U Mobile has confirmed via its official website that it has begun rolling out 5G Standalone (SA) service to select U Mobile customers. The telco states that the service will be rolled out in phases.
However, not all U Mobile subscribers are eligible just yet. For now, 5G SA is available only for users on the U Postpaid 98, U Biz 98, U Premium, and U Platinum plans.
Moreover, only compatible devices will support U Mobile’s 5G SA, all of which are listed on the official FAQ page. Supported devices range from Samsung, OPPO, vivo, realme, Honor, ZTE, and iQOO. Interestingly, Apple iPhones aren’t on the list yet, but U Mobile assures that they are working with Apple to enable 5G SA via software updates.
Image Source: U Mobile
The list will be updated periodically as U Mobile expands 5G SA support to more devices.
U Mobile also confirms that 5G SA comes at no additional cost to users, and eligible customers can enjoy the service automatically. However, users must ensure that 5G is enabled on their devices and that their software is up to date.
Subscribers should see ‘U Mobile 5G SA’ as their network name when they are within a 5G SA-covered area.
To keep it brief, 5G Standalone (5G SA) is the “true” version of 5G, where the network runs entirely on new 5G infrastructure, without relying on older 4G LTE technology. Since the network operates independently, 5G SA enables faster response times, access to higher data rates, and several other benefits.
This is a contributing article from our friends at Vespid
Investing doesn’t have to start with a large amount of money. With just RM100 a month, Malaysians can begin their investment journey and grow their wealth over time today. Here’s a breakdown of the latest investment options categorized by risk level.
Low-Risk, Stable Investments
1. Money Market Funds
Money market funds are another low-risk investment that provides better returns than traditional savings or fixed deposit accounts. Platforms like Versa Cash (3.8% annual return rate) and Touch ‘n Go GO+ (daily return rate of 3.56%) of approx allow Malaysians to start investing with RM100 per month (TNG GO+ requires a minimum of RM10) while keeping their funds liquid. Here’s a screenshot of how you can begin investing on TNG GO+ and Versa Cash.
TNG GO+
Open the TNG app
Click on ‘Grow your money’ followed by ‘GO+’
To cash in money into your GO+ account, you can either transfer money via DuitNow, or from your ewallet balance. You must have a minimum of RM10 in your ewallet balance to transfer to the GO+ account.
Click on ‘Save’ and select the portfolios you would like to save your money in
Click on ‘Cash In Now’ to cash in some amount of savings into your Versa account. A minimum of RM10 is required to start saving on Versa.
2. Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) and Amanah Saham Malaysia (ASM)
Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) and Amanah Saham Malaysia (ASM) are popular investment schemes that offer stable returns. ASB is exclusively for Bumiputera investors, while ASM is open to all Malaysians, though subject to unit availability.
To start investing, individuals need to open an ASNB account via the myASNB portal. There are several funds that investors can choose from, some are fixed price and others have a variable price.
Fixed price funds do not experience fluctuations in the value of each unit, while for variable price funds, the unit price fluctuates based on the market value of the fund’s underlying assets. Fixed price funds are typically low risk and aim to provide stable returns while variable price funds have higher risk but offer potential capital appreciation.
The table below is ASNB’s categorization of their funds based on the price and risk appetite of potential investors.
Medium-Risk, Growth-Oriented Investments
1. Unit Trusts
For investors willing to take on some level of risk in exchange for better returns, unit trusts are a popular option. Managed by professional fund managers, unit trusts provide diversification and are accessible through the majority of financial institutions and banks in Malaysia. Individuals can apply to invest in the unit trust funds directly via banks or through trusted third party investing or unit trust comparison platforms such as FSMOne or iMoney.
2. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is a basket of investments (like stocks or bonds) that trades on a stock exchange. This provides more diversification (which lowers your risk of investing) and a lower cost since individuals do not need to purchase individual stocks at different prices to diversify their portfolio. Unlike unit trusts, ETFs are traded on stock exchanges, allowing investors to buy and sell shares easily.
To start investing, individuals can register with a brokerage platform with the respective banks in Malaysia or Securities Commission regulated platforms like MooMoo Malaysia, Rakuten Trade, and M+ Online to purchase shares of ETFs.
FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI ETF (FBMKLCI-EA) – Tracks the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index, providing exposure to Malaysia’s 30 largest companies. Managed by AmFunds Management Berhad (Stock Code: 0820EA).
TradePlus Shariah Gold Tracker (GOLDETF) – Malaysia’s first Shariah-compliant gold ETF, designed to track gold prices. Managed by AHAM Asset Management Berhad (Stock Code: 0828EA).
Principal FTSE ASEAN 40 Malaysia ETF (PAM-A40M) – Provides exposure to 40 leading companies from five ASEAN countries (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines). Managed by Principal Asset Management Berhad (Stock Code: 0822EA).
3. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) provide an opportunity to invest in the real estate market without the need to purchase physical properties. Companies such as Sunway REIT and Capitaland Malaysia Trust offer investors access to a portfolio of income-generating properties. Investors can start by opening a brokerage account, searching for listed REITs, and making small, regular investments. As of November 30, 2024, according to Securities Commission Malaysia, there are a total of 19 REITs listed on Bursa Malaysia.
4. Robo-Advisors
Robo-advisors have gained popularity in recent years as a low-cost, automated investment solution. Platforms like StashAway, MyTHEO create personalized portfolios based on individual risk preferences and offer diversified exposure to global markets. Getting started involves signing up on their website, answering a few questions to determine risk tolerance, and setting up monthly contributions. As of February 2025, there are 8 robo-advisor platforms in Malaysia today.
AkruNow by Akru Now Sdn. Bhd; The home-grown Malaysian one
Airo.my by BH Global Fintech Solutions Sdn. Bhd. Seems to partner with Interactive Brokers and Pacific Trustees
MyTheo by GAX MD Sdn. Bhd.; Malaysian partner of Theo from Japan
Stashaway by StashAway Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.; expanded from Singapore
UOBAM Invest by UOB Asset Management (Malaysia) Berhad; ‘robo-advisory for business’. Skip this if you’re managing own funds
Wahed Invest by Wahed Technologies Sdn. Bhd.; expanded from New York. Specializes in Shariah compliant investments.
Kenanga Digital Investing (KDI) by Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad, the largest independent investment bank in Malaysia
RIA by Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad; yes, THAT ASNB. They’re known for their fixed funds (ASB, ASM), and now started a robo-advisor called RIA featuring portfolios composed of their variable funds.
High-Risk, High-Return Investments
1. Stock Market Investments
Stock market investments remain one of the most popular high-risk investment options. Investors can buy shares in companies listed on Bursa Malaysia through brokerage platforms operated by banks and Securities Commission regulated platforms in Malaysia (i.e. . In Malaysia, there is a requirement to purchase at least 100 shares of a stock on Bursa. Nonetheless, if you can find a stock that is less than RM1 per share, you can invest in the stock market for just RM100!
2. Cryptocurrency Investments
Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual currencies to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. These currencies enable secure online payments without relying on third-party intermediaries. Cryptocurrency investments have gained traction as a high-risk, high-reward opportunity. It is extremely volatile and one can either earn high returns or risk losing everything when the currency crashes.
There are 19 approved cryptocurrencies in Malaysia, but it’s generally safer to stick to large-cap cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. These are more established, widely adopted, and have higher liquidity, making them less volatile compared to smaller or newer cryptocurrencies. To invest in cryptocurrencies in Malaysia, set up an account with either of the 6 Securities Commission approved platforms.
Hata
Luno
SINEGY
Tokenize
MX Global
Torum (pending launch)
Final Thoughts: Which Investment Is Right for You?
For those who are new to investing or prefer safety and stability, money market funds, or ASB/ASM are ideal choices. Those seeking higher returns and can handle volatility may stock market investments, robo-advisors or even cryptocurrency!
Regardless of which option you choose, investing RM100 every month consistently can help build long-term wealth. As the saying goes, sedikit sedikit, lama lama jadi bukit!
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