ANZIIF then & now

 

Vol 47: Issue 3 | October 2024

Tony Morgan

Tony Morgan, ANZIIF (Fellow) CIP, joined the ANZIIF board in 2004 and served as president between 2012 and 2014. His board membership lasted for 12 years. Only the second loss adjuster to become president, he received the ANZIIF Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. He is currently national executive adjuster at Sedgwick.

I believe my term as president reflected a sharper focus on internal growth at ANZIIF. We invested significantly in growth in Asia and, for me, one of the highlights of my term was delivering a keynote address at a 2011 conference organised by the insurance industry in Beijing to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the admission of China to the World Trade Organization.

I took a passion for education and professional development into my term as president. My ambition was to build on the rich legacy I inherited by continuing to increase the quality and reach of ANZIIF’s educational and professional development offerings.

One of the most critical responsibilities of a board is to select the CEO, and one of my proudest achievements was recognising that Prue Willsford was the right person for the job. We had around 60 applicants for the role and Prue was something of an outlier, but she impressed us with her passion and insight. Clearly, history vindicated our choice.

Katrina Shanks CA - ANZIIF CEO

A chartered accountant by trade, Katrina Shanks started her career in audit and has owned her own small accountancy business. She gained a deep understanding of the legislative process and how to influence policy development in her two terms as a member of parliament and also has considerable experience leading membership bodies, working with regulatory change and creating public awareness.

ANZIIF provides access to high-quality education and professional development designed to empower insurance professionals and raise industry standards. Our goal is to enhance public confidence and trust in the financial services sector. We achieve this by staying attuned to the requirements of legislators, regulators, insurers, brokers, loss adjusters, underwriters and claims handlers, ensuring that we adapt to the ever-evolving needs of the customers they serve.

Education is crucial to fostering a professional insurance sector. It serves as the foundation for competency, knowledge and skills — all fundamental attributes of success.

Driven by climate change, geopolitical shifts and evolving market conditions, expectations of the insurance industry’s performance continue to rise — education will become more important than ever to ensure that the industry has a workforce that is fit for purpose, from product design to claims handling. A failure at any point in the insurance supply chain can compromise the entire process.

The insurance profession is undergoing numerous changes, and the industry will need to adapt. Legislative and regulatory shifts will continue to evolve in the next few years, including the need for more accessible, affordable products and services. Given the speed of technology, there will also be a significant change in the way we work.

Leveraging our 140 years of expertise, ANZIIF will maintain strong, trusted relationships with all market stakeholders to ensure we are aligned in the pursuit of common goals. This will involve the continuous review and elevation of industry standards to guarantee positive outcomes for customers. 

ANZIIF will also embrace new technology and modern ways of delivering education and professional development to identify and address knowledge gaps within existing competencies with targeted learning experiences.

ANZIIF will continue to lead the sector as a thought leader, with the keen ability to anticipate and support the industry to navigate our complex insurance landscape. We aim to remain the trusted education partner the industry can rely on.

Harold Lim

The founder of JPL Adjusting Services, Harold Lim, ANZIIF (Fellow) CIP, has spent more than four decades developing insurance professionals in Thailand and Myanmar. As ANZIIF’s ambassador for Myanmar and Thailand, he works to support membership and education activities and build networks with other industry bodies that will strengthen ANZIIF’s relationships and footprint in the region.

I was first associated with ANZIIF in the beginning of 2017, contacted by then South-East Asia regional manager, Leanne Duong. We launched to a new market that March, providing the insurance education platform in Myanmar. Since then, ANZIIF has provided insurance education to the people who work in the industry. More than 100 people hold the ANZIIF educational certificates, and 16 professionals from the insurance industry in Myanmar have successfully attained the ANZIIF Diploma of General Insurance and become ANZIIF Senior Associate members. 

ANZIIF has gradually paved the way to better understanding of the insurance industries in Asia Pacific. Introducing the new learning courses and changing the traditional curriculum to skills units makes education more appropriate to the new generation. 

ANZIIF is providing education and knowledge to the insurance professionals and regulators to develop the insurance industry in South-East Asia. Webinars, seminars, training and events develop knowledge to meet changes in the industry, while advanced learning courses help the industry’s people work more professionally.      

Prue Willsford

Prue Willsford, ANZIIF (Snr Assoc) CIP, was CEO from 2013 to February 2024. She is now an Industry Fellow at Monash Business School in Melbourne.

I have a strong belief that education changes lives. I've seen it in my own life and, as Deputy Chancellor of Victoria University, I had the privilege of seeing it change the lives of thousands of people. The idea of being able to deliver quality education to as many people as possible was certainly part of my ambition when I became ANZIIF CEO.To do that, it must be relevant, modern and focused on engaging people in the adult education process.

I inherited a really strong base, including a very early presence in the online market. Australia is a big country with a relatively small population, so the ability to teach anywhere, anytime is an important part of ANZIIF’s proposition. Technology was changing rapidly, and I could see a real opportunity to reimagine online learning. By embracing technology, we were able to launch the ANZIIF Member Centre, a hub for online learning, and to break learning down into smaller, manageable and incredibly flexible chunks.

Our collaboration with life insurers to create the life insurance Professional Standards Framework, with training for life claims and underwriting staff that is consistent and compulsory across a large part of the sector, and the development of the General Insurance Claims Handling Framework are real legacies. ANZIIF plays a critical role in thought leadership and collaboration across the industry that enables the establishment of professional standards, and it was a privilege to contribute to that.

I’m really, really proud of the team at ANZIIF — smart people who are good at what they do and are really interested in contributing to a positive culture across the industry.

Karl Armstrong

Karl Armstrong, ANZIIF (Fellow) CIP, was ANZIIF president for two terms, through to May 2017, and was on the board from 2010 to 2019. In 2014 he was named Insurance Leader of the Year for New Zealand and in 2017 he received the ANZIIF Lifetime Achievement Award. Now retired, he lives in Auckland and sits on the boards of Ando Insurance and Hollard Insurance.

I was proud to be the first New Zealander president — especially as, for that to happen, ANZIIF had to change its constitution. Despite both Australia and New Zealand being in the name, presidents weren’t allowed to live outside Australia.

My tenure was a time of ensuring that we remained relevant as, suddenly, serious low-price competition was emerging. Many companies didn’t pay for their employees’ ongoing education, so we wanted to find ways of continuing to provide quality education that was affordable.

Before I was president, when I was CEO of NZI, I established the NZI Underwriting Academy. This provided a useful qualification for my staff in New Zealand but wasn’t recognised as an industry-learning provider, unlike ANZIIF. Sitting the ANZIIF exams felt like duplication, so we approached ANZIIF and established a collaboration through an accreditation program that enabled students to continue with an ANZIIF qualification — a win–win.

During my presidency, ANZIIF increased its push into Asia. One of the high points of my time as immediate past president was delivering talks and half-day sessions on behalf of ANZIIF in Indonesia, Myanmar and Malaysia.

Leading lights

ANZIIF continues to grow its presence in China and South-East Asia, where we’re collaborating with our partners to learn more about industry challenges and opportunities. 

Dato’ Tan Kian Beng ANZIIF (Fellow) CIP, Regional manager, Generali Malaysia 

I am truly honoured and excited to be appointed as an ANZIIF ambassador to Malaysia. This role represents a significant milestone in my professional journey and provides an incredible platform to advocate for the growth and development of the insurance industry in Malaysia. 

I believe the main benefit members in Malaysia will gain from having an ambassador will be an official point of referral for resources and educational programs, such as workshops, seminars and online courses that focus on current trends. 

There are also networking opportunities, and advocacy for the recognition and value of insurance professionals in the wider business community is crucial. 

ANZIIF could play a significant role in promoting the contributions of our members, helping to elevate the profession and attract new talent to the industry. 

I see many exciting prospects for the insurance industry in Malaysia. 

The evolving Malaysian industry has gained good momentum since the pandemic years. Insurers have learned to adapt to evolving protection needs, demonstrating resilience and strength in the face of adversity. 

In this year of ANZIIF’s 140th anniversary, I believe becoming an ANZIIF ambassador offers a unique opportunity for me to give back to the industry that has been instrumental in shaping my career.  

ANZIIF is a globally respected institution, and this role enables me to actively contribute to the growth, education and professional development of insurance practitioners, both in Malaysia and on the international stage.  

Tony Lee ANZIIF (Fellow) CIP, Chief agency leader, Marsh Hong Kong 

I’m very proud to represent and champion the ANZIIF brand, having recently been appointed the organisation’s ambassador to Hong Kong — especially given the organisation is celebrating its 140th anniversary. 

ANZIIF is a respected global education institute, and I see my responsibility as actively promoting insurance education to practitioners in Hong Kong and China. 

This will enhance professional qualifications and knowledge in the region overall. 

I have been working towards this goal informally for many years and aim to continue effective strategies, including partnering with tertiary education institutes, universities, professional training bodies and councils.  

We also work with different trade associations such as the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers, the Professional Insurance Brokers Association and the Confederation of Insurance Brokers. 

Useful collaborative efforts include providing tailor-made courses with different insurance companies and organisations, as well as attending events to promote and encourage ANZIIF qualifications. 

It’s critical that insurance practitioners can demonstrate the value of insurance products to an increasingly cynical and untrusting public. ANZIIF qualifications are the key to facilitating this kind of transformation.  

Like Australia and New Zealand, the Hong Kong insurance market is very mature. Key issues include keen competition in a slow economy. 

There are many different challenges in the insurance market — for example, the rise in natural disasters and environmental issues has led to a consistent growth in property insurance premiums.

Maria Widiasusanty ANZIIF (Snr Assoc) CIP, Associate director — Operations, Property and Construction, McLarens Indonesia 

I joined ANZIIF in 2011, shortly after starting at McLarens Indonesia. With a decade of experience as a loss adjuster, I sought further professional development. ANZIIF provided the certifications and knowledge necessary to advance my career and keep pace with industry standards. 

Reflecting on ANZIIF’s early days in Indonesia, I remember taking the ANZIIF exam in a traditional, paper-based format. It was a challenging experience, but also a key moment that helped me advance in my career. The qualifications I earned were crucial for gaining recognition in the insurance sector. 

Over the years, my perception of ANZIIF has evolved significantly. The organisation has expanded rapidly, with study materials and exam questions becoming more comprehensive and diverse. This evolution has made the exam experience increasingly enriching for participants. 

Today, ANZIIF offers invaluable support to insurance professionals. It not only provides degrees that boost our confidence but also guides us in navigating our careers. The organisation fosters a strong foundation for ethical practices and ongoing professional growth. 

Looking ahead, I see three significant trends shaping the future of the insurance industry in Indonesia: the rise of digital technology in claims processing; a growing focus on sustainability; and evolving regulatory changes that demand our adaptability. 

ANZIIF’s role in this landscape is vital. As a developing market, Indonesia can benefit greatly from ANZIIF’s commitment to enhancing the skills of insurance professionals. By offering affordable training and resources, ANZIIF can help us remain competitive. 

In conclusion, I am grateful for ANZIIF’s unwavering support for professional development. Its emphasis on quality education has profoundly impacted many careers, including my own. I look forward to ANZIIF’s continued influence in shaping the future of our industry.

Chua Seck Guan ANZIIF (Snr Assoc) CIP, Chief executive, MSIG Malaysia 

Throughout my 41-year career in insurance, I have had the opportunity to hold various leadership positions. At MSIG, I was part of three major mergers and acquisitions and six name changes, contributing to successful integrations and helping to achieve stakeholders’ goals, synergies and targets.

MSIG has grown significantly and is one of the top five general insurance players in the market as of 2023. The company consistently performs well in terms of underwriting profits and combined operating ratios.

I joined ANZIIF in 1987, and in 2024, the year of ANZIIF’s 140th anniversary, being a member of this insurance learning organisation remains very important to me. The Journal has been an invaluable resource, keeping me updated on the latest changes and trends in the insurance field, from emerging risks to new regulatory news. It has also broadened my international perspective and aided in social interactions with a wider audience.

In my experience, ANZIIF was particularly active in its early days when its traditional exam was a preferred professional qualification for many Malaysian insurance practitioners. I believe ANZIIF can continue to add value to the Malaysian industry through its virtual training and seminars, reaching a broader audience.

To increase ANZIIF’s membership base, the organisation might consider collaborating with MII (Malaysian Insurance Institute and now known as Asian Institute of Insurance) or other Malaysian tertiary institutions, potentially offering exemptions to students who have completed certain insurance subjects based on their existing qualifications.

Budi Maharesi ANZIIF (Fellow) CIP, President director, McLarens Indonesia 

With a legacy of more than 140 years, ANZIIF stands as a beacon of excellence in insurance education, committed to nurturing the next generation of professionals in our industry. 

I was one of the students who experienced both confusion and exhilaration during the 2000 merger of the Australian Insurance Institute (AII) and the Insurance Institute of New Zealand (IINZ). As one of the few Indonesian students at IINZ, I had never visited New Zealand and had no prior knowledge of its insurance industry.

My enrolment was based on a recommendation from my managing director, a New Zealander. I officially joined ANZIIF having begun my journey in 1995 with the General Insurance Associateship Program at IINZ, following my start as a trainee loss adjuster at McLarens Indonesia in 1993. 

In the early days of ANZIIF, I witnessed significant transformation. Examinations were held only twice a year.

The essay-based questions posed considerable challenges for foreign students, compounded by frequently changing examination venues, often located in insurance company halls. After the merger, we experienced a shift to exams conducted three times a year. A key change was that pursuing a Diploma of Loss Adjusting now required passing the Associate in General Insurance level as a prerequisite. 

My view of ANZIIF has evolved significantly since I first became involved. It has transformed into a customer-oriented education and training institution, utilising more accessible English. Additionally, ANZIIF has moved from printed materials to a comprehensive website, and its examination methodology has shifted from essay-based assessments to an assignment and case study format conducted online, providing a more accurate reflection of competency objectives. 

ANZIIF continues to provide immense value, keeping us updated on industry trends and developments. As the insurance landscape in Indonesia evolves, I see three significant trends: a focus on capital regulation; enhancing staff qualifications; and increasing insurance literacy among the populace. ANZIIF’s role in supporting these trends is crucial, especially through targeted training programs that address the unique challenges we face.

Read this article and all the other articles from the latest issue of the Journal e-magazine.

 Read issue 3 of the Journal