10/12/24

Allianz Malaysia and Universiti Malaya launch the Allianz Centre for Governance for research on governance and business integrity

Allianz Malaysia Berhad (Allianz Malaysia) and Universiti Malaya (UM) have set up the Allianz Centre for Governance (ACFG).

Officially launched on 10 December 2024 by Allianz Asia Pacific Regional Chief Executive Officer, Anusha Thavarajah and UM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, the Centre will be based at the university’s Faculty of Business and Economics.

The ACFG is a strategic initiative by Allianz Malaysia and UM to conduct quality, data-driven research on corruption and governance-related topics.

The Centre will foster a conducive environment for students and academicians alike to acquire knowledge and practical experience that will help shape a culture of integrity in the country.

It will also serve as a platform to connect thought leaders, academicians and the public, encouraging participation in discussions by means of conferences, symposiums, media forums and others.

The Centre aims to develop at least three (3) teaching notes and publish one (1) report annually in addition to facilitating the influence of academic research on government policies. Research outcomes will be made public via a launch event involving members of the media and other relevant guests.

What is the objective of the ACFG?

The ACFG aims to support efforts to address the problem of corruption facing Malaysia. Corruption envelopes nearly all sectors and industries in the country and is becoming the main inhibitor of growth.

 

(L to R) Zakri Khir, Chairman, Allianz Malaysia Berhad; Associate Professor Datin Dr. Izlin Ismail, Deputy Dean (Research), Faculty of Business and Economics, UM; Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), UM; Anusha Thavarajah, Regional CEO, Allianz Asia Pacific; Professor Dr. Yusniza Kamarulzaman, Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics, UM and Sean Wang, CEO, Allianz Malaysia Berhad in a group photo.
(L to R) Zakri Khir, Chairman, Allianz Malaysia Berhad; Associate Professor Datin Dr. Izlin Ismail, Deputy Dean (Research), Faculty of Business and Economics, UM; Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), UM; Anusha Thavarajah, Regional CEO, Allianz Asia Pacific; Professor Dr. Yusniza Kamarulzaman, Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics, UM and Sean Wang, CEO, Allianz Malaysia Berhad in a group photo. 
Allianz Centre for Governance signage
Allianz Centre for Governance signage.
Allianz Centre for Governance in University Malaya
Inside Allianz Centre for Governance
Allianz Centre for Governance Office
Allianz Centre for Governance office.

Where is the ACFG based?

The Allianz Centre for Governance is based in Universiti Malaya, with an office located at the Faculty of Business and Economics. The complete address of the Centre is as follows:

Allianz Centre for Governance

Faculty of Business and Economics
1st Floor, H10 Building
Universiti Malaya
50603 Lembah Pantai
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Anusha Thavarajah, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Allianz Asia Pacific signing the plaque together with Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Universiti Malaya (UM) at the launch today.
(L to R) Anusha Thavarajah, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Allianz Asia Pacific signing the plaque together with Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Universiti Malaya (UM) at the launch today.

Official launch and partnership

The Centre begins its operation after the launch on 10 December 2024. The initial partnership will be for 3 years with a view on extension at the end of the term.

For details of the official launch, click here.

For more information on the ACFG, kindly contact  AMBDept-CorpCommunications@allianz.com.my

Allianz Malaysia’s ongoing commitment on governance

Prior to the establishment of the Centre, Allianz Malaysia had already taken several steps within the organisation to advocate good governance and stand against unethical practises in the industry, including:

  • Allianz Road Rangers: Launched in 2017, this initiative ensures a fair and transparent claims process for motor insurance customers, safeguarding them from exploitative practices and mitigating the risk of motor insurance fraud.
  • Panel Workshop Revamp: In 2020, Allianz Malaysia conducted an open tender process to select authorised car repairers, enhancing transparency and service standards within the motor claims process.
  • Partnership with RasuahBusters: Allianz Malaysia became a coalition partner with RasuahBusters, a grassroots movement dedicated to fighting corruption in Malaysia, further demonstrating its commitment to integrity and ethical business practices.
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The team to lead ACFG?

The Centre will be led by Prof. Zaharom bin Nain, Director of Centre. He will be guided by an Advisory Board consisting of Mr. Zakri Khir, Chairman of Allianz Malaysia Berhad, Dr. Muhammed Abdul Khalid, Chairman of Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad, Dr. Nungsari Ahmad Radhi, a renowned economist and corporate figure, Prof. Dr. Yusniza Kamarulzaman, Dean, Faculty of Business & Economics and Datin Associate Prof. Dr. Izlin Ismail, Deputy Dean (Research), Faculty of Business & Economics.

Snippets on the Centre’s launch day

08/04/25

Special Dialogue Session with Datuk C. Thavarajah - “Shaping Integrity: Future Voices Against Corruption”

Allianz Malaysia collaborated with Universiti Malaya (UM) in organising a dialogue session entitled, “Shaping Integrity: Future Voices Against Corruption” joined by over 80 students, and several NGOs. The session focuses on the impact of corruption and the role of governance in shaping a better future, and the importance of instilling knowledge among the youth while empowering them to voice out the significance of good governance.

Valuable insights were shared by the distinguished speakers: Datuk C. Thavarajah, former Director of Anti-Corruption Agency Malaysia; Dr Nungsari Ahmad Radhi, Chairman of Khazanah Research Institute; and Prof. Zaharom Nain, Director of the Allianz Centre for Governance (ACG).

Honouring the session with their presence and supports: Anusha Thavarajah, Regional CEO of Allianz Asia Pacific; Zakri Mohd Khir, Chairman of Allianz Malaysia; Board of Directors and Senior Managements of Allianz Malaysia; Prof. Dr. Yusniza Kamarulzaman, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics of UM and her team; and Allianz Centre for Governance (ACG) Advisory Committee.

19/08/25

Distinguished Speaker Series with Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat - “The Sanctity of Malaysia’s Federal Constitution: Threats, Solutions and Impact on National Governance”

Allianz Malaysia, in collaboration with Allianz Centre of Governance (ACG) hosted yet another eminent speaker session that was joined by over 250 attendees, featuring a Keynote Address by the distinguished speaker, Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Former Chief Justice of Malaysia. The event brought forth insights regarding the issues, challenges, and solutions on the necessity to safeguard the integrity and ‘holiness’ of the constitution as well as on national governance.

This speaker series entitled, “The Sanctity of Malaysia’s Federal Constitution: Threats, Solutions and Impact on National Governance” extended the honour by welcoming other prominent speakers to deliver their profound perspectives: Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Datuk Zainun Binti Ali, Director of Allianz Centre for Governance; Mr Abdul Rashid Ismail, Past President of National Human Rights Society (HAKAM); Prof. Zaharom Nain, Director of Allianz Centre for Governance; and Dr Sharifah Munirah Al-atas, Deputy Director of Allianz Centre for Governance, who was also the moderator for the dialogue session.

For their unwavering commitment and continuous dedication in advocating for important issues and discussions on governance, deepest appreciation goes out to the Board of Directors and honourable guest who were also present at the event: Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Datuk Dr Rafiah Salim, Former Chairman of Allianz Malaysia Berhad; Zakri Mohd Khir, Chairman of Allianz

Malaysia Berhad; Dr Muhammed Bin Abdul Khalid, Chairman of Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad; and Sean Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Allianz Malaysia Berhad.

24/04/26

Forum with Jo Kukathas - “Art and Empathy: The Role of Art in the Building of Society”

The Allianz Centre for Governance (ACG), a collaboration between Allianz Malaysia and Universiti Malaya, hosted an ACG Forum titled “Art and Empathy: The Role of Art in the Building of Society” to explore how the arts can foster empathy, encourage reflection and strengthen social cohesion. The forum featured acclaimed Malaysian actor, writer and director Jo Kukathas, who shared insights on the role of storytelling and artistic expression in shaping public consciousness and inspiring meaningful conversations. Through personal experiences and engaging dialogue with participants, the session highlighted how the arts can serve as a bridge between communities, nurturing understanding and compassion in an increasingly diverse society. By bringing together students, educators, professionals and members of the public, the forum reinforced ACG’s commitment to promoting conversations that encourage thoughtful citizenship and contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic society.

30/04/26

Distinguished Speaker Series with Prof. Jomo Kwame Sundaram “The New World Order Is No Order, Let Alone New” 

As part of its Distinguished Speaker Series, the Allianz Centre for Governance (ACG) welcomed leading economist Prof. Jomo Kwame Sundaram for a timely discussion on the changing dynamics of global politics, economics and international relations. In his keynote address, Prof. Jomo examined the growing uncertainties shaping today’s geopolitical landscape and their implications for nations, institutions and global cooperation. The session was followed by a response from Raja Dato’ Nushirwan bin Zainal Abidin, Director-General of the National Security Council, Prime Minister’s Department, Malaysia, offering additional perspectives from a national security standpoint. The dialogue concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants exchanged views on the opportunities and challenges presented by an increasingly complex world. The event reflected ACG’s ongoing efforts to connect academic scholarship with public discourse, providing a platform for informed discussions on issues that influence governance, policymaking and the future of society.

22/06/26

Forum with Eddin Khoo “Nation-building and Inclusion in Higher Education: A Dialogue on UEC as an Entrance Qualification” 

The Allianz Centre for Governance (ACG), a joint initiative between Allianz Malaysia and Universiti Malaya, organised an ACG Forum on “Nation-building and Inclusion in Higher Education: A Dialogue on UEC as an Entrance Qualification”. The forum provided a balanced platform for the exchange of ideas on educational access, social inclusion and the role of higher education in nation-building. The discussion brought together Eddin Khoo, former Chairman of The Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) Task Force, and Prof. Wong Chin Huat, Deputy Head (Asian Headquarters), UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), Sunway University. Drawing from their respective expertise, the speakers examined different perspectives surrounding the UEC and encouraged constructive dialogue on how Malaysia can continue advancing an inclusive and equitable higher education landscape. The forum attracted participants from academia, the public sector, civil society and the wider community, reflecting ACG’s dedication to fostering respectful dialogue on complex public policy issues while encouraging greater understanding across different viewpoints.