10 November 2025 – The Pan-Asia Risk and Insurance Management Association (PARIMA) successfully concluded its two-day Singapore Conference, held from 29 – 30 October 2025 at the Raffles City Convention Centre. Supported by 20 industry partners and 1 association partner, the event gathered nearly 500 risk and insurance professionals from across Asia for insightful sessions, thought-provoking discussions, and meaningful networking.
“This year’s Singapore Conference truly reflected the strength and diversity of Asia’s risk community. I am excited to see what’s in store for PARIMA Singapore Conference 2026,” said Annacel Natividad, President of PARIMA.
Highlights from the Masterclass Sessions (29 October)
Aon hosted a session on “Artificial Intelligence: Strategic Adoption, Emerging Risks, and Regulatory Outlook”, examining how AI is reshaping organisational operations, decision-making, and risk management. The discussion also explored the evolution of AI and its growing integration into business processes across industries.
“As with the rapid adoption of any new and disruptive technology, the opportunity of AI will also transform the enterprise risk landscape for all industries. Concerningly, Aon research finds only 14% of organisations in the region have performed a formal risk quantification exercise for digital risks. Proactive risk management is essential for responsible AI adoption. Aon was delighted to discuss the liabilities and insurance implications of AI use cases across the digital value chain and practical strategies for navigating this transformative era with risk leaders during the recent masterclass in Singapore,” said Sara Kobes, Director of Cyber Solutions, Asia at Aon.
Descartes Underwriting led a session on “Rethinking Disaster Risk: Innovations and Insights in Parametric Insurance”, showcasing the practical application of parametric solutions in Asia, particularly for typhoon and flood risks. Alongside real-world case studies, the session included a hands-on workshop that enabled risk managers to assess feasibility and explore how parametric structures can be integrated into existing insurance programmes.
“Parametric insurance harnesses data and technology to strengthen the financial resilience of corporates and governments worldwide. Its speed, transparency and simplicity are driving adoption, valuing the flexibility and rapid payouts it offers. Weather-peril and climate risk-based products dominate the parametric insurance landscape in Asia Pacific,” said Ben Qin, Head of Asia Pacific at Descartes Underwriting.
Fenchurch Law hosted a session titled “Business on Hold: Business Interruption and Delay in Start-Up Insurance Explained”, which demystified and explained the fundamentals of both types of insurance for risk managers and other stakeholders responsible for managing operational risk.
“When your business premises suffer damage, the loss of profit sustained by the business is often far larger in dollar terms than the actual physical damage. Risk managers need to be aware of the benefits of having the appropriate insurance cover for loss of profits, and the challenges in trying to buy this appropriate cover,” said David Pryce, Senior Partner at Fenchurch Law APAC.
Marsh hosted a session titled “People Risk – Does It Matter in the Age of AI?”, which explored how artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace and reshaping the relationship between people and risk. The discussion examined what HR and risk managers need to understand at this intersection, how roles are evolving in a multi-generational, multi-dimensional workforce, and what leading organisations are doing to address these emerging challenges.
“The modern world of work requires businesses to adopt new ways of thinking and operating. The pace of change is faster than ever before, and it will only accelerate. At the same time, the risk landscape is growing increasingly complex. Artificial intelligence will not only transform our lives but also magnify existing vulnerabilities. It is important for companies to assess their risk parameters including the people and operational aspects in light of the constant change,” said Joan Collar, Chief Commercial Officer at Marsh McLennan Asia and Ravi Nippani, Partner, Regional Industries and Solutions Leader – Asia at Mercer.
Highlights from the Conference Sessions (30 October)
The morning keynote session, “Trade, Tech, and Climate Risks in a Fragmenting World,” was led by Taimur Baig, Managing Director and Chief Economist, Group Research at DBS Bank, and Steve Tunstall, Co-founder, Director, and General Secretary of PARIMA.
The session discussed how the world’s shift towards multi-polarity is reshaping business models, as organisations balance trade and geopolitical uncertainties alongside accelerating technological and climate disruptions. While the United States (US) remains a key partner in business and finance, the speakers emphasised the need for economies to strengthen partnerships and frameworks beyond the US.
The closing keynote session, “Making Sense of Information in a ‘Post-Truth’ World,” was led by Sudhir Thomas Vadaketh, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Jom, and Kelvin Wu, Head of Insurance at Weybourne Holdings and Treasurer of PARIMA.
The session addressed the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, driven by digital disruption, AI, political polarisation, and foreign interference. As information floods our screens in real time, the discussion questioned how individuals and organisations can identify credible sources and make sound risk decisions in an age of uncertainty.
Plenary Sessions
Aon hosted a session named “Key Risks on Leaders’ Minds: Insights from the Global Risk Management Survey”, showcasing comprehensive snapshots of emerging risks impacting businesses worldwide.
“We have entered a new era of disruption shaped by four megatrends: technology, trade, weather and workforce, which are changing the risk landscape. To navigate these complex and interconnected risks, organisations must adopt dynamic, integrated risk management strategies. Embracing data-driven approaches and scenario planning can turn uncertainty into opportunity, fostering resilience in an ever-evolving risk environment,” said Jane Drummond, Chief Commercial Officer, Asia Pacific at Aon.
Marsh hosted a session on “The Role of a Risk Manager in an Era of Climate Volatility,” led by Amy Barnes, Global Head of Energy & Power and Head of Climate & Sustainability Strategy at Marsh, and Antonio Kam, Head of Insurance, Asia Pacific at BASF and a Board Member of PARIMA.
The session examined the emerging technologies driving the transition to a low-carbon economy and the resulting challenges and opportunities for companies across Asia. It also addressed the growing risks from extreme weather events and their impact on assets and supply chains, highlighting how the role of risk managers is evolving to help organisations adapt and build long-term resilience.
“The Future of Asia: Navigating Risk, Resilience and Sustainability” session brought together a distinguished panel featuring Jennifer Richards, CEO of APAC at Aon; David Jacob, CEO of Marsh McLennan Asia; Dr Pascal Rey-Herme, Co-Founder and Group Medical Director at International SOS; and Jessica Cheam, Founder and CEO of Eco-Business.
The discussion explored how a wide range of critical forces, from technological advancement and shifting geopolitical dynamics to resource scarcity and ESG imperatives are shaping the trajectory of Asia’s future.
Educational Sessions
AXA XL hosted a session on “AI’s Impact on Risk Management: What Every Organisation Needs to Know”, together with three panellists. The session explored the opportunities, risks, and compliance requirements of AI, and presented key findings from a joint survey with PARIMA.
“As risk professionals, we must examine AI through three dimensions – how it helps mitigate risks, how it impacts risk transfer, and how it reshapes the broader risk landscape. To manage its implications effectively, we need continued collaboration across regulators, industry, and research to build resilient and forward-looking frameworks,” said Shi Wei Jin, Head of Multinational Solutions, APAC & Europe at AXA XL.
Descartes Underwriting hosted a session titled “From Japan to Myanmar: What Singapore Can Learn from Recent Devastating Earthquakes,” led by Seow Wee Beng, Acting Head of Southeast Asia at Descartes Underwriting. He was joined by three panellists: Jan P. Mumenthaler, Regional Insurance Lead, Asia, Insurance Services Group at International Finance Corporation and Board Member of PARIMA; Simon Kay, Director of Executive Services, UK and Rest of International at Sedgwick; and Raymond Martin Aguilar, Vice President of Enterprise Risk and Corporate Property Management at Globe Group and Board Member of PARIMA.
The session examined how parametric insurance is transforming the management of earthquake risks across Asia, drawing lessons from recent major seismic events in Japan and Myanmar. It also highlighted practical strategies that businesses in Singapore can adopt to enhance preparedness and resilience.
Howden hosted a session on “Navigating Trade & Investment Uncertainty: Safeguarding Businesses with Credit & Political Risk Insurance”, which explored how Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) can serve as a strategic shield against emerging threats. The session highlighted how CPRI helps organisations mitigate risks arising from trade disruption, investment volatility, and political instability, while equipping risk and insurance managers with tools to build greater resilience in an increasingly uncertain global landscape.
“The era of stable and coordinated globalisation is coming to an end. As the ‘great decoupling’ reshapes trade and investment flow, geopolitical risk is now a primary strategic concern. Risk managers must use tools like Credit and Political Risk Insurance not just to protect assets and balance sheets, but to confidently pursue the resilience and risk diversification their organisations now require,” said Edmund Arghand, Head of Credit, Political Risk & Surety at Howden Asia.
Swiss Re Corporate Solutions hosted a session on “Unlocking the Potential of Captives through the Soft Cycle”, exploring the evolving landscape of captives in Asia and highlighting how they continue to deliver strategic value, even in soft market conditions.
“Captives are no longer just reactive tools for hard market environment — they’re strategic enablers across all conditions. By leveraging reinsurance participation, captives can align with broader business goals and ESG objectives, transforming risk management into a proactive driver of innovation, capital efficiency, and long-term resilience,” said Tanvee Mehta, Senior Structurer, ART Asia & ANZ, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions.
Javier Mirabal, Chief Technical Officer at RCG-Risk Consulting Group, a Partner of Brokerslink, hosted a session on “Business Continuity Management System: Framework and Best Practices”. The session explored how organisations can leverage a business continuity maturity framework to assess existing capabilities, simulate risk scenarios, and strengthen the development of more resilient continuity plans.
“Business continuity management in organisations evolves in the same way as the risks that have the potential to impact it. In this case, understanding the drivers that guide its design and how it has evolved over time allows organisations to have an updated business continuity framework that is always aligned with the organisation’s strategy and that allows them to manage their organisational resilience,” said Javier.
RIMS-CRMP Awards Ceremony
PARIMA is proud to announce that 18 of our members have been awarded the RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) certificate, a globally recognised credential that validates expertise and commitment to excellence in risk management.
This milestone was achieved in collaboration with Kristen Peed, President of RIMS, and Gary LaBranche, CEO of RIMS, alongside Annacel Natividad, Chief Risk Officer and Sustainability Head at Aboitiz Foods Group and President of PARIMA. Their joint efforts underscore the strong partnership between RIMS and PARIMA in advancing professional standards and supporting the growth of certified risk leaders across Asia.
For more information, visit https://parima.org/conference/singapore-conference-2025/.
ABOUT PARIMA
The Pan-Asia Risk and Insurance Management Association (PARIMA) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing the risk management profession across Asia-Pacific. Through its events, partnerships, and educational initiatives, PARIMA empowers risk professionals with resources, connections, and knowledge to navigate today’s complex risk landscape. With more than 2,600 members representing over 1,300 companies, PARIMA collaborates with 31 partners to foster resilience, growth, and dialogue within the APAC risk management community.
Media Contact:
Louisa Seow
Content Journalist
PARIMA
louisa.seow@parima.org
+65 8013 0740
