The First Industrial Revolution (IR1.0) started in 1765 with steam engine (coal), followed by the combustion engine in 1870 (Industrial Revolution 2.0). The Third Industrial Revolution in 1969 is characterized electronics and nuclear, and finally the Industrial Revolution 4.0 in 2000 is driven by internet and renewable energy. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is in full scale, bringing a wave all sorts of technological advancements that are capable to reshape industries and economies around the world. Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront, transforming various sectors and driving growth.
Sharian Raj, CEO of Senang.io, a leading insurtech platform in Malaysia, dives deep into the impact of the current national budget on their business. Examining both the positive aspects like supportive grants and the challenges of navigating bureaucracy, Sharian shares valuable insights. He doesn't stop there, outlining a compelling wishlist for the upcoming budget. From tax rebates for digital insurance to expansion grants and collaborative policymaking, Sharian's recommendations aim to propel the insurtech industry forward. He also offers his perspective on broader economic reforms and the potential impact of proposed tax changes. This interview sheds light on the dynamic relationship between Malaysia's evolving budget landscape and the burgeoning insurtech sector, with Senang.io positioned at the heart of the action.
Shadhana Sekaran, Chief Executive Officer of insureKU, a leading insurtech platform in Malaysia, offers a comprehensive analysis of the current national budget's impact on the insurance industry and her company's operations. Sekaran highlights the budget's focus on expanding social protection and addressing coverage gaps, aligning well with insureKU's mission to provide affordable and accessible insurance solutions. She discusses the specific measures that have influenced their business strategies, including increased healthcare allocations and tax relief for insurance premiums. Sekaran also shares the challenges and opportunities arising from the budget, such as the need to balance pricing and coverage and the potential for growth through partnerships and targeted marketing.
In anticipation of the upcoming budget, Sekaran outlines her top priorities for supporting the insurtech sector's growth and sustainability. These include incentives for digital innovation, public-private partnerships for financial inclusion, and consumer education programs. She also expresses her views on the government's approach to economic reforms and the potential impact of proposed changes to the Service Tax and Capital Gains Tax on her business. Finally, Sekaran discusses how the budget's focus on the digital economy and financial inclusion will influence insureKU's operations and strategies.