The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) has announced new efforts to strengthen its partnerships across Southeast Asia.
The announcement follows ANZIIF CEO Katrina Shanks’s participation in the 23rd Asian Insurance Regulator and Development Conference (AIRDC) in Bangkok.
ANZIIF is focusing on building collaborative relationships with key organisations in the region to boost professional development and training opportunities in the insurance industry.
During the event, Shanks engaged with several industry associations, including the Thailand General Insurance Association (TGiA), the Thai Insurance Brokers Association (TIBA), the Thai Insurance Institute (TII), and the Association of Southeast Asian Reinsurance Organisations (AOARI).
These meetings centred around creating educational programs that address skill gaps in areas such as general insurance, life insurance, broking, and loss adjusting.
Shanks also met with regulators and executives, including Chuchatr Pramoolpol (pictured, middle), Secretary-General of the Office of Insurance Commission, and Chai Sophonpanich, chairman of the 23rd AIRDC Conference and chairman of Bangkok Insurance Public Company Limited.
ANZIIF is exploring ways to expand its educational footprint in Southeast Asia. It is working with local partners to deliver certification programs such as the ANZIIF Professional Certificate and Executive Certificate in Insurance, as well as the Executive Certificate in General Insurance Broking.
In addition, the organisation is seeking to broaden the recognition of its qualifications across the region to support the professional development of insurance professionals.
Reflecting on these initiatives, Shanks said: “It is always a privilege to have the opportunity to meet those in Southeast Asia who are influential in ensuring that the industry continues to evolve and grow to meet the requirements of the changing insurance environment.”
ANZIIF recently signed agreements in other parts of Southeast Asia.
In Indonesia, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and an Accredited Training Provider (ATP) agreement with Andalas University. This partnership will provide career development pathways for students and professionals in West Sumatra through ANZIIF programs.
ANZIIF also entered into an ATP agreement with the Thai Insurance Brokers Association, which will allow Thai brokers to pursue ANZIIF’s Executive Certificate in General Insurance Broking and qualify for Senior Associate CIP Membership.
In Malaysia, the organisation has established a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the Malaysian Insurance Institute (MII), promoting professional membership recognition between the two organisations. This agreement is designed to elevate industry standards and improve career advancement opportunities for Malaysian insurance professionals.
To further support education in the region, ANZIIF recently conducted seminars in Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok, introducing its new Empathetic Claims Management short course. These events, which collectively attracted over 4,500 participants, focused on helping claims agents and managers provide empathetic and trauma-informed service to clients during the claims process.
The organisation has also launched a series of free, weekly webinars aimed at offering insurance professionals across the globe accessible opportunities for continuous professional development. These initiatives are part of ANZIIF’s broader strategy to contribute to the growth of the insurance sector and enhance professional standards in Southeast Asia.
