In late September this year, the first Swiss Life Network Asia Pacific Conference took place in beautiful Singapore. Focusing on the employee benefits markets of the Asia Pacific region, the two-day event offered an opportunity for clients, brokers, consultants and Network Partners to study markets in more detail, gain updates on benefit solutions, and – of course – build and strengthen their own personal networks.
More than 60 persons attended the Conference, which was co-hosted by NTUC Income and held at the renowned Swiss Club of Singapore. The Swiss Club offered a quiet, relaxed ambience for the busy agenda, which included informative presentations by representatives of Swiss Life Network Partners from eight countries in the Asia Pacific region.
Ping An welcomed as our new Network Partner for China
One of the key events was introduction of Ping An Life Insurance Company of China as our new Network Partner. Ping An joined the Swiss Life Network effective September 2005. Ms. Anne Wan, team leader of Ping An Life’s Group Insurance management team, provided a fascinating overview of the rapidly growing Chinese insurance market. She explained that Ping An is the second largest life insurer in China, and can pool group term life and group medial plans. The company also provides AD&D and pensions and annuity products. (See page 2 of this newsletter for more information on Ping An Life.)
India opening up and growing fast
During the market focus session held by Mr. Sandeep Shrikhande, head of Group Business at Kotak Life Insurance of India, participants learned of the impressive development of employee benefits in this major market in the four years since liberalization. As one of the first private insurers to offer group products, Kotak Life provides a full list of coverages to multinationals.
The attraction of the Asia Pacific region
A further highlight of the Conference was the participation of the Swiss Ambassador to Singapore, Mr. Daniel Woker, who officially welcomed the participants. In an insightful speech focused on the challenges and risks facing the ASEAN region, he also described why it remains a highly attractive hub and location for multinational companies from around the globe.
Ping An welcomed as our new Network Partner for China
One of the key events was introduction of Ping An Life Insurance Company of China as our new Network Partner. Ping An joined the Swiss Life Network effective September 2005. Ms. Anne Wan, team leader of Ping An Life’s Group Insurance management team, provided a fascinating overview of the rapidly growing Chinese insurance market. She explained that Ping An is the second largest life insurer in China, and can pool group term life and group medial plans. The company also provides AD&D and pensions and annuity products. (See page 2 of this newsletter for more information on Ping An Life.)
India opening up and growing fast
During the market focus session held by Mr. Sandeep Shrikhande, head of Group Business at Kotak Life Insurance of India, participants learned of the impressive development of employee benefits in this major market in the four years since liberalization. As one of the first private insurers to offer group products, Kotak Life provides a full list of coverages to multinationals.
The attraction of the Asia Pacific region
A further highlight of the Conference was the participation of the Swiss Ambassador to Singapore, Mr. Daniel Woker, who officially welcomed the participants. In an insightful speech focused on the challenges and risks facing the ASEAN region, he also described why it remains a highly attractive hub and location for multinational companies from around the globe.