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Sunday, 13 May, 2012

News Posts 20120507-20120513


Prudential has launched Project Listen in celebrating its 88th anniversary.http://bit.ly/TAS0512a
PRUDENTIAL Assurance Malaysia Bhd (PAMB) has kicked off its 88th anniversary celebration by lending its ears to fellow Malaysians in Project Listen as a tribute to Malaysians for inspiring 88 y...
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Insurance News 11 May 2012  -  Public
Reuters reported that Aviva planned to sell the 49% stake in CIMB Aviva. The Wall Street Journal further reported that Aviva had hired Morgan Stanley to help with the sale deal. Both CIMB and Aviva however declined comment. CIMB could have the right of first refusal should the stake be made available for sale.http://bit.ly/KePA9R
KUALA LUMPUR: Britain’s second-largest insurer Aviva plc’s sale of its Malaysian life-insurance business could offer a buying opportunity for its competitors looking for a slice of the industry pie h...
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Insurance News 10 May 2012  -  Public
Sales in Asia has helped to propel Prudential UK Q1 sales to a 9% growth. The growth rates for the 3 key markets were: Asia (21%), US (3%) and UK (-5%).http://bit.ly/TAS0510c
LONDON: Prudential plc, the UK's biggest insurer by market value, said first-quarter sales rose 9 per cent, driven by health and protection products in Asia.
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Insurance News 10 May 2012  -  Public
Prudential is confident in outperforming the estimated industry growth of 7-10% this year. The CEO attributed the expected out performance to: a) strong and strategic partnership on bancassurance; b) healthy and quality agency recruitment; c) more innovation and expansion. http://bit.ly/TAS0510b
KUALA LUMPUR: Prudential Assurance Malaysia Bhd (PAMB) is upbeat over outperforming the 7%-10% average industry growth this year, compared with the 8% new business sales annual premium equivalent (APE...
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Insurance News 8 May 2012  -  Public
The PIDM's funds at at 31 Dec 2011 amounted to: (i) general insurance: RM948 mil; (ii) life insurance: RM36.7 mil; (iii) general takaful: RM2.1 mil; (iv) family takaful: RM4.4 mil. http://bit.ly/TAS0508a
NATIONAL deposit insurer Malaysia Deposit Insurance Corporation (PIDM) reported a RM226.8 million revenue for the financial year ended December 31 2011.
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Insurance News 8 May 2012  -  Public
Allianz General is counting on its consistency of policy issuance and timely payment of claims to give itself competitive edge. For 2012, it targets gross written premiums of RM1.65 bil to RM1.7 bil, up from RM1.46 bil last year. The company is also adding telemarketing as a new distribution channel. Actuaries' involvement in risk management is seen to be limited by the severe shortage of qualified and experienced GI actuaries. http://bit.ly/TAS0507a
KUALA LUMPUR: Allianz General Insurance Company (M) Bhd (AGIC), which is targeting gross written premiums of RM1.65bil to RM1.7bil this year, is unperturbed by the proposed merger of Kurnia Insurans 

News Posts 20120430-20120506


Insurance News 5 May 2012  -  Public
Great Eastern launched its latest endowment plan - The Great Treasure Wonder, and projected RM100 mil sales. The plan provides 20 or 25 years protection, with 5-year limited premium payment and pays survival benefits every 6 months. The product is available for a limited period - until RM100 mil is achieved or until July 2, whichever comes first. http://bit.ly/TAS0505b
KUALA LUMPUR: Great Eastern Life Assurance (Malaysia) Bhd is projecting RM100 million premium income from its latest endowment plan, The Great Treasure Wonder.
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Insurance News 4 May 2012  -  Public
Bruce Hodges has been appointed executive director and CEO of ING effective 30/4/2012. http://bit.ly/TAS0504b
KUALA LUMPUR (May 4): ING Insurance Bhd has appointed Bruce Hodges as its executive director and chief executive officer, effective April 30.
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Insurance News 3 May 2012  -  Public
STMB predicts that once the RBC is implemented for takaful operators after end-2013, consolidation will be likely in the takaful industry. STMB will then start exploring M&A by acquiring weaker players. http://bit.ly/TAS0503a
Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Bhd will consider mergers and acquisitions to grow its market share if it finds suitable partners for the exercises.
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Insurance News 2 May 2012  -  Public
ING Agency Force Association urged BNM to approve a compensation by ING Malaysia to the agents. The compensation is equivalent to 10% of the sales proceeds and to be paid from shareholders' fund. http://bit.ly/TAS0502a
ING Insurance Agency Force Association Malaysia (INGIAFAM) today staged a peaceful gathering here, urging Bank Negara to approve ING Malaysia's proposal for a fair compensation for the agency force from the ING Groep NV's (ING) Asian units sell-off exercise. 
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Insurance News 1 May 2012  -  Public
STMB, currently ranks 2nd out of 11 takaful operators, aims to recapture the top position within the next 3 to 5 years. The company recently launched Takaful myGenLife, a comprehensive investment-linked product and targets to collect RM20 mil contributions. http://bit.ly/TAS0501a
KUALA LUMPUR: Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Bhd is eyeing to emerge as the top market leader in the takaful market over the next three to five years through an aggressive rebranding campaign.
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Insurance News 30 Apr 2012  -  Public
A special insurance scheme would be offered to fishermen. The scheme was approved by the Cabinet and an open tender was called for to select the insurer. The premium for the scheme is RM100 per year. http://bit.ly/TAS0430d
PORT KLANG: Agro-based and Agriculture Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar has urged fishermen to be patient over a special insurance scheme that would be offered to them soon.
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Insurance News 30 Apr 2012  -  Public
Prudential's combined conventional and takaful annual premium equivalent sales hit RM1.107 bil in 2011, an 8% improvement over the year before. It recruited 4,500 agents last year. Agency and bancassurance business mix was 91%:9%.http://bit.ly/TAS0430c
KUALA LUMPUR (April 30): Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad (PAMB) surpassed the RM1 billion mark for the second year in a row after closing RM1.107 billion in total new business Annual Premium Equivalent (APE) sales which comprised both life insurance and Takaful contributions for the financial year 2011, posting an 8% increase from its performance of RM1.021 billion in 2010.
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Insurance News 30 Apr 2012  -  Public
P&O has further improved its loss ratio in 2011 to 59.3%, from 65.7% in 2010 and 72.4% in 2009. It enhanced its underwriting margin by shifting its premium mix away from motor insurance. http://bit.ly/TAS0430b
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Pacific & Orient Insurance Co. Bhd's Insurer Financial Strength Rating (IFS) at 'BBB' while the outlook is stable.
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Insurance News 30 Apr 2012  -  Public
The new name for MAA is Zurich Insurance Malaysia Bhd.http://bit.ly/TAS0430a
Zurich Insurance Group renamed Malaysian Assurance Alliance Bhd (MAA Assurance) to Zurich Insurance Malaysia Bhd effective today.

Wednesday, 2 May, 2012

News Posts 20120423-20120429

Insurance News 27 Apr 2012  -  Public
Tune Money is interested in acquiring foreign-based insurance companies. It recently proposed to acquire OCA for RM157 mil. It is also looking to start an undisclosed line of business and is waiting for approval from BNM.http://bit.ly/TAS0427a
Tune Money keen to buy foreign insurance firms »
KUALA LUMPUR: Tune Money Sdn Bhd, the financial services arm of the Tune Group, plans to acquire foreign-based insurance companies and is in discussions with several parties now, its chief said.
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Insurance News 26 Apr 2012  -  Public
LIAM has applied to MyCC to be exempted from complying with the Competition Act 2010. MyCC has yet to arrive at a decision on whether the exemption is justified. Under the Competition Act, there are 4 criteria that must be met to earn an exemption. http://bit.ly/TAS0426b
PETALING JAYA: Four parties from the logistics, insurance, and food industries have applied to the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) to be exempted from complying with the Competition Act 2010.
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Insurance News 26 Apr 2012  -  Public
MCA will provide insurance coverage to its members, which provides RM4,000 for funeral expenses, permanent/partial disability and accidental death. Does anyone know which insurance company underwrites the scheme?http://bit.ly/TAS0426a
KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA will provide insurance coverage to its members following requests from them.
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Insurance News 25 Apr 2012  -  Public
Takaful Ikhlas' plan for the year: a) Increase the number of agents from 4,000 to 5,000; b) Allocate 5% of payroll for training purposes; c) Invest RM5 mil over the next 2 years to develop cloud computing systems; d) Launch a new group health and medical product. http://bit.ly/TAS0425a
By Norshafawati Ab Wahab KOTA KINABALU, April 25 (Bernama) -- Takaful Ikhlas Sdn Bhd plans to increase the number of agents to 5000 this year from 4000 previously. President/CEO Datuk Syed Moheeb Syed...
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Insurance News 24 Apr 2012  -  Public
STMB has embarked on a "We Should Talk" campaign, an aggressive effort to engage and connect with its potential clients and investors.http://bit.ly/TAS0424b
Takaful Malaysia listed as OSK top 5 »
Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Bhd (Takaful Malaysia), was listed among the top five companies in the 2012 edition of OSK Top Malaysia Small Cap Companies - 30 Jewels, launched today.
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Insurance News 23 Apr 2012  -  Public
Takaful Ikhlas targets to increase contributions from non-Muslim customers to RM8 mil in 2012 from RM1 mil last year. To achieve this, it intends to recruit 200 non-Muslim agents, up from 50 currently. http://bit.ly/TAS0423a
Takafu lkhlas eyes non-Muslims segment »
Takaful Ikhlas Sdn Bhd expects gross contributions from non-Muslims to increase to RM8 million this year from RM1 million previously.

Monday, 23 April, 2012

News Posts 20120416-20120422


Insurance News 19 Apr 2012  -  Public
MAA may be selling its unit trust business if the timing and the pricing is right. http://bit.ly/TAS0419b

PETALING JAYA: Fresh from selling its core insurance business and becoming debt-free, MAA Group Bhd is considering hiving off its fund management business, according to sources.

21 Apr 2012
MAAKL Mutual has subsequently denied that it is up for sale. http://bit.ly/TAS0421a
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Insurance News 20 Apr 2012  -  Public
AirAsia Bhd has entered into a distribution agreement with Tune Ins Holdings Sdn Bhd to provide insurance products to its customers. http://bit.ly/TAS0420c

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Insurance News 19 Apr 2012  -  Public
MAA will implement its rebranding exercise on 30 April, which includes a name change and remodelling of branches. http://bit.ly/TAS0419a

The Malaysian Assurance Alliance Bhd (MAA) is to undergo a "several million-dollar" rebranding exercise following its acquisition by Zurich, chief executive officer Chee Cheong said today.

Insurance News 20 Apr 2012
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Insurance News 20 Apr 2012  -  Public
Marubeni Corp will buy 22% of ACR Capital which results in new capital injection into ACR. The purchase price is reported to be US$250 mil. http://bit.ly/TAS0420b

SINGAPORE: Japanese trading conglomerate Marubeni Corp is buying a 22 percent stake in Singapore reinsurer ACR Capital Holdings in a move that will provide ACR with new capital, the Singapore firm said on Friday.
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Insurance News 19 Apr 2012  -  Public
STMB expects the restructuring of its Indonesian unit to be completed in June 2012. The takaful market in Indonesia is expected to pick up momentum in the next 1 to 2 years. The use of Islamic window is expected to be forbidden. http://bit.ly/TAS0419c

SYARIKAT Takaful Malaysia Bhd expects the restructuring of its Indonesian unit, PT Syarikat Takaful Indonesia (STI), to be completed in June this year.
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Insurance News 18 Apr 2012  -  Public
Some interesting statistics on the merger of AmG and Kurnia: a) Number of agents: 2,900 vs 5,500; b) Branches: 19 vs 30; c) Policyholders: 1 mil vs 3 mil. Based on this, AmG is roughly half the size of Kurnia. http://bit.ly/TAS0418b

NOW that the pricing has been sorted out, Kurnia Asia Bhd faces one last hurdle before selling Kurnia Insurans (M) Bhd – shareholder’s approval at an EGM to be convened soon.
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Insurance News 18 Apr 2012  -  Public
IAG is expanding aggressively into Asia. Following its acquisition of Kurnia, it has entered into another deal to acquire AAA Assurance Corp, Vietnam's 5th largest motor insurer.  http://on.wsj.com/TAS0418c

Insurance Australia Group has taken a further step toward boosting its Asian presence with the planned acquisition of a 30% stake in Vietnam's fifth-largest motor insurer, AAA Assurance Corp., in a de...
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Insurance News 18 Apr 2012  -  Public
STMB targets to increase its market share from 20% in 2011 to 30% this year. It would increase its agents by 15% from the current 20,000 strong. Service standard would be revamped and more Takaful MyCare centres would be opened. http://bit.ly/TAS0418a

BANGI: Takaful Malaysia Bhd will aggressively expand its retail capability to capture a bigger market share from 20 per cent in 2011 to 30 per cent this year.
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Insurance News 17 Apr 2012  -  Public
Takaful Ikhlas' targets for 2012: a) Grow contributions by 28% from RM700 mil to RM900 mil; b) Expand agency force to 7,200 from 5,700; c) Invest RM5 mil in new technology; d) Launch new group medical products and review individual medical plans; e) Enhance its investment-linked products; f) Launch an annuity product. http://bit.ly/TAS0417c

TAKAFUL Ikhlas Sdn Bhd, the Islamic insurance arm of MNRB Holdings Bhd, is embarking on a three-prong strategy to grow its total contributions by 28 per cent to RM900 million for the current financial year, from about RM700 million previously.
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Insurance News 17 Apr 2012  -  Public
Agents and customers of AXA Affin General can now check the status of all motor and non-motor claims submitted via their website. http://bit.ly/TAS0417b

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 April (Bernama) -- AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad (AXA Affin GI) recently launched an Online Claim Status portal which provides all agents and customers with access to claims information via its website:www.axa.com.my
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Insurance News 17 Apr 2012  -  Public
Information memorandums (IMs) on ING's businesses have apparently been sent out to potential suitors and the bid for ING's business will need to be submitted by 3rd week of May. The Malaysian business of ING is estimated to be worth RM3 bil. http://bit.ly/TAS0417a

ING has set a deadline of the third week of May to submit bids for its Asian life insurance business, sources said yesterday, as the Dutch bancassurer kickstarted its Asian divestments to repay part of the bail-out money received during the 2008 financial crisis.