Tell us about your business
QBE is an international insurer and reinsurer offering a diverse portfolio of commercial, personal and specialty products, as well as risk management solutions. Our diverse product portfolio includes property, motor, crop, public/product liability, professional indemnity, workers’ compensation, energy, marine and aviation. Our purpose is to give people the confidence to achieve their ambitions.
QBE in Singapore having been established in 1891 celebrates its 130th year anniversary in 2021 and is the Republic’s oldest registered Australian company. QBE Insurance (Singapore) Pte Ltd is part of the QBE Insurance Group which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and headquartered in Sydney.
What’s your role all about?
I am the Regional Product Head for Engineering and Property. This covers general property, all types of construction, plant & equipment, and power generation. This position allows me to be involved with many complex and exciting risks. Particularly topical right now is renewable energy, and we are a go to insurer across Asia. We insure the largest floating solar farm in Singapore amongst other risks. I’m also the regional representative in the IMIA (International Association of Engineering Insurers) and Chairman for the Construction & Engineering work group at the General Insurance Association of Singapore to help reinforce Singapore’s position as a global insurance hub.
What’s the hot topic in your sector right now?
Renewable Energy is a key activity for us and we are heavily involved in the transition from traditional fossil fuels to renewables. Our team has been investing heavily in their own education around this topic, adding to many years of experience that we have so that we can help customers realise their ambitions. We have been holding many seminars across the region, including those from external partners to reinforce our customers’ risk management actions.
Why are you a member of AustCham in Singapore?
Being an Australian Citizen living in Singapore now, Austcham provides me with very helpful insights and links to home, together with a Singapore relevance. Also, given the wonderful opportunities and experiences that Australia has provided me, I’m always looking for opportunities where I might be able to give back.
Where are your favourite places to go to relax in Singapore?
I like to get out amongst the greenery when I can – Mount Faber, Labrador, Henderson, Hort and Kent Ridge parks. But I also like to get out with my son on the cable car (the ‘space ships’ as he calls them!) over to Sentosa and wander along the beach and play in the sand with him.
What are your predictions for the next 12 months?
We may have taken one step backwards regarding Covid, but I think it’s just a small one and Singapore will be taking leaps forward soon enough. For the Construction industry, we want to see the infrastructure investments kick in around the region, but we have to be wary of inflation.