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MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd Announces CEO Transition: Mr Chua Retires After 42 Years Of Distinguished Service

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Industry veteran steps down after leading company through 15 years of consecutive business growth and digital transformation. He is succeeded by Ms Ang Yien Chia.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 July 2025 – MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd (“MSIG Malaysia”) announced that Mr. Chua Seck Guan, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) since 30 March 2010, retired on 2 July 2025 after an illustrious career spanning 42 years in the insurance industry, including 15 years at the helm of MSIG Malaysia. Effective July 3, 2025, Ms. Ang Yien Chia succeeded him as the new CEO of the general insurer.

Mr. Chua’s career at MSIG Malaysia is marked by a series of remarkable achievements. Starting at the company when it was NZI Insurance as a Loss Control Surveyor, he progressively advanced through the ranks, occupying key leadership roles across various regions, including East Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Peninsular Malaysia. During this period, he witnessed the company’s transformation, including experiencing two major mergers and four strategic acquisitions.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Mr Chua was instrumental in advocating for the advancement of the insurance industry in Malaysia and throughout ASEAN. He served in key roles with the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM), as industry representative of the Joint Committee on Climate Change (JC3), and with the ASEAN Insurance Council. He also held various board chairman and advisory roles across industry bodies. His journey reflects a legacy of strategic leadership and unwavering dedication to both the company and the insurance industry.

As the steward of one of the largest general insurance providers in the country, Mr Chua led MSIG Malaysia through significant milestones, including consistent growth in Gross Written Premium (GWP), underwriting results, and strong financial performance. He introduced innovative general insurance solutions tailored to the needs of today’s policyholders and pioneered digital transformation initiatives that enhanced customer experience and operational efficiency. Mr Chua was instrumental in establishing the insurer’s Data Analytics Department, leveraging consumer insights that enable the company to develop beneficial, win-win solutions for company, customers, and intermediaries, enabling the insurer and its partners to transition from tariff to risk-based pricing for both current and future products.

Under his leadership, MSIG Malaysia achieved 15 consecutive years of underwriting profitability, successfully navigated a key strategic partnership, and led the company through the detariffication of Motor and Property classes. The company also developed numerous innovative motor and fire products, with add-on products contributing to the company’s growth. This track record of sustained excellence and innovation has earned widespread industry recognition. Among the accolades received during Mr Chua’s tenure are the Asia Insurance Review’s General Insurance Company of the Year in 2015, and InsuranceAsia News’ Property and Casualty Insurer of the Year 2018 as well as multiple intragroup regional Innovation Awards and the PTV-Mini PA (microinsurance for B40).

Expressing his gratitude, Mr Chua stated, “It has been an incredible journey, and I am immensely thankful to our Head Office in Japan, MSIG Malaysia’s board members, senior leadership team and employees, as well as our partners, and our customers for their trust and support over these 42 years. I’m filled with gratitude, pride, and a deep sense of fulfilment as I transition to a senior advisory role. I leave confident that MSIG Malaysia will continue to thrive and grow under Ms. Ang’s capable leadership.”

Following Mr Chua’s retirement, MSIG Malaysia is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Ang Yien Chia as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective 3 July 2025. Ms. Ang brings extensive experience and a proven track record in the insurance sector, having served MSIG Malaysia for 29 years in various strategic roles across East and Peninsular Malaysia. Over the past eight years, she has been a key member of the Senior Management Team, where her leadership and strategic insights have played a vital role in shaping the company’s direction and fostering growth across multiple distribution channels, including Agency, Bancassurance, Broking, Direct Corporate and Affinity Partnerships.

Ms. Ang stated, “I am honoured to take on this role, building on the strong foundation laid by Mr Chua over the past four decades. My focus will be on driving continued innovation, enhancing customer satisfaction, and further strengthening MSIG Malaysia’s market position while preserving the culture of excellence and teamwork that has made us successful.”

To ensure a smooth transition, Mr Chua will continue to serve in a senior advisory capacity, helping to maintain continuity across strategic initiatives and key stakeholder relationships.

MSIG Malaysia expresses its deepest appreciation to Mr Chua for his exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication, and extends its best wishes as he transitions to his advisory role.

-END-

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is Mr Chua retiring from his role as CEO of MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd?
Mr Chua is retiring after an illustrious 42-year career in the insurance industry, including 15 years as the CEO of MSIG Malaysia. His retirement is part of a planned leadership transition, though he will continue to contribute as a senior business advisor.

2. Who will succeed Mr Chua as the new CEO of MSIG Malaysia?
Ms. Ang Yien Chia will succeed Mr Chua as the new CEO of MSIG Malaysia, effective 3 July 2025.

3. What are the key achievements of Mr Chua’s tenure at MSIG Malaysia?
Mr Chua led MSIG Malaysia to become one of the leading general insurers with consistent growth in Gross Written Premium (GWP), underwriting results, and strong financial performance for 15 consecutive years. He successfully navigated a key strategic partnership, led the company through the detariffication of Motor and Property classes, and established the Data Analytics Department. Under his leadership, the company introduced numerous innovative motor and fire products, with add-on products contributing significantly to the company’s GWP growth.

4. What will Mr Chua do after his retirement?
Mr Chua will transition to a senior business advisor role, sharing insights and advice to support a smooth leadership transition while minimising risks often associated with leadership changes. He remains committed to MSIG Malaysia and will focus on ensuring continuity and supporting the new CEO.

5. Who is the new CEO of MSIG Malaysia, and what is their background?
Ms. Ang Yien Chia is a homegrown talent with over 29 years of experience in the general insurance sector at MSIG Malaysia. She has built a strong strategic foundation through her involvement in several branch operations across East and Peninsular Malaysia, consistently driving excellence in business development, claims, and underwriting management. Over the past eight years, she has been a key member of the Senior Management Team, recognised for her ability to lead through change and strategic foresight.

6. How will this leadership transition impact MSIG Malaysia’s customers and partners?
MSIG Malaysia remains committed to maintaining its high standards of customer service, innovation, and financial strength. The leadership transition is designed to be smooth, with Mr Chua’s continued involvement as senior advisor ensuring no disruption to customers or partners. Ms. Ang’s 29-year tenure with the company ensures deep understanding of all stakeholder relationships.

7. Can we speak with Mr Chua or the new CEO for an interview?
Media interview requests can be directed to Yee Feng Lim (+603 2039 0908 | [email protected]) or Vinsant Huang (+604 2190 882 | [email protected]).


Hashtag: #MSIGMalaysia

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd

MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd (“MSIG Malaysia”) is a subsidiary of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited and a member of MS&AD Insurance Group Holding, Inc. (MS&AD).

With over 100 years of general insurance experience and a nationwide network of 20 branches in Malaysia, MSIG Malaysia is one of the leading general insurers in Fire, Engineering and Motor classes and No.1* in Marine Cargo, offering an extensive range of products and services for personal and business needs.

MSIG Malaysia’s expertise is well recognised through its receipt of many prestigious awards. These have included the 2020 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Award – Silver winner in the Car Insurance category. MSIG was recognised for having one of the highest levels of quality service, which reflects the effort that the company has put in to satisfy consumers’ demand for high service standards. The company was also awarded the 2018 “Outstanding Property and Casualty Insurer in Malaysia” award in the InsuranceAsia News Awards for Excellence. MSIG Malaysia was commended for leading the market with strong financial growth, investment in product innovation, enhanced digital capabilities in business and claims management systems and strong customer service proposition. Its commitment to customer service excellence through its efforts in enhancing the customer experience and industry leadership in Enterprise Risk Management also earned MSIG Malaysia the “General Insurance Company of the Year” at the Asia Insurance Industry Awards in 2015. Later at the 26th Asia Insurance Industry Awards 2022, MSIG Malaysia was among the Top 3 Finalists for the General Insurance Company of the Year.

For more information on MSIG Malaysia, visit or facebook.com/MSIGmy.

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Etiqa’s Project Firefly Reinforces Mangrove Ecosystem in Sungai Panjang in Collaboration with Malaysian Nature Society

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SELANGOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 January 2026 – Etiqa has launched Etiqa’s Project Firefly a new environmental initiative dedicated to conserving one of Malaysia’s iconic firefly habitats while uplifting the livelihood of the communities living along Sungai Panjang in Sabak Bernam, who rely on eco-tourism and the mangrove ecosystem. The programme was carried out in collaboration with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and the Sabak Bernam District Council.

(L to R) Raffi Ismail, Marketing & Partnership Manager, Malaysian Nature Society; Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad; Zaki Parmin, Assistant Agricultural Officer, Sabak Bernam District Council; Amran Hassan, Chief Strategy Officer, Etiqa

Through Etiqa’s Project Firefly, Etiqa is taking proactive steps to preserve and sustain the ecosystem by planting 130 Sonneratia Caseolaris or locally known as Berembang saplings and 200 Sonneratia Caseolaris seeds, undertaking habitat restoration works, and mobilising 50 Etiqa volunteers for a community-driven initiative along Sungai Panjang, covering a total stretch of 10 kilometres. In addition, an awareness session was conducted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Faculty of Science which aimed to educate participants on the ecological importance of fireflies and the need for long-term conservation.

Fireflies play an important role as indicators of mangrove ecosystem health, which in turn supports environmental balance and benefits surrounding communities. However, across Malaysia, firefly populations are declining due to rapid habitat loss caused by river pollution, deforestation, and increasing light pollution along mangrove-lined rivers. These threats not only endanger native species but also affect the livelihoods of local fishermen and villagers who rely on healthy river ecosystems and firefly-based eco-tourism. Protecting congregating firefly zones through the preservation of adequate vegetation buffers along riverbanks is therefore critical to ensuring the long-term survival of these species and the sustainability of local livelihoods.

Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad (EGIB) said, “We initiated Etiqa’s Project Firefly as conserving native firefly species is deeply connected to the well-being of the communities that co-exist around them. By conserving firefly habitats, we are not only protecting an irreplaceable part of Malaysia’s biodiversity but also helping sustain the eco-tourism and river-based livelihoods of Sungai Panjang residents. This reflects Etiqa’s purpose in Making the World a Better Place that includes meaningful environmental action which strengthens both nature and society, creating long-term value for future generations.”

Mr. I.S Shanmugaraj, Executive Director of Malaysia Nature Society says, “Fireflies are natural indicators of a healthy mangrove ecosystem, and their presence reflects the overall condition of our rivers and surrounding environments. We commend Etiqa for taking proactive steps through Etiqa’s Project Firefly to address the growing threats of habitat degradation along fireflies corridor. Meaningful conservation requires collective action, and we hope this initiative will inspire more companies to collaborate with environmental organisations and local communities to protect biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihoods for the long term.”Hashtag: #Etiqamy

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Etiqa

Etiqa is a multi-channel distributor of Insurance and Takaful products via its 10,000 agency force, 44 branches and 17 offices, over 490 bancassurance network (via Maybank branches, third-party banks, as well as co-operatives and brokers) through its presence in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia.

In striving to make the world a better place, Etiqa’s Sustainability journey focuses on internal initiatives that reduces its carbon footprint and increases its social impact, as well as external solutions that allow its clients to do the same.

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PolyU research teams and startups shine at CES 2026, winning three prestigious innovation awards

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2026 – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) led 19 startups to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, held from 6 to 9 January. Alongside the groundbreaking technologies presented by participating startups, the University also showcased its research achievements, covering fields such as human security, digital health and energy optimisation. PolyU delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s Show, with three projects winning one “Best of Innovation Award” and two “Innovation Awards”. This not only marks the University’s best result since it first took part in this event, but also accounts for two-thirds of all awards received by the Hong Kong startup delegation, underscoring PolyU excellence in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

PolyU delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s CES, with three projects winning one “Best of Innovation Award” and two “Innovation Awards”, underscoring the University’s excellence in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), remarked, “PolyU is committed to nurturing innovative research talent with both national and international outlooks. We empower our teams by leading them to major international innovation events and fostering close collaboration among industry, academia, research and investment sectors on a global level, creating opportunities for the overseas expansion of PolyU startups. PolyU was the sole university from Hong Kong to exhibit at the event, with its participating teams making up 30% of the Hong Kong delegation, contributing to Hong Kong’s advancement into an international innovation and technology hub. Our record-breaking performance at this year’s CES affirms international recognition of PolyU research and innovation, propelling our teams to continue striving along the path of innovation and technology to create even more profound social impact.”

PolyU led 19 startups to exhibit at CES 2026. Prof. Christopher Chao (centre) posed with representatives from the award-winning PolyU teams.
PolyU led 19 startups to exhibit at CES 2026. Prof. Christopher Chao (centre) posed with representatives from the award-winning PolyU teams.

Leveraging its robust research strengths and its unique startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, the University actively supports its research teams and startups in developing innovative technologies, bringing Hong Kong research achievements to the global stage. The Smart Firefighting Robot, developed by Mr WANG Meng, a PhD candidate of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering as well as Founder of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, along with his team, achieved the highest score in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category and earned the prestigious “Best of Innovation Award”. The Powered Rehab Skateboard, developed by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, received an “Innovation Award” in the “Accessibility and Longevity” category. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, developed by a team spearheaded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Founder and Chief Scientist of PolyU startup Eieling Technology Limited, also won an “Innovation Award” in the “Digital Health” category.

The three award-winning innovations aim to enhance human security or health through cutting-edge technologies. The AI-driven Smart Firefighting Robot features autonomous patrol, burning materials classification, fire extinguishing and real-time data sharing functions in smoke-filled environments, protecting firefighters and the public simultaneously. The Powered Rehab Skateboard is a portable and cost-effective robotic system that supports home-based and community rehabilitation for stroke patients. The skateboard facilitates motor recovery in hemiparetic upper limbs and allows users to engage in effective therapy. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device is the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection. Weighs only 120 grams, the device can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds, achieving detection accuracy at medical-grade standards.

Organised by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is one of the world’s largest and most influential consumer electronics exhibitions, spotlighting cutting-edge technologies for modern living. This year, CES attracted over 4,500 exhibitors from around the globe. The PolyU startups participating in the exhibition were as follows:

PolyU Startups Featured Innovations Company Representatives
AniMed Technology Limited Contactless real-time AI-driven health monitoring Dr LYU Weimin
Co-founder and CEO, AniMed Technology Limited
CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited AI-powered energy optimisation platforms for smart buildings Ms Amber ZHANG
Co-founder, CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited
DRESIO Limited AI-powered physiotherapy assessments software solution Mr Alexander YING
CEO, DRESIO Limited
Eieling Technology Limited FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device
(CES 2026 Innovation Award)
Prof. ZHENG Yongping
Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, PolyU; Founder and Chief Scientist, Eieling Technology Limited
Entoptica Limited Cutting-edge ophthalmic diagnostic technologies Dr Mukhit KULMAGANBETOV
Senior Research Fellow, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research; CEO, Entoptica Limited
Feelings Group Limited AI-powered computer vision solution Dr WONG Wing-sze
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Language Science and Technology, PolyU; Clinical Consultant and Co-inventor, Feelings Group Limited

Ms YIP Chi-hay
Partner, Feelings Group Limited

Gembody Limited Next-generation portable AI ultrasound system Ms MAO Qian
CEO, Gembody Limited

Dr YANG Fan
CTO, Gembody Limited
ImageVector MedTech Limited AI-Vision for Joint Degeneration

Dr JIANG Tianshu

Executive Director, ImageVector MedTech Limited

Immune Materials Limited Innovative long-lasting antimicrobial self-disinfection materials Prof. Chris LO Kwan-yu
Professor, Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited

Prof. KAN Chi-wai
Associate Dean and Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited

Innobound Limited Portable smart terminal for emotional interaction, health monitoring and daily living assistance Ms GAO Lan
CEO and Founder, Innobound Limited
MedVision Limited AI-powered medical imaging solution Prof. CAI Jing
Head and Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Consultant, MedVision Limited

Dr MA Zongrui
Postdoctoral Fellow,Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Founder, MedVision Limited

Mirror Caring Limited Knee health management solution Prof. Stephen WANG Jia
Professor, School of Design, PolyU; Founder, Mirror Caring Limited
Nuvatech Limited Next-Gen Fashion OS powered by Multi-modal AI Mr DENG Yanheng
Founder, Nuvatech Limited
On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited Wearable Biomedical Electronic Device Dr Rayman GONG
Founder and CEO, On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited
ReSaTech Limited AI solutions for product reliability Mr Ricky LAW
CEO, ReSaTech Limited
UbiquiTech Innovations Limited Edge-AI robot for autonomous inspection and cleaning in confined spaces Prof. CAO Jiannong
Vice President (Education), Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, PolyU;
Founder and Chief Scientist, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited

Dr LIANG Zhixuan
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Computing, PolyU; Founder and CEO, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited

Vcare Vision Technology Limited Non-invasive myopia prevention solution Dr TANG Yuk-ming
Senior Lecturer, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU; Co-founder, Vcare Vision Technology Limited
Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited Smart Firefighting Robot

(CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award)

Mr WANG Meng
PhD candidate, Building Environment and Energy Engineering, PolyU; Founder, Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited
XOXO Beverages Limited Automated Cocktail Machine for improvements event and hospitality efficiency Mr Nicholas YU Wo-ping
Founder, XOXO Beverages Limited

Hashtag: #PolyU

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Starlight Centre Launches New Program For Students with Autism Entering Mainstream Primary Schools.

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2026 – Starlight Centre has launched a new program designed for students with autism entering mainstream primary schools, including Pathlight and St. Andrew’s Mission School, next year. This school-readiness program is aimed at preschoolers (around 6 years old) in preparation for the challenges of primary school. Starlight Centre plans to utilise peer modelling and the RISE™ framework to equip these preschoolers with the essential skills needed for the transition to primary school.

Peer Modeling
Starlight Centre has provided specialised care services for children with high-functioning autism from primary 1 to 6 and have supported many students who are now ready to demonstrate positive behaviours from the programmes. Through peer modelling, younger students can observe and learn from their more experienced peers, helping them understand the acceptable boundaries of good behaviour.

RISE™
The Starlight RISE™ Primary School Readiness Program effectively prepares young children for formal education by developing their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills through engaging, play-based activities.

By actively involving parents in the process through comprehensive evaluations and strong partnerships, Starlight Centre aims to make parents feel valued and confident that their child’s development is being supported holistically, beyond just basic skills.

Hashtag: #AutismEducation #SpecialNeedsEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ParentingSupport #StarlightCentre

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Starlight Centre

Starlight was founded by a group of parents and seasoned autism professionals who have experienced first-hand the challenges of finding the most effective therapy programs, preschools, and after-school care services. We understand what you’re going through and are here to help. No matter your child’s needs, come to us, and we will connect you with the right resources.

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