Earlier this year, credit reporting agency CTOS, in collaboration with Monash University Malaysia’s School of Business conducted a study looking into the state of consumer credit in Malaysia for 2022. The study found that the average credit score of Malaysian consumers stood at 678 points in 2022 which means that while most Malaysians will be able to qualify for a wide range of credit products, they may not be getting the best deals on the market. 



So to run through the key highlights of this study, Sim Wie Boon speaks to Erick Hamburger of CTOS and Professor Dr Nafis Alam of Monash University Malaysia on the show. 


Image by: Shutterstock

Earlier this year, credit reporting agency CTOS, in collaboration with Monash University Malaysia’s School of Business conducted a study looking into the state of consumer credit in Malaysia for 2022. The study found that the average credit score of Malaysian consumers stood at 678 points in 2022 which means that while most Malaysians will be able to qualify for a wide range of credit products, they may not be getting the best deals on the market. So to run through the key highlights of this study, Sim Wie Boon speaks to Erick Hamburger of CTOS and Professor Dr Nafis Alam of Monash University Malaysia on the show.&nbsp; Image by: Shutterstock

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Ringgit and Sense

We explore financial themes and help you make sense of the world of finance. From setting financial goals, managing finances, investing and understanding the various issues that affect our wallets. Ringgit and Sense wants to help you understand personal risk profiles, realistic investment horizons, retirement planning, managing education loans and health insurance plans, as well as breaking down the various personal finance products that are available.

Ringgit & Sense

The Malaysian Credit Landscape

Should individual investors avoid investing in IPOs?

With data showing that two out of three IPOs in Malaysia trade below their listing price within a year, separating genuine long-term value from short-term market hype is harder than ever.

Ng Zhu Hann, CEO of TradeView Capital, joins BFM’s Ringgit and Sense to discuss why first-day price pops and high over-subscription rates can be deceiving, and what it really takes to evaluate an initial public offering (IPO).

He reveals critical prospectus red flags to look for before placing a bid, from subtle governance warnings in Related Party Transactions to single-customer concentration risks. He also shares key metrics for assessing how listing proceeds are allocated and how investors should evaluate pre-IPO dividend payouts.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Should individual investors avoid investing in IPOs?With data showing that two out of three IPOs in Malaysia trade below their listing price within a year, separating genuine long-term value from short-term market hype is harder than ever.Ng Zhu Hann, CEO of TradeView Capital, joins BFM’s Ringgit and Sense to discuss why first-day price pops and high over-subscription rates can be deceiving, and what it really takes to evaluate an initial public offering (IPO).He reveals critical prospectus red flags to look for before placing a bid, from subtle governance warnings in Related Party Transactions to single-customer concentration risks. He also shares key metrics for assessing how listing proceeds are allocated and how investors should evaluate pre-IPO dividend payouts.Image Credit: Shutterstock

Is IPO Investing Worth It? Red Flags to Watch

A viral story claims a retiree allegedly blew through RM700,000 in EPF savings in just 21 days. True or false, it highlights a terrifying reality: decades of disciplined accumulation can vanish very quickly without a decumulation plan. 

Stephen Yong, Licensed Financial Planner and Executive Director of Wealth Vantage Advisory, joins BFM’s Ringgit and Sense to discuss the best practices and mindsets to adopt when you finally get access to your EPF money. 

He explains how sudden access to large lump-sum retirement balances can trigger a "windfall" mindset, leading to rapid capital depletion, as well as why retirees should retain core funds in the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to leverage its historical dividend yields. 

He also breaks down how to calculate retirement targets while accounting for inflation and longevity risk, and shares his 3-step checklist before you make your first EPF withdrawal.


Image Credit: Shutterstock

A viral story claims a retiree allegedly blew through RM700,000 in EPF savings in just 21 days. True or false, it highlights a terrifying reality: decades of disciplined accumulation can vanish very quickly without a decumulation plan. Stephen Yong, Licensed Financial Planner and Executive Director of Wealth Vantage Advisory, joins BFM’s Ringgit and Sense to discuss the best practices and mindsets to adopt when you finally get access to your EPF money. He explains how sudden access to large lump-sum retirement balances can trigger a "windfall" mindset, leading to rapid capital depletion, as well as why retirees should retain core funds in the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to leverage its historical dividend yields. He also breaks down how to calculate retirement targets while accounting for inflation and longevity risk, and shares his 3-step checklist before you make your first EPF withdrawal. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Spending EPF Money: Dos and Don'ts In Retirement

Malaysian employees have until August 31st to make an important financial choice: whether to remain in or opt out of PERKESO’s new 24-hour accident protection scheme, Lindung 24 Jam.

While regular SOCSO deductions cover workplace-related incidents and invalidity, this new 0.75% salary deduction (rising to 1% in 2028 and 1.25% in 2031) extends income replacement to non-work-related accidents. But if you already hold personal accident, life, or medical insurance, are you simply paying twice for the same coverage?

Licensed financial planner Ian Wong, Founder & CEO of Uno Advisers, joins BFM’s Ringgit and Sense to break down how Lindung 24 Jam bridges critical insurance loopholes, examine the RM6,000 salary capping mechanism, and provide a clear decision framework for employees evaluating whether to stay in or opt out before the deadline.

Malaysian employees have until August 31st to make an important financial choice: whether to remain in or opt out of PERKESO’s new 24-hour accident protection scheme, Lindung 24 Jam.While regular SOCSO deductions cover workplace-related incidents and invalidity, this new 0.75% salary deduction (rising to 1% in 2028 and 1.25% in 2031) extends income replacement to non-work-related accidents. But if you already hold personal accident, life, or medical insurance, are you simply paying twice for the same coverage?Licensed financial planner Ian Wong, Founder &amp; CEO of Uno Advisers, joins BFM’s Ringgit and Sense to break down how Lindung 24 Jam bridges critical insurance loopholes, examine the RM6,000 salary capping mechanism, and provide a clear decision framework for employees evaluating whether to stay in or opt out before the deadline.

The Malaysian Credit Landscape

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