Could you provide a brief journey of how you arrived where you are today?
In 2003, I was attached with an international insurance company, and I was given the task of setting up their Takaful unit in 2006. I was the regional chief distribution officer with a local Takaful company from 2009, prior to setting up AIA AFG Takaful in January 2011.
What does your role involve?
As CEO, my role is to provide leadership and inspiration for the team to achieve the company’s vision and mission.
I also look forward to playing a bigger role in the development of new Shariah compliant products and related distribution channels. This will ultimately build a stronger Takaful industry.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
I am pleased to have gathered a team of bright talents in AIA AFG Takaful and together we aim to set new trends in the Takaful industry in the way we do our business.
Which of your products/services deliver the best results?
In less than a year from our formation, we have received an overwhelming response for two of our core products, A-Mas and A-Medik. A-Mas is an investment-linked Family Takaful plan which can also be attached with an A-Medik rider. A-Medik is an innovative medical card which offers options for family plan packaging with no lifetime limit.
What are the strengths of your business?
Our strength lies in our multi-distribution channels approach, because we believe it is the best way to capture all market segments. Now we are distributing our Takaful products through agency, bancaTakaful and direct marketing channels.
We plan to expand our multi-distribution channels through strategic alliances with agencies, worksite marketing and independent financial advisors.
Furthermore our partnership with Alliance Bank to introduce innovative products and a strategic product mix has been fruitful.
The synergistic activities are well in place and we are looking forward to the roll-out of a series of compelling products to cater to the arising needs of the customers.
What are the factors contributing to the success of your company?
I attribute our emerging success to our shareholders, AIA Group and Alliance Bank. They are well-recognized for their brands, strong agency force and network of branches, making our presence felt in the Takaful industry. Staff members of our distribution channels have been working very hard in promoting our range of Takaful products. Also, our dynamic team of management and staff, whose talent and dedication has propelled AIA AFG Takaful to its position today.
What are the obstacles faced in running your business today?
It is quite a challenge to find the right talent to serve within the Takaful industry because it is fairly new and demands are competitive. As my passion lies in people development, I want to be involved with initiatives that can help to create more talents and develop their career in the Takaful industry.
Where do you see the Islamic finance industry in the next five years?
I would like to see the Islamic finance industry to be on the same level with the conventional industry, if not better: especially in countries such as Indonesia, China and India.
The Islamic finance industry continues to improve by offering more sophisticated and innovative financial solution products and services. I can assure you that it will become a global financial phenomenon very soon.
Name one thing you would like to see change in the world of Islamic finance.
We must change the perception that Islamic finance is an alternative solution to conventional. We can change that by taking on more creative approaches in providing financial solutions and services that can cater to our customers on a global scale.
It is time to be bold and move away from the traditional methods of doing business. Another way to achieve this is by encouraging Islamic financial solution providers to work together to bring more comprehensive and holistic products to the market.
I think it is time for us to elevate the Islamic finance industry as the solution to all financial needs.