KUALA LUMPUR: Allianz Malaysia Bhd and Universiti Malaya (UM) have launched the Allianz Centre for Governance (ACFG) to enhance the quality of governance.
The centre will serve as a key platform for academic research and public engagement with a focus on strengthening business integrity and supporting reforms in governance practices.
Located at UM's Faculty of Business and Economics, it will support efforts to address corruption across all sectors and industries.
Allianz regional chief executive officer for Asia Pacific Anusha Thavarajah said corruption also occurred in the insurance industry.
As an insurer, the company protects policyholders, along with the integrity of the system and the community it operates in.
She added that the company's strict adherence to the Allianz Code of Conduct highlighted its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and bribery.
"This stance isn't just about compliance with local and international laws but also reflects our belief that combating corruption is fundamental to promoting good governance and ensuring a sustainable future," she said during the launch.
According to Anusha, the ACFG was a bold and vital step forward with its clear mission to engage stakeholders, champion reform, and promote accountability across sectors.
"This initiative reflects our understanding that large organisations like Allianz must lead by example; such as collaborating with governments, businesses, civil society and the media to create meaningful change," she added.
The launch, which coincided with the International Anti-Corruption Day on Dec 9, took place at the Za'ba Memorial Library in UM.
The ACFG is a three-year collaboration with UM and marks an important milestone in Allianz Malaysia's ongoing commitment to ethical business practices and adherence to the highest standards of corporate integrity.
The newly-established research centre, which will be led by Prof Zaharom Nain, is aimed at fostering a conducive environment for students and academicians to acquire knowledge and practical experience that will help shape a culture of integrity in the country.
This initiative will also create a bridge between thought leaders, academics and members of the public, enabling them to participate and contribute to the discourse via conferences, symposiums, media forums and others.
It aims to develop at least three teaching notes and publish one report annually, in addition to facilitating the influence of academic research on government policies.
Allianz Malaysia chief executive officer Sean Wang said research on corruption and governance demanded perseverance, courage, and the ability to navigate complex challenges.
He added that research-driven solutions, informed by data and expert analyses, were far more likely to lead to effective anti-corruption measures than reactive policies based on political pressure or popular sentiment.
Wang said the strategic initiative aimed to spark meaningful change and foster an environment where integrity could thrive and corruption had no foothold. He said the ACFG's efforts also complemented the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028 that reflected the nation's renewed commitment to eradicating corruption.
"With UM's esteemed research capabilities and talent pool, I am confident that our partnership will make significant contributions."
Meanwhile, UM deputy vice-chancellor (academic and international) Prof Dr Yatimah Alias said the initiative created a platform that would strengthen knowledge and practice of good governance to benefit national leadership, corporate sector, civil society, and other sectors to create a better nation.
"I believe that good governance is the foundation for building resilient institutions, fair systems, and sustainable development.
"To ensure its continuity, UM is fully committed to maintaining efficient, disciplined, and high integrity-driven administration in line with the responsibilities entrusted to us," she said.
Prior to the establishment of the centre, Allianz Malaysia had already taken steps to advocate good governance in the industry.
It includes Allianz Road Rangers that was launched in 2017 to ensures a fair and transparent claims process for motor insurance customers.
"This is to safeguard them from exploitative practices and mitigating the risk of motor insurance fraud."
The insurance operator also conducted an open tender process through the Panel Workshop Revamp programme in 2020 to select authorised car repairers as well as enhance transparency and service standards within the motor claims process.
Allianz Malaysia also became a coalition partner of RasuahBusters, a grassroots movement dedicated to fighting corruption, further demonstrating its commitment to integrity and ethical business practices.