Markel to ramp up Malaysian presence, appoints new country head
In her new role, Jasminder will be responsible for scaling Markel's operations in Malaysia, which the company has described as an established specialty insurance market.
She will collaborate closely with the underwriting team in Singapore, while also working to establish and grow Markel's underwriting capability in Kuala Lumpur.
The appointment will build on Markel's existing presence in Malaysia, where Markel is licensed as a Tier 2 reinsurer in Labuan, it said in a statement.
Jasminder brings close to three decades of experience in the insurance industry, with a background in risk management and broking.
She most recently served as CEO of MP Honan Insurance Brokers Sdn Bhd, where she played a key role in evolving the local broking firm into an international boutique firm, driving sales growth and operational excellence. Prior to that, she spent more than eight years at Aon Insurance Brokers Sdn Bhd, where she held various leadership roles, including chief broking officer.
Jasminder will report to Kevin Leung, Markel's chief underwriting officer for Asia Pacific.
'Jasminder's appointment is a key strategic move for our business in Malaysia, leveraging her proven ability to deliver results and her deep understanding of the local market,' said Christian Stobbs, Markel's MD for Asia Pacific, in the same statement.
Markel Insurance is a global specialty insurer, which leverages its broad array of capabilities and expertise to create solutions for the most complex specialty insurance needs.
The specialty insurance market sector in Malaysia is composed of a mix of local and international insurers that offer niche or non-traditional insurance products tailored to specific risks. These can include areas such as marine, aviation, energy, construction, political risk, cyber insurance and other specialised risks.
One of the key players in this sector is MSIG Insurance (M) Bhd, owned by Japan-based Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group, whose specialty lines include marine, energy, construction, engineering, aviation and liability insurance.
Two other players are Swiss-owned Zurich General Insurance Malaysia Bhd, with specialty lines in marine, energy, construction, cyber and liability insurance, as well as AIG Malaysia Insurance Bhd who's parent compay is the US-based American International Group. — TMR
This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysian Reserve
13 minutes ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Area 2 Farms Selects Fairfax City for Second Location, Launches Innovative Urban Farm
Fairfax City Economic Development-backed initiative transforms long-vacant site into a sustainable urban agriculture hub at Fairfax Circle FAIRFAX CITY, Va., Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) and Area 2 Farms have announced a new partnership to bring a sustainable urban farm to Fairfax City. The Northern Virginia-based startup, which is reimagining the future of agriculture through hyper-local, soil-based farming, will open its newest location at 9571 Fairfax Boulevard by the end of the year. Made possible through a zoning amendment approved by City Council in 2024 and a support grant from FCED, this project includes a 10-year lease for the property, $25,000 in Fairfax City Economic Development Authority (EDA) funding, and a commitment to transform the space through adaptive reuse. As part of the agreement, Area 2 Farms will invest in exterior improvements, including a public-facing mural that will enhance the visual identity and vibrancy of the Fairfax Circle intersection. The city's support builds on a foundation of strategic investment in sustainable agriculture and food system innovation, as exemplified by the EDA's $7,000 matching contribution to secure an AFID Planning Grant in 2024. This initiative not only revitalizes a long-vacant commercial site but also advances the city's goals to promote sustainability, pedestrian activity, and innovative investment in a key commercial activity center. 'It's ironic that we had to amend our zoning code to allow this type of agricultural use in a city and a region that was once rolling fields of farmland,' said Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read. 'It demonstrates the need for local governments to regularly reimagine land use in ways that support our priorities today and into the future. Our community cares about issues of environmental sustainability and educating consumers about the sources of the foods they eat. Area 2 Farms brings us a project that aligns with our core values on many levels and is a welcome addition to our city.' The transformation of this location exemplifies Area 2 Farms' commitment to deconstructing the traditional food supply chain and reallocating underutilized spaces within communities. By bringing farms directly into urban areas, Area 2 Farms addresses critical issues such as supply chain fragility and lack of transparency in food production, and stronger relationships between farmers and the people they serve. 'We are incredibly excited to bring Area 2 Farms to Fairfax and to partner with a city that shares our vision,' said Oren Falkowitz, Founder and CEO of Area 2 Farms. 'This project perfectly embodies our mission to 'move the farm, not the food,' turning an underutilized space into a thriving hub for fresh, healthy produce and community engagement. The leadership shown by FCED officials in facilitating this project ushers in a new chapter of abundance for the local community.' Following the success of its pilot farm in Arlington, VA—which has delivered over 20,000 harvests, welcomed over 1,000 customers, and hosted 1,500+ student visits the Fairfax City location marks the next step in the company's mission to connect people, places, and food in a meaningful way. Area 2 Farms also plans to deepen its community engagement through partnerships with Fairfax City public schools and local civic organizations. The new Fairfax City farm will provide direct access to fresh, local, organic produce through Area 2 Farms' Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Community members will be able to enjoy a year-round supply of greens, microgreens, root vegetables, herbs, and specialty items, harvested at peak ripeness, often just minutes before they are taken home. The farm will also be coupled with Area 2 Farms' first farm stand, which will allow the local community to purchase fresh food, specialty items, and other value-added products that complement their offering. 'This project is a testament to what's possible when vision meets partnership,' said Christopher Bruno, CEO and Director of Fairfax City Economic Development. 'We didn't just fill a vacant lot; we challenged everyone to think differently about how space, sustainability, and community intersect. In doing so, FCED is showing that even a small city can lead with bold ideas. The result is more than an investment in a single property. This project represents an investment in education, health, the creation of place, and the kinds of collaborations that push the boundaries of what local government and business can achieve. Area 2 Farms invites the Fairfax community to learn more about the new farm and join their CSA program by visiting About Fairfax City Economic Development Fairfax City Economic Development is a collaboration between the Fairfax City Economic Development Department and the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority, an independent agency administered by a commission appointed by the City Council to promote economic development activity within Fairfax. Fairfax City Economic Development helps attract businesses to the city, encourages and develops programs that foster connections between businesses, residents, and visitors of Fairfax City, and spearheads innovative programs and strategies devoted to positioning Fairfax City as an ideal location to start, grow, and scale a business. It is a founding member of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance. Learn more at About Area 2 FarmsArea 2 Farms designs, builds, and operates local, organic, soil-based vertical farms. By embedding farms directly into the fabric of communities, Area 2 is working to transform how food is grown, delivered, and experienced in the U.S. Its mission is simple: move the farm, not the food.
The Star
13 minutes ago
- The Star
Avangaad divests RM45mil FSO
Avangaad Bhd executive director Datuk Mubarak Hussain Akhtar Husin. PETALING JAYA: Avangaad Bhd has finalised the sale of its floating storage and offloading (FSO) vessel for US$10.5mil (equivalent to RM44.5mil), which will deliver an immediate gain of RM29.4mil. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the company said it had entered into a memorandum of agreement with MTC Energy Sdn Bhd for the sale of the vessel. The engineering services company said the proceeds will be strategically redeployed into higher-yielding and longer-tenured assets, in line with Avangaad's long-term strategy, while providing additional headroom for financial flexibility. 'The transaction is expected to strengthen the group's financial capacity to sustain a broad, balanced fleet and expand its service offerings across oil and gas (O&G) and non-O&G markets.' Executive director Datuk Mubarak Hussain Akhtar Husin said the transaction is about 'creating optionality.' 'We are monetising this asset at the right time to ensure Avangaad stays agile and well-capitalised. In asset strategy, success lies in aligning capability with contract tenure.'
Malaysian Reserve
an hour ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Yonder Media Mobile Sues FuboTV, Seeking Tens of Millions in Damages
Lawsuit Accuses FuboTV of Using Disney Merger as 'Pretext' to Abandon Partnership NEW YORK, Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yonder Media Mobile Inc. ('YMM') announced today it has filed a lawsuit against FuboTV, Inc. ('FuboTV') (Case No.: 654014/2025 Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York). The lawsuit alleges that FuboTV's senior executives engaged in a pattern of false promises and misleading assurances for over six months, fraudulently inducing YMM into a strategic partnership and investment only to unilaterally and abruptly abandon the deal. The complaint asserts that FuboTV's abandonment of the deal came after FuboTV entered into a separate agreement with Disney, and that FuboTV cited the approvals required by that agreement as a pretext for its withdrawal from the YMM partnership. FuboTV's actions have caused YMM significant financial and reputational damage. In reliance on FuboTV's repeated representations that the strategic partnership and a substantial equity investment would be consummated, YMM dedicated millions of dollars in capital and resources to develop a FuboTV-branded mobile application and service and secured critical modifications to its pre-existing agreement with a major wireless carrier. The lawsuit asserts that FuboTV's actions, including its misrepresentation and the subsequent summary withdrawal of a compensation offer to YMM, were carried out with reckless disregard for the harm inflicted upon YMM. As a direct result of FuboTV's conduct, YMM is seeking damages exceeding tens of millions of dollars. 'We are, of course, deeply disappointed by FuboTV's misleading conduct, which caused substantial damage and a major setback for our company,' said Adam Kidron, CEO of YMM. 'This lawsuit is a necessary and resolute action to hold them accountable. Our focus remains squarely on our future, which shines brightly. We are more committed than ever to protecting our company and fulfilling our mission to provide people everywhere the next generation of mobile experiences, while delivering value to our stakeholders.' About Yonder Media Mobile Inc. YMM is a US-based mobile technology company founded in 2018. Our mission is to connect communities across borders through intuitive, intelligent mobile applications that add real value to people's lives, delivering the next generation of mobile experiences to the widest possible audience. Backed by a diverse group of prominent investors, our team of dedicated developers, creators, and entrepreneurs is focused on delivering innovative mobile services that bridge geographical and digital divides for our global customer base spanning over 200 countries. Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Yonder Media Mobile Inc.'s business and legal proceedings. The information contained in this press release is based on the allegations contained in the filed complaint. The complaint is not a finding of fact or law, and the claims alleged therein are subject to proof in a court of law. This press release is not intended to provide legal advice, and Yonder Media Mobile Inc. encourages readers to consult with a qualified legal professional for advice on any legal issues.
