Zurich Malaysia and Zurich Singapore Unite for Project 1000: Championing Endurance, Empowerment, and Community in Southeast Asia
Photo by Jaems Chua @jaemschua
Kuala Lumpur, 16 March 2026 – Building on Zurich’s spirit of collaboration across Asia Pacific, Zurich Malaysia and Zurich Singapore have come together to support Project 1000, an inspiring ultra-marathon initiative led by Guinness World Record holder and renowned endurance athlete Natalie Dau.
Launched in 2024, Project 1000 began as a 1,000km solo ultra-endurance run, designed to test human limits while giving back to the community. This initiative aims to inspire meaningful change by raising funds and awareness for underserved children in Asia, empowering them through movement and self-belief.
This year, Natalie embarked on a new ultra-endurance challenge, “Breaking 8”, running the length of Peninsular Malaysia in in 6 days 16 hours and 37 minutes. Starting on March 7 in the lead-up to International Women’s Day, Natalie ran an average of 105 kilometers daily, breaking her own Guinness World Record for the Fastest Crossing of Peninsular Malaysia on foot, previously set in 2024.
In 2026, Project 1000 is partnering with the Cahaya Surya Bakti foundation, which supports displaced families by focusing on protection, care and opportunities. Demonstrating their shared commitment, Zurich Malaysia and Zurich Singapore have contributed SGD 10,000 to support this cause. Zurich also invites employees, customers, and partners to join the effort via this Giving Opportunity. Donations made from now until March 31, 2026, will be matched by the Z Zurich Foundation (up to USD 10,000), amplifying every contribution to maximise community impact.
Junior Cho, Country CEO of Zurich Malaysia, said, “We are honoured to champion Project 1000 and stand alongside Zurich Singapore in celebrating Natalie Dau’s remarkable achievement. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to empowering women, driving sustainable change, and supporting communities across Southeast Asia. Together, we can make a greater difference and create a future filled with equality and opportunity.”
Liam Burrell, CEO Singapore & Head of Commercial Insurance, Asia, echoed, “We’re thrilled to support Natalie Dau’s Project 1000 with Zurich Malaysia. This collaboration goes beyond sponsorship; it underscores Zurich’s commitment to making a lasting difference in the communities we serve. By joining forces, we celebrate a remarkable individual’s record-breaking athletic milestone while helping to create lasting opportunities for communities across Southeast Asia.”
Project 1000 continues to make a meaningful impact in Southeast Asia, with a strong focus on empowering children through movement, access to sports, and greater opportunities for girls in underserved communities. This initiative emphasises the value of athleticism and equal access, helping children across the region unlock their potential and achieve personal growth.
For more information about Zurich Malaysia and Zurich Singapore, please visit their official websites at zurich.com.my and zurich.com.sg.
About Zurich Insurance Group
Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) is a leading global multi-line insurer founded more than 150 years ago, which has grown into a business serving more than 82 million customers in more than 200 countries and territories, while delivering industry-leading total shareholder returns.
Reflecting its purpose to ‘create a brighter future together,’ Zurich offers protection services that go beyond traditional insurance, to support its customers in building resilience. Since 2020, the Zurich Forest project has been supporting reforestation and biodiversity restoration in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.
The Group has more than 65,000 employees and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (ZURN) is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has a level I American Depositary Receipt (ZURVY) program, which is traded over-the-counter on OTCQX. Further information is available at www.zurich.com.
About Z Zurich Foundation
The Z Zurich Foundation works alongside Zurich Insurance Group employees and other stakeholders as well as with communities, governments and NGOs in pursuit of a future where people can thrive in the face of increasing climate hazards and catastrophes, where those of us feeling the stresses of life are empowered to speak up, and where the marginalized in our society can reach their full potential.
The Z Zurich Foundation is a Swiss-based charitable foundation established by members of the Zurich Insurance Group. It is the main vehicle by which Zurich Insurance Group delivers on its global community investment strategy.
Visit the Z Zurich Foundation’s website to learn more about its work: https://.zurich.foundation/ Follow Z Zurich Foundation on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About Zurich Malaysia
Zurich Malaysia is a collective reference term for the Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) business subsidiaries operating in Malaysia: Zurich General Insurance Malaysia Berhad, Zurich Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad, Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad and Zurich Takaful Malaysia Berhad. Zurich Malaysia offers a broad range of comprehensive insurance and takaful solutions; helping individuals as well as business owners understand and protect themselves, their businesses and their assets from risk. Zurich Malaysia has an integrated branch network in major cities nationwide as well as dedicated agency and distribution channels nationwide to serve the needs of its customers. For further information on Zurich Malaysia, visit http://www.zurich.com.my.