Is it SAFE to Invest in Private Retirement Scheme (PRS) ?

This is one of the common question asked by potential PRS contributors. First, I want to emphasis that PRS is a long-term investment for the purpose of retirement planning. In investment case, long-term means you already using the most powerful method to reap a good return. Anyway, many contributors still want to treat PRS as some kind of short-term investment. I got the answer for you.

Basically, PRS is very similar to unit trust investment. The underlying structure and investment philosophy were the same actually. No wonder many people perceived PRS is another unit trust scheme. Yes, you're correct to a certain extent.

Under the guidelines, each PRS providers must at least launched their core funds for investors to select, namely Growth, Moderate and Conservative. To make things simple, we only discussed these core funds because I believe most of us only invest in core funds. From these core funds, growth fund is the most aggressive one. In other words, the most risky one, with the aim of getting better return than the other two.

Asset Allocation of Core Funds under the guideline by Securities Commission of Malaysia

Is it really so risky?

Let's us examine even deeper now. Again, under the guideline for PRS growth fund, only maximum of 70% of NAV can be allocated to equities, while the balance was in fixed income/money market instruments. If you're an unit trust investor, you will know that this is almost like a balance fund type of asset allocation. For your information, for normal unit trust equity fund, equities exposure was between 70% - 98%. Meaning, the maximum equities exposure for PRS Growth fund equals to the minimum of an equity fund. Not so risky, right?

Of course, if you want higher equity exposure for your PRS portfolio, you can opt for those non-core funds, which can go as high as 98% in equity exposure. Then, the next question was "Is it risky to invest now?"...

It all depends on your perception. If you think that Malaysia market is too expensive now, you may opt for those funds with foreign exposure. Currently, from the 4 PRS providers whom already launched their schemes, some can invest into foreign countries. Some are fund-of-funds, some are foreign funds. Coming soon, more variety of PRS funds will be offered, such as property fund, commodities fund...

This is a guest post by Alex Yeoh in the series of Private Retirement Scheme. For more PRS info, you may contact Alex Yeoh (email: alexyeoh@vka.com.my), a licensed financial planner, whom representing multiple PRS providers. Thank you.

Exclusive Interview: YUMI WONG

Malaysia's upcoming popular model, Yumi Wong is the name you can't forget in the near future. She is pretty, famous and most important is very young. At the age of 23 only currently, she already features in many tv commercial, magazines, one of the most sought after model in town, and as an ambassador of many companies. Read to know more about Yumi:

1. When were you started to join the modelling/entertainment industry? And, how?
   Still remember that when I am still in school, one of my friend got a freelance job and she needed someone to accompany her. She asked few of our friends on trying to get the job, while I'm like no harm, just try. But, in the end, only I myself got the job. This is how I started by becoming a freelancer and keep doing it until making it as my career.
   
   
2. What's your BEST achievement so far?
   Best achievement? Hmmm, I won't say that I had any great achievement so far because I think that although I have been in this industry for few years, it was only recently it became a career for me. This is just the beginning for me actually. So, I would say that the best achievement is the support and trust from the people, clients and sponsors.
   
   
   
3. We believe your fans would like to know your plans for 2013. Can tell us abit?
   My plans in 2013 is... stop gaining weight! Lol ~ and of course in 2013, other than getting better for whatever I'm doing, I would love to do more acting, learn better acting skills, and show my fans the different side of Yumi. Stay tune ya...
   
   
4. It's awesome that you have so many followers via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram... Any words to them over here?
   Yes! My words to them is: "Thank you so much for supporting me all this while. Without you guys, Yumi will never be able to make it until here today. I will work harder, learn more new things and never let you guys down. Love you all ~ XOXO"
   
   
5. Since your schedule was so tight, how do you juggle between your time and work?
   Arrg ~ this is very hard! But right now, most of the time I will spend on my work. For whatever activities, work come first for me because I think that I'm still young, still able to work more, as long as I got enough time to rest. Yup, I will spend my day just for working. Anyway, my job is quite fun after all.
   
   
6. Finally, how are you going to manage your personal financial matters? Are you a shopaholic?
   Well, shopping is what every girls' activities all the time! It was like breathing, and we can't stop or change it!!! But, I myself will only shop for what I need, I don't like wasting stuffs. As long as it still can be use, I will not buy a new one to replace it. So, my answer is YES I did shopping sometime, but not a shopaholic at all. And, I am quite a good money saver (I think).

Finance Malaysia blog hereby thanks Yumi for the interview and sincerely wishes her to be the next TOP international model from Malaysia, and successful in whatever things she venture into. If you want to know more about Yumi and her latest updates, you may "Like" Yumi Wong Facebook fan page.

What are the TAX benefits from Private Retirement Scheme (PRS)?

According to Securities Commission of Malaysia, tax incentives are provided to both employers and individuals for the first 10 years from assessment year 2012; in addition to the tax deduction permitted for EPF contributions:

Amount of Tax Savings by individuals for PRS contributions

For Individual:

Tax relief of up to RM3,000 per year will be given for contributions made within that year. This is on top of existing tax relief already enjoyed by taxpayers. How much can you save from tax? Let's look at the table above which illustrates the amount of tax saving an individual get after personal tax relief and RM6,000 EPF + Life Insurance tax relief. Assuming maximum RM3,000 PRS relief, the amount of tax saving depends on your level of income. For high tax bracket individual, you can save up to RM780 annually!!!

For Employer:

Tax deduction on contributions to PRS made on behalf of their employees above the statutory rate of up to 19% of employees' remuneration was granted. Example, if an employer already making 12% EPF contributions to his employees, the employer may choose to reward their employees by contributing into employees PRS account for up to another 7%.

Vesting Schedule to Retain Employees?

Yes, employer can use PRS as a tool to retain employees by adding a "vesting schedule" clause. Currently, there are a few available vesting methods: by length of service, job rank, or by age. Unlike EPF, if an employee leaves before vesting, the employer can access to the un-vested portion of contribution already made. Likewise, for EPF, employee take the full amount when they left. With PRS vesting schedule, employee may think twice before switching jobs.

In conclusion, there are tax incentives for every tax payer, employee or employer. Ultimately, enough retirement funds was the key objective of PRS. On top of that, a tax exemption is also provided on income received by the funds under the PRS.

This is a guest post by Alex Yeoh in the series of Private Retirement Scheme. For more PRS info, you may contact Alex Yeoh (alexyeoh@vka.com.my), a licensed financial planner, whom can distributes products from multiple PRS providers. Thank you.

How Private Retirement Scheme (PRS) works actually?

Many people are still in the dark on how actually Private Retirement Scheme (PRS) works. In order to clear everyone's mind, we hope this post was timely for those who may want to entitle for extra tax relief of up to RM 3,000 given by PRS before 31st December 2012. To further explain the whole scheme, Finance Malaysia Blog was glad that Alex Yeoh, a licensed financial planner is able to share with us on this matter.

By Alex Yeoh,

First we must know that PRS is a voluntary scheme for the purpose of retirement saving. For ease of understanding, let us look at the picture above which explain the process into two parts. Initially, contributions were made by us into the PRS fund that we select. It was as flexible as  normal unit trust investments (shown in upper part). Contribute anytime any amount as you like, without any specific intervals. As simple as that.

When can I withdraw the money?

Each time, your contributions were split and maintained in sub-accounts A and B similar to EPF way (shown in lower part). 70% of contributions will go to Account A, which can be withdrawn upon reaching retirement age, which is currently at 55.

Meanwhile, the balance 30% into Account B, which can be withdrawn after one year, subject to 8% tax penalty. Take note that you can withdrawn from Account B for whatever reason. Although lump sum withdrawal are permitted, contributors are encouraged to retain their savings for continuous investment under the respective schemes.

Why 8% tax penalty?

The said 8% tax penalty was to discourage contributors to withdrawn their money prior to retirement age. We must understand that PRS is meant for retirement savings. Moreover, the 8% tax penalty was deducted from withdrawal amount to pay back Inland Revenue Board (IRB). Why? Because IRB is the one who gave you tax relief on contributions made initially. Otherwise, loop-hole was existed with everyone just want to take advantage of the tax relief and  withdrawn their money after that. Agree?

For more PRS info, you may contact Alex Yeoh (email: alexyeoh@vka.com.my), a licensed financial planner, whom can distributes products from multiple PRS providers. Thank you.

New Fund: OSK-UOB Multi Asset Regular Income Fund

As investor continue to seek safe investment havens, i.e. investments that are more stable and/or of lower risk and with regular income, OSK-UOB Investment Management see opportunities in the Asia and Asia Pacific (ex Japan) region. Hence, they are now offering investors a fund that utilizes a multi-asset strategy to generate potential regular income and capital growth in a fund that invests in three yielding assets i.e. bonds, equities and REITs (real estate investment trusts) from the Asia and Asia Pacific (ex Japan) region.

The Fund is suitable for investors who:

1. seek regular income and capital growth over medium to long term;
2. are willing to accept moderate risk in their investments; and
3. wish to benefit from investment exposure in the Asian and Asia Pacific (ex Japan) region.

Tactical Asset Allocation?

Of the fund's investments, the External Investment Manager will initially invest in accordance to the allocation stated in the table below. However, for the purpose of tactical asset allocation, the manager may deviate from the stated allocation by a 10% variance for each asset class depending on the market conditions to achieve medium to long term returns.

Thus, this Fund's portfolio will be structured as follows:

• 65% - 98% of NAV
• Investments in Asian (ex Japan) debt instruments / bonds, Asia Pacific (ex Japan) dividend equities and Asia Pacific (ex Japan) REITs.
• 2% - 35% of NAV
• Investments in liquid assets including money market instruments and deposits with financial institutions.

What's the composite benchmark for this fund?

• 50% JP Morgan Asia Credit Index Total Return Composite (RM);
• 30% MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex Japan Index (RM);
• 20% MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex Japan REITs Index (RM).

Distribution Policy:

Depending on the level of income generated at each relevant period, the fund will declare distributions, if any, to unit holders QUARTERLY.

Click here to read fund's prospectus

Source: OSK-UOB Investment Management

Falling into a Dividend Trap? (Dec 2012)

No doubt, many investors prefer only invest in dividend-based counters. Malaysia is famous and already been recognized as one of the hottest spot for those looking for high dividend yields counters. But, things may changed. Why?

First, how do we calculate dividend yields? It's dividing the one year dividends declared by share price. Normally, yield which is higher than 5% was considered attractive. Just when everyone looking to hide their money from risks, yet aiming for higher returns than putting into fixed deposit (3% p.a), dividend counters seems to be their preferred selection.

Should we follow the "professionals"?

Yet, many investors just follow the winds (fund managers, analysts, consultants...) to invest based on the past 6 months, 1 year or 2 years track records. Yes. It's proven track records. But, where we are heading to is more important, right?

If you read the newspaper which published out-dated yields data, good luck. It's was based on last year dividends divided by average share price for last 365 days. For me, it's totally irrelevant for us to make decisions.

On the other hand, what we noticed was the share prices of dividend counters had moved up a lot since second half of last year. Although they have come down abit lately, we must ask the following questions before bargain hunting.

• Are we jumping in too late now?
• Are we taking more risks now?

Think about it and start to reconsider your decision again.

Personally, I believes this was not the right time to invest in dividend based counters. Nothing to do with their fundamentals or businesses as they are well-manage, profit generating companies. The problem is their share prices have already gone up a lot, which does not justify with the word "attractive yield" currently. Same goes to dividend based local unit trust funds. If really want to search for high dividend investments, you can still find it handy overseas, not Malaysia. Happy Investing!!!