns were 4.3 sens/unit. | RM300,000 units | Eligible. |
ASB 3 DIDIK | > 4% p.a. (historical track record) In FY22, returns were 4.25 sens/unit. | Unlimited, subject to availability of units of the fund | Eligible. |
#3 What’s the difference between the 3 ASM funds?
Fund | Returns | Maximum Investment | Eligibility for EPF Members Investment Scheme (using EPF to invest in ASM funds) |
ASM | > 4% p.a. (historical track record) In FY22, returns were 4.0 sens/unit. | Unlimited, subject to availability of units of the fund. This year, there will be RM5 billion worth of units available. | Not eligible. |
ASM 2 WAWASAN | > 4% p.a. (historical track record) In FY22, returns were 3.75 sens/unit. | Unlimited, subject to availability of units of the Fund. This year, there will be RM5 billion worth of units available. | Eligible. |
ASM 3 | > 4% p.a. (historical track record) In FY22, returns were 3.75 sens/unit. | Unlimited, subject to availability of units of the Fund. This year, there will be RM5 billion worth of units available. | Eligible. |
#4 Why is everyone talking about ASM now?
PNB has allocated RM 5 BILLION to ASM fund with a rate increase from 4% to 4.25%. This is in line with Malaysia MADANI’s commitment to ensure the equality of multiracial society.
For the past two years, the returns have been 4.0% so people are excited that the rate has to 4.25% once again. Of course, this isn’t as high as it once used to be (> 6% based on historical record) but the current rates are definitely much higher than FD rates.
ASM is considered a safe place to put your savings in but is infamous for being notoriously difficult to buy due to the limited units offered. So, with the RM5 billion (equivalent to 5 billion units since RM1/unit), people are grabbing them as quick as they can.
#5 How to buy ASNB units?
It’s very easy! Follow these steps:
1. Download & install myASNB app
2. Register an ASNB account
3. Login into account
4. Choose any of the funds you’d like to invest in
5. Buy units by using FPX via bank account
You can literally do it within 5 minutes.
#6 Can I withdraw from the funds anytime I want?
Yes. You are able to withdraw/redeem online up to 3 times per month. The maximum withdrawal/redemption is 2,000 units per month, accumulated for all ASNB unit trusts. Meanwhile, the minimum withdrawal/redemption amount is 100 units.
Your money will be credited on the next business day to your registered bank account at ASNB. If payment crediting is unsuccessful, the unit will be credited back into your unit trust fund account within 10 business days.
#7 ASB vs ASM vs EPF vs FD
Fund | Minimum Investment | Returns | Withdrawals | Capital Guaranteed |
ASB | RM10 | > 4% p.a. (historical track record) In FY22, returns were 5 sens/unit. | 3 times per month with a maximum redemption of 2,000 units. | “Yes” *Since the unit price is fixed. |
ASM | RM10 | > 4% p.a. (historical track record) In FY22, returns were 4.0 sens/unit. | 3 times per month with a maximum redemption of 2,000 units. | “Yes” *Since the unit price is fixed. |
EPF | Compulsory 11% from monthly salary + 13% of monthly salary from employer. | > 5% p.a. (historical track record) In FY22, returns were 5.35% p.a. (for conventional account) |
| Yes, and government guarantees a minimum dividend of 2.5% (for conventional account) |
FD | At least RM1,000. | Currently, the average market rate is 2.5% p.a. | Locked in for a fixed number of months/years. | Under PIDM Scheme, up to RM250K is guaranteed. |
Conclusion
We hope this helped you better understand the difference between ASB, ASM, ASN and ASNB!
In our opinion, all three of these investments are pretty good especially in comparison to EPF and FD as it allows for some liquidity when needed. Especially for ASB and ASM, it’s relatively low-risk and returns are considerably higher than the current FD rates.
So, if you’re Bumiputera, you should definitely consider investing in ASB. Meanwhile, for the rest of us, ASM units are still up for grabs so you might want to get your hands on them as soon as you can!