online family takaful in malaysia: going digital way · underwriting system, purchase the plans and...

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1 ONLINE FAMILY TAKAFUL IN MALAYSIA: GOING DIGITAL WAY By Nurul Azlyna Mohamad Rasidi CIFP, Bach. of Acc (Hons), CII THE BACKGROUND Takaful industry in Malaysia has positioned itself as a trusted and valued solution provider for many years. The industry has recorded strong growth with almost 18% of market share in 2018 from 3% a decade ago. With 15 registered operators, Malaysia currently leads the takaful industry in the region. Similar to insurance, there are general and family takaful that essentially serve the same purpose of providing coverage to the participants. This paper however will only highlight the family takaful in Malaysia. Offering three types of plans to choose from, family takaful provides financial protection against death or permanent disability and long-term savings to the participants. The plans are; a. Ordinary Family b. Annuity c. Investment-linked Takaful Interestingly, the industry’s performance is considerably outstanding with a new business grew approximately 10% (year-on-year) in 2018 compared to approximately only 2% for life insurance. Family Takaful: New Business Contribution (in RM million, as at) Source: Bank Negara Malaysia 1,068 1,311 1,321 1,640 2,011 1,785 1,885 2,069 2,224 2,510 3,254 1H09 1H10 1H11 1H12 1H13 1H14 1H15 1H16 1H17 1H18 1H19

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Page 1: ONLINE FAMILY TAKAFUL IN MALAYSIA: GOING DIGITAL WAY · underwriting system, purchase the plans and receive immediate coverage; a great convenience to the customers indeed. The commission

1

ONLINE FAMILY TAKAFUL IN MALAYSIA: GOING DIGITAL WAY

By Nurul Azlyna Mohamad Rasidi

CIFP, Bach. of Acc (Hons), CII

THE BACKGROUND

Takaful industry in Malaysia has positioned itself as a trusted and valued solution

provider for many years. The industry has recorded strong growth with almost 18% of

market share in 2018 from 3% a decade ago. With 15 registered operators, Malaysia

currently leads the takaful industry in the region.

Similar to insurance, there are general and family takaful that essentially serve the same

purpose of providing coverage to the participants. This paper however will only

highlight the family takaful in Malaysia.

Offering three types of plans to choose from, family takaful provides financial

protection against death or permanent disability and long-term savings to the

participants. The plans are;

a. Ordinary Family

b. Annuity

c. Investment-linked Takaful

Interestingly, the industry’s performance is considerably outstanding with a new business

grew approximately 10% (year-on-year) in 2018 compared to approximately only 2% for

life insurance.

Family Takaful: New Business Contribution (in RM million, as at)

Source: Bank Negara Malaysia

1,068

1,311 1,321

1,640

2,0111,785

1,8852,069

2,224

2,510

3,254

1H09 1H10 1H11 1H12 1H13 1H14 1H15 1H16 1H17 1H18 1H19

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FAMILY TAKAFUL: DOING IT DIGITAL WAY

As the takaful industry matures, digitisation and technology adaptation is expected to

change the market landscape. Technology is also expected to pave significant inroads

in providing new solutions and avenues in reaching the consumers.

As stated in KPMG’s Insurtech 10: Trends for 2019

“Mature insurance markets may see the new highly automated insurance platforms

such as those developed in China as a direct challenge and seek to compete with

them. The successful incumbents will likely be the ones who learn from them, adapting

and adopting their tech where appropriate”.

Meanwhile according to EY, “more than 80% of customers are willing to use digital and

remote contact channels (including web chat, email, mobile apps, video or phone) in

place of interacting with insurers via agents or brokers”.

To support the digitalization effort, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has established the Life

Insurance and Family Takaful Framework in 2015 as an initiative to diversify distribution

channels in promoting greater accessibility and wider outreach.

The framework requires the life insurers and family takaful operators to offer pure

protection term products via direct distribution channels including online through their

websites. The online channel allows customers to instantly get quotes via an innovative

underwriting system, purchase the plans and receive immediate coverage; a great

convenience to the customers indeed.

The commission - free standalone pure protection products namely term, critical illness

and medical and health insurance/takaful. Pure protection product would be the

simplest and cheapest form of coverage available to consumers, making it easy for the

operators to curate and offer.

The digital initiative, unsurprisingly, has received positive responses from the customers

based on the higher share of new premiums and contributions incurred by online

channel in 2018. It jumped significantly to 3.2% from 0.6% in 2017, suggesting the

stronger digital presence and encouraging acceptance among customers.

In contrast, the agency channels indicated lower share from 47.4% in 2017 to 41.8% in

2018, marking the downward trend experienced by the traditional channel.

Nevertheless, the agency is still the most preferred channel compared to others.

*However, please take note that the data caters for both life insurance and family

takaful.

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Life/ Family Takaful New Premium and Contribution (By Distribution Channels), in %

Source: Bank Negara Malaysia

THE PLAYERS WHO GO DIGITAL

Following the initiative made by BNM, there are currently 211 family takaful products, as

at to date that can be applied via online. The products offered are affordable and

simple application process.

The digitalization journey should offer hassle-free and convenient ‘online shopping’

experience to the customers. The processes include exploring the choice of operators,

choosing and understand the products details and eventually to sign-up.

Sharing the author’s experience whilst completing this assignment, it is exciting to see

some operators’ webs are conveniently accommodating to the need. It is easy to spot

the online products without much navigation.

Having clear details, adequate information and hassle-free process can help customers

in making decision. That is how the ‘online shopping should be.

Some of the operators with the easy to spot segments are:

1 Including AIA I-One Plan that is mentioned by MTA but not available in the page

0.6 3.28.2 7.5

39.042.4

47.4 41.8

4.8 5.1

2017 2018

Internet and Others Brokers Banking Inst. Agents Direct Clients

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4

Great Eastern Takaful

Hong Leong MSIG Takaful

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Zurich Insurance & Takaful

PruBSN Takaful

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Takaful Malaysia Bhd

Except for Takaful IKHLAS Family Berhad, here are the lists of online family takaful

products by operators:

1. AIA PUBLIC TAKAFUL

a. AIA I-ONE PLAN

Description A term family Takaful plan which covers death and total

and permanent disability for one year

BENEFITS

Death or Total and Permanent

Disability (TPD)

RM50,000

RM100,000

RM150,000

RM200,000

RM300,000

RM400,000

RM500,000

*This product is not available in AIA page but mentioned by MTA. This info is retrieved here: https://www.aia.com.my/en/our-products/online-products/aia-i-one-plan/faq.html

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2. AMMETLIFE TAKAFUL BERHAD

a. I-AM-WIRA

Description

-A regular contribution protection plan.

-An additional 3 times of sum covered is payable if death

or TPD is due to accident or death due to dengue or any

insect/snake bites

BENEFITS PLAN 1 PLAN 2 PLAN 3

Death or TPD due to All Causes RM50,000 RM100,000 RM200,000

Death or TPD due to Accident

RM150,000 RM300,000 RM600,000 Death due to Dengue or Any

Insect/ Snake Bites

Hospitalisation due to Accident

(per day) RM100 RM200 RM300

3. ETIQA FAMILI TAKAFUL BERHAD

a. I-SECURE

Description A term takaful plan that provides death and TPD coverage

BENEFITS

Death and TPD From RM100,000 to RM500,00

Extensive Period of Coverage Extended up to 75 years old (participation between

21 years to 45 years old)

No medical check-up No medical examination required

b. I-DOUBLESECURE

Description A term takaful plan, where coverage sum payable for

accidental causes will be doubled

BENEFITS

Double Death The beneficiary will receive double the sum covered

when death is caused by an accident

Double TPD

Insurer and loved ones will receive double the sum

covered when total permanent disability is caused

by an accident

Flexible Coverage Three coverage amounts specifically, RM50,000,

RM100,000 and RM200,000

No medical check-up No medical examination required

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c. E-MEDICAL PASS TAKAFUL

Description -A standalone medical Takaful plan that provides medical

coverage up to age 80

BENEFITS SILVER GOLD PLATINUME

Overall Annual Limit RM60,000 RM80,000 RM120,000

Overall Lifetime Limit No Limit

SECTION A: IN-PATIENT & DAY CARE SURGERY BENEFITS

Hospital Room & Board Charges

(per day limit) RM100 RM150 RM200

Hospital Room & Board Charges

(days per annum limit) No Limit

Intensive Care Unit Charges (No

limit on days per annum)

As Charged (subject to overall annual limit)

Surgical Fees

Anaesthetist Fees

Operating Theatre Fees

Hospital Supplies & Services

Charges

In-Hospital Physician / Specialist

Visit Charges (2 visits per day limit)

Day Care Surgery Fees

Ambulance Fees

SECTION B: OUT-PATIENT BENEFITS

Pre-Hospital Diagnostic Tests

Charges, or Specialist

Consultation Fees

As Charged

Post-hospitalisation Treatment

Charges

(subject to overall annual limit)

Emergency Accidental Out-

Patient Treatment Charges

Out-patient Kidney Dialysis

Treatment Charges

Out-patient Cancer Treatment

Charges

SECTION C: OPTIONAL

Deductible Option

Yes – Deductible limit: RM1,000, RM3,000 & RM5,000

per hospitalization

No – 100% of the eligible medical bill paid by Etiqa

No medical examination No medical examination required

Page 9: ONLINE FAMILY TAKAFUL IN MALAYSIA: GOING DIGITAL WAY · underwriting system, purchase the plans and receive immediate coverage; a great convenience to the customers indeed. The commission

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d. E-CANCERCARE TAKAFUL

Description A pure protection plan that covers early stage to advanced

stage cancers, up to 20 years

BENEFITS

Early Cash Payout A cash payout of 30% of the covered amount will be paid

directly for early stage cancers, including carcinoma in situ

Lump Sum Cash Payout A lump sum of 150% of the covered amount will be paid directly

upon diagnosis of advanced cancers

No medical examination No medical check-up required

4. GREAT EASTERN TAKAFUL BERHAD

a. I-GREAT MURNI 2.0

Description A term plan that provides lump sum benefit payment upon

death or TPD

BENEFITS PLAN 1 PLAN 2 PLAN 3 PLAN 4 PLAN 5

Death and TPD RM100,000 RM200,000 RM300,000 RM400,000 RM500,000

Bereavement Allowance RM5,000

Underwriting surplus and

investment profit Entitled to the underwriting surplus and investment profit, if any

b. I-GREAT CRITICAL CARE

Description A stand-alone Takaful plan that provides coverage any of 45

Critical Illnesses

BENEFITS

Sum Coverage Up to RM500,000

Coverage for 45 Critical

Illnesses

Except for angioplasty and other invasive treatments for

coronary artery disease whereby the claim payout is limited to

10% of the Sum Covered subject to a maximum of RM25,000

Underwriting surplus and

investment profit Entitled to the underwriting surplus and investment profit, if any

No medical examination No medical examination required

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c. I-GREAT MEDI CARE 2.0

Description

A standalone medical Takaful plan without savings and

investment element that provides coverage for Hospitalisation

and/or Surgical Treatment due to accident or illness up to age

80 years next birthday

BENEFITS PLAN TYPE D MC 200

Hospital Room and Board

RM200

As charged, subject to the limit stated above.

Intensive Care Unit As charged.

Hospital Supplies and

Services

As charged.

Reimbursement of Reasonable and Customary Charges which

is consistent with those usually charged to a ward or room and

board accommodation which is approximate to and within the

daily limit of the amount stated in Hospital Room and Board

benefit under the plan covered.

Surgical Fees

Operating Theatre

Anesthetist Fees

In Hospital Physician Visit (2

visits per day)

Pre-Hospitalisation Diagnostic

Tests (Within 60 days before

hospitalisation)

Pre-Hospitalisation Specialist

Consultation (Within 60 days

before hospitalisation)

Post-Hospitalisation

Treatment (Within 90 days

after hospital discharge)

Ambulance Fees

Day Surgery

Emergency Accidental

Outpatient Treatment

3,000

As charged, subject to the limit stated above.

Overall Annual Limit for Items 100,000

Overall Lifetime Limit No limit

Zero Co Takaful No Co-Takaful is applicable for this plan

No medical examination No medical examination required

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Underwriting surplus and investment

profit

Entitled for underwriting surplus and investment profit, if any

5. HONG LEONG MSIG TAKAFUL BERHAD

a. HLM TAKAFUL I-CRITICAL CARE

Description

-A standalone critical illness (CI) Takaful product which covers

5 critical illnesses namely heart attack, stroke, cancer, kidney

failure and coronary artery bypass surgery.

-This plan is guaranteed renewable for a term of 10 years

BENEFITS

Critical Illness Benefit

-Sum Coverage up to RM500,000

-Upon diagnosis of any one of the covered diseases listed

below:

Heart Attack – of specified severity

Stroke – resulting in permanent neurological deficit

with persisting clinical symptoms

Cancer – of specified severity and does not cover

very early cancer

Kidney Failure – requiring dialysis or kidney transplant

Coronary Artery By-Pass Surgery

No medical examination No medical examination required

b. HLM TAKAFUL I-HOSPITAL CARE

Description

-A standalone hospital income benefit Takaful product which

pays daily cash allowance upon hospitalisation.

-If the admission is due to Cancer, the daily cash allowance

will be doubled

BENEFITS

Hospital Cash Benefit (other

than Cancer)

Pays cash benefit ; RM100 – RM500 (in a multiple of RM50) per

day upon hospitalization

Hospital Cash Benefit due to

cancer Double cash benefit if hospitalised due to Cancer

No medical examination No medical examination required

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c. HLM TAKAFUL ALPHA SAVER

Description - An endowment Takaful product that can fulfill protection and

savings needs

BENEFITS

Death or TPD

-Sum covered:

ENTRY AGE

MONTHLY

CONTRIBUTION 1-45 46-55

RM50 RM10,000 RM7,000

RM100 RM20,000 RM14,000

RM200 RM40,000 RM28,000

Funeral Benefit A guaranteed additional 10% of the Basic Sum Covered will be

payable upon death

Triple Coverage For

Accidental Death A guaranteed 200% of the Basic Sum Covered will be payable

Maturity Benefit 100% of the Total Contribution Paid will be payable provided

Value-Added Services

SERVICE AMOUNT

Hajj by Proxy(for Muslims) RM3,500

Waqf RM500

Qurban(for Muslims) RM750

Cash Payments

CASH PAYMENT (RM)

END OF

CERTIFICATE

YEAR

% OF THE

TOTAL

CONTRIBUTION

PAID

PLAN50 PLAN100 PLAN200

5 5% 150 300 600

10 5% 300 600 1,200

15 10% 600 1,200 2,400

20 15% 900 1,800 3,600

Total 1,950 3,900 7,800

No medical examination No medical examination will be conducted upon applying

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6. PRUDENTIAL BSN TAKAFUL BERHAD

a. CANCER PLAN

Description

-A yearly renewable term takaful plan which

provides financial protection upon diagnosis of

cancer.

-No amount will be payable upon death of

participant.

BENEFITS

Sum Coverage Cash payout up to RM250,000 upon the diagnosis of

cancer

Easy to Subscribe Only answer 2 questions related to cancer

Wider Range Decide own contribution from as low as RM0.08 per

day, according to needs

b. MEDIC PLAN

Description

-A renewable medical plan

-It reimburses medical expenses incurred in the

event of hospitalisation and for specific outpatient

benefits.

BENEFITS

Hospital Daily Room & Board Benefit Up to RM150 per day

Hospital & Surgical Benefits

1.Intensive Care Unit/ Cardiac Care Unit

Benefit

2. In-Hospital & Related Services Benefit

-Surgical Benefit

-Hospital Supplies and Services

-Operating Theatre

-Anesthetist Fees

-In-Hospital Specialist’s Visit

As Charged, subject to Deductible

Outpatient Treatment Benefits

1. Pre-Hospitalisation Treatment Benefit

2. Post-Hospitalisation Treatment Benefit As Charged, subject to Deductible

3. Day Surgery Benefit As Charged

Additional Benefits

1. Emergency Treatment for Accidental

Injury Benefit

2. Government Hospital Daily Cash

Up to RM5,000 per annum

RM50 per day

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Benefit

3. Outpatient Cancer Treatment Benefit

4. Outpatient Kidney Dialysis Treatment

Benefit

As Charged

DEDUCTIBLE RM1,000, RM2,000, RM3,000

ANNUAL LIMIT RM100,000

LIFETIME LIMIT No lifetime limit

EASY TO SUBSCRIBE Only answer 3 questions related to cancer

WIDER RANGE Decide own contribution from as low as RM4 per

day, according to needs

7. SUN LIFE MALAYSIA TAKAFUL BERHAD a. SUN ESSENTIAL-I

Description

- A term plan that provides death and TPD benefit due to all causes.

- This plan also provides additional 100% of basic sum covered in the event of

death / TPD due to specified infectious diseases

BENEFITS PLAN 1 PLAN 2 PLAN 3 PLAN 4 PLAN 5 PLAN 6

Death and TPD

due to all

causes

RM50,000 RM100,000 RM200,000 RM300,000 RM400,000 RM500,000

Death or TPD

due to

specified

infectious

diseases

(Dengue Fever,

Chikungunya

Fever, Malaria,

Japanese

Encephalitis,

Avian Influenza

or Zika Virus

Infection)

RM100,000 RM200,000 RM400,000 RM600,000 RM800,000 RM1,000,000

No medical

examination No medical check- up required

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b. SUN EMEDICARE INCOME-I

Description A medical and health takaful plan with surplus sharing that

provides comprehensive hospital income coverage up to age 70

BENEFITS PLAN 1 PLAN 2 PLAN 3

Daily Hospital Income

Benefit RM100 RM150 RM200

Specified Infectious

Diseases Daily Hospital

Income Benefit

RM150 RM225 RM300

Overseas Daily Hospital

Income Benefit RM200 RM300 RM400

ICU Daily Hospital

Income Benefit RM300 RM450 RM600

No medical examination No medical check- up required

c. SUN ECRITICAL SHIELD-I

Description

-A medical and health takaful plan that provides coverage against

lifestyle diseases

-This plan comes with Top 3 CI Care benefit* and Diabetes Care

benefit** and it covers up to age 70.

*Top 3 CI Care benefit refers to cancer, stroke and heart attack

**Diabetes Care benefit refers to Surgery for Type 2 Diabetic

Retinopathy, Limb Amputation due to Type 2 Diabetic Complications

or Severe Diabetic Nephropathy resulting in Kidney Failure

BENEFITS PLAN 1 PLAN 2 PLAN 3 PLAN 4 PLAN 5

Top 3 CI Care Benefit RM50,000 RM100,000 RM150,000 RM200,000 RM250,000

Diabetes Care Benefit RM10,000 RM20,000 RM30,000 RM40,000 RM50,000

No medical

examination No medical check- up required

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8. SYARIKAT TAKAFUL MALAYSIA KELUARGA BERHAD

a. TAKAFUL MYCLICK MEDIPLUS

Description A medical plan that pays the eligible medical expenses

BENEFITS BRONZE SILVER GOLD

Section A: In-Patient and Daycare Surgical Benefits

Daily Hospital Room and

Board (No limit on

number of days)

RM100 RM150 RM200

Intensive Care Unit

(Maximum 60 days per

any one disability)

As charged

Surgical Fees

Anaesthetist Fees

Operati

ng Theatre

Hospital Supplies and

Services

In-Hospital Physician's

and Specialist's Visit

Ambulance Fees

Day Surgery

Daily Cash Allowance at

Malaysian Government

Hospital (No limit on

number of days)

RM100 RM100 RM100

Section B: Out-Patient Benefits

Pre-Hospitalisation

Benefit

As Charged

Post-Hospitalisation

Benefits

Out-patient Cancer

Treatment

Out-patient Kidney

Dialysis Treatment

Overall Annual Limit (for

Sections A & B) RM 50,000 RM 75,000 RM 100,000

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Worldwide coverage

Access specialised care all around the world, subject to the

reasonable and customary charges in Malaysia

Pay and collect points Gain 8excite loyalty points and get great deals after paying

contribution

No medical check-up No medical examination required

b. TAKAFUL MYCLICK TERM

Description

-A term takaful plan that provides death and TPD

coverage

- Option to include 39 critical illness coverage

BENEFITS

Death and TPD From RM50,000 and up to RM500,000 or RM250,000

for participants’ children

Optional - Critical illness

coverage

39 critical illness coverage

Pay and collect points with

8excite

Gain 8excite loyalty points and get great deals after

paying contribution

No medical check-up No medical examination required

9. FWD TAKAFUL BERHAD (FORMERLY KNOWN AS HSBC AMANAH TAKAFUL

(MALAYSIA) BERHAD)

a. FWD PROTECT DIRECT

Description -A pure protection Takaful plan that covers death

-Participate in the product as an Individual or Family

BENEFITS

Death Up to RM50,000

Pay same contribution yearly Pay level contribution

No medical check-up No medical examination required

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b. FWD CARE DIRECT

Description

-A pure protection Takaful plan that a lump sum benefit

when diagnosed with cancer

- Participate in the product as an Individual or Family

BENEFITS

Cancer Benefit Up to RM250,000

Pay same contribution yearly Pay level contribution

PERLINDUNGAN INITIATIVES

Apart from the above products, it is equally important to highlight on Perlindungan

Tenang initiative that see few online products created as part of the objectives.

Perlindungan Tenang is a national initiative launched in November 2017 with the

support of BNM that aims to enhance financial inclusion of underserved segments in

Malaysia, particularly the bottom 40% of household (B40).

Under the initiative, insurance and takaful products were created based on three basic

criteria, which are affordable, accessible and simple. The first batch includes six life

insurance products, three family takaful products and one general insurance product.

So here are the 3 family takaful products available under the scheme:

Company AIA Public Takaful2 Prudential BSN Takaful Takaful IKHLAS

Product Name AIA i-Starter Plan Lindungi AGRO Mabrur-i

Where to participate

(Channel) Online Online

AgroBank Branches

Nationwide

Entry Age 16 - 55 Years Old 19 – 60 Years Old

18 – 64 Years Old (For

ages 60 and above,

ONLY eligible to Plan 1)

Sum Covered RM10k/ RM15k/ RM20k/

RM25k/ RM30k RM20k/ RM30k

RM13k (Plan 1)/ RM26k

(Plan 2)/ RM40k (Plan 3)

Contribution

As low as RM39.00 yearly

(Depend on

Age/Gender)

As low as RM50.00 yearly

(Depend on

Age/Gender/Health

Status/Occupation)

RM75 (Plan 1)/

RM135(Plan 2)/

RM195(Plan 3) yearly

Source: MTA

2 The page is not available in the company’s page but it is mentioned by MTA

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THE FUTURE: THE DO OR DIE MISSION

The growth potential for family takaful industry remains enormous and promising given

the low percentage of the Malaysian population having takaful at 15.2% despite a

Muslim population of 60% (Malaysian Takaful Association).

Given the digital innovation in products, processes and business models of almost

industries in the world today, it is super imperative for the famiy takaful operators to

embrace the challenges presented by the digitalization. They should be agile and

responsive towards the digital transformation. As echoed by KMPG in its report Insurtech

10: Trends for 2019:

“Digitize or die — how insurers must adopt business process transformation and become

agents of change”

Ultimately, the advancement of digital technology would provide new ways for industry

to reinvent itself, improve its distribution channels and engage with customers to reach

out to more underserved markets.

Apart from that, going digital enables the operators to better insight on customers’

need based on the database. This help the operators to stay relevant in the market

and to say connected with customers.

Although the transformation is considerably still at infancy stage, Malaysians are

certainly ready for the change. The rapid growth of online channel and high number of

electronic payments (e-payment) made by the insurers show that digitalization is slowly

taking place in the country. According to Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM),

payments made by insurers via E-payment constituted 91% of the total volume of

transactions and 87% of premiums received by the end of 2018. Migration to e-

payments is one of the keys in transformation agenda.

Sharing the author’s experience; it is extremely important for the takaful operators to

build customer-friendly page that offer pleasant experience. There are few winning

factors to influence the customers’ decision; easy navigation, clear information and

details of products are easily available.