CEO, AIA Cambodia

Can you tell us about your career and how you became Cambodia’s first woman CEO in insurance?

I arrived in Cambodia in December  2023 and have since felt very welcomed by the community. Before moving here, I was the Chief Strategic Bancassurance Alliance Officer at AIA Thailand, working closely with Bangkok Bank. My career in insurance spans over 15 years, during which I’ve held regional roles managing partnerships across Asia.

This journey has been both challenging and rewarding and being appointed the first woman CEO of an insurance company in Cambodia is a milestone I deeply cherish. It reflects not only my commitment but also the incredible opportunities this industry offers in emerging markets like Cambodia.

Cambodia contributed to AIA’s impressive 33% growth in the value of new business last year. How important is this market for the group?

Cambodia is a key market for us, despite being one of our younger operations—we’ve been here for just seven years. While our contribution to the group’s overall numbers remains modest, the potential is immense. Cambodia’s demographic is a significant factor; with an average age of 27 and a population of 16 million, there’s a vast underserved segment when it comes to insurance.

We see Cambodia as a developing market with extraordinary opportunities. A majority of the population remains underinsured, and this presents a chance to introduce products that meet their needs. As one of 18 markets where AIA operates, Cambodia’s young and growing population makes it a priority for expansion and innovation.

What factors do you see driving growth in Cambodia’s insurance sector?

Several macroeconomic indicators point to a promising future—low inflation, robust economic growth, and a rising middle class. At AIA Cambodia, we focus on customer growth, expanding our product offerings, and addressing affordability concerns.

For instance, we’ve introduced tailored medical plans for provincial customers who require affordable coverage. We’ve also diversified into corporate solutions, offering employee benefits. This customer-centric approach ensures we’re meeting the needs of various segments while fostering long-term growth.

Could you give us an overview of AIA Cambodia’s operations and recent innovations?

We’ve grown significantly since 2017, starting with life insurance and expanding into health and corporate solutions. AIA Cambodia is also a pioneer in digital innovation—we were the first to go paperless in the market. Our AIA Plus app allows seamless claims processing, improving customer trust and satisfaction.

Beyond business, we’re committed to CSR initiatives like promoting youth health through football programs and raising breast cancer awareness through our Fit for Hope campaign, which offers free screenings. These efforts reflect our mission to help Cambodians live healthier, longer, and better lives.

AIA Cambodia has been recognized as one of the best companies to work for. What’s your strategy behind these accolades?

At AIA Cambodia, we focus on fostering an environment that encourages personal and professional growth. We operate under the philosophy of “doing the right things the right way with the right people,” which guides our approach to talent development. This includes initiatives like “Lunch and Learn” sessions, where we invite experts from various industries to inspire and educate our team. We also run competitions to encourage continuous learning, offering rewards for employees who clock the most training hours.

Additionally, our mobility program allows employees to gain international experience within the AIA Group, enabling them to learn from other markets and bring those insights back to Cambodia. Beyond professional growth, we prioritize employee well-being with access to mental health programs and facilities like gyms. This holistic approach to employee satisfaction has been instrumental in earning us recognition as a top workplace.

What is AIA Cambodia’s vision for the next two years?

Our vision remains focused on helping Cambodians live healthier, longer, better lives. To achieve this, we are committed to delivering best-in-class products, technology, and financial advice. Our goal is not just to lead the insurance market in numbers but to set the standard for quality across all aspects of our business, from our customer experience to our advisors.

We aim to continue growing our network of financial advisors, currently 450 strong, ensuring they are equipped to provide the best financial planning solutions. Technology will also play a key role, as we strive to enhance customer engagement and streamline our processes. Ultimately, we want to lead by example, building trust and raising the bar for the insurance industry in Cambodia.

What message would you share with investors and potential clients about Cambodia and AIA?

Cambodia is a hidden gem with immense potential. The government’s investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare are laying a solid foundation for the country’s growth. These efforts are creating opportunities for the private sector to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

At AIA Cambodia, we are proud to be part of this transformation. We collaborate closely with ministries and regulators to promote financial literacy and raise industry standards. For investors, Cambodia offers limitless opportunities in a rapidly growing market. As for AIA, we remain committed to innovating and making a positive impact in the lives of Cambodians while contributing to the country’s development.