LIAM Appoints Pauline Teoh as New President and Re – Elects Vibha Coburn as Vice President at Its 52nd Annual General Meeting

Kuala Lumpur, 3 April 2026 – The Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM) has appointed Pauline Teoh, Chief Executive Officer of Zurich Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad as its new President, and re – elected Vibha Coburn, Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Insurance Berhad, as Vice President at its 52^nd Annual General Meeting held on 31 March 2026. 

Pauline Teoh plays a key role in driving Zurich Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad’s sustainable growth, strategic diversification, operational simplification, and innovation, positioning the company as a leading player in the Malaysian insurance market.

A seasoned insurance leader with over 25 years of experience across the Asia Pacific region, she is recognised for her expertise in business growth, digital transformation, partnerships, sales and distribution, financial risk management, mergers & acquisitions, and initial public offerings.

She holds a Bachelor of Mathematics in Actuarial Science and Economics from the University of Waterloo, Canada, and is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. More details on Pauline’s profile are available at:  https://www.liam.org.my/about/?c=3&m=3&ct=1

Meanwhile, Vibha Coburn brings over 30 years of experience in banking, insurance, and management consulting across Asia, Europe, and Australia, with expertise in strategy, business management, digital transformation, sales, marketing, and wealth management.

She joined Manulife on 1 October 2020 as Group CEO and Executive Director of Manulife Holdings Berhad, as well as CEO and Executive Director of Manulife Insurance Berhad.  Previously, as Chief Regional Distribution Officer for Manulife Asia, Vibha spearheaded significant agency growth, making Manulife the third-best multinational insurer in terms of Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) membership. More details on Vibha’s profile are available at: https://www.liam.org.my/about/?c=8&m=3&ct=1 

At the meeting, LIAM also welcomed a new management committee member, Wan Saifulrizal Wan Ismail, CEO of AmMetLife Insurance Berhad, for the term 2026/2027. 

The Association is further supported by six other Committee members namely Heng Zee Wang, CEO of AIA Bhd., Leong Su Yern, CEO of Etiqa Life Insurance Berhad, YBhg Dato Koh Yaw Hui, CEO of Great Eastern Life Assurance (Malaysia) Berhad; Loh Guat Lan, CEO of Hong Leong Assurance Berhad, Patrick Cheah Gim Guan, CEO of Malaysian Life Reinsurance Group Berhad, and Kelvin Ang, CEO of Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad. 

According to LIAM CEO Mark O’Dell, LIAM priorities in 2026 will include continued collaboration with key stakeholders and enhancing public education, particularly on the importance of life insurance protection for all Malaysians. This will be achieved by strengthening public awareness and improving financial literacy through targeted education and outreach initiatives.

“We actively engage the public through multiple platforms to enhance understanding of life insurance and support the financial well-being of Malaysians,” said O’Dell.

The life insurance industry remains firmly committed to financial inclusion and supports national efforts to increase insurance penetration and reduce protection gaps. LIAM will continue working closely with regulators and stakeholders to build a progressive, inclusive, and resilient life insurance industry.

LIAM also remains fully committed to supporting the effective implementation of the initiatives under the RESET agenda by the Joint Ministerial Committee, particularly the implementation of basic Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful (MHIT) plan. This includes ensuring the delivery of affordable, transparent, and sustainable healthcare protection. By balancing access with affordability, strengthening transparency in product design and cost structures, and leveraging the industry’s long-standing experience, insurers are well positioned to support meaningful healthcare reform and maintain public trust in medical and health insurance.

In addressing rising medical costs, the industry strongly advocates a whole-of-nation approach, including greater pricing transparency, the adoption of DRG initiatives, and coordinated cost-containment efforts. LIAM will continue working with key stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions that balance affordability, quality, and accessibility in Malaysia’s healthcare system.