KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Tune Protect Group is targeting more than 20% growth in 2026 as the insurer expands technology-driven services and ecosystem offerings beyond its traditional insurance business, Group Chief Executive Officer How Kim Lian said.

The growth target comes after the company reported a sharp turnaround in profitability in 2025 following tighter underwriting discipline and the growth in its Travel segment.

“What you’re seeing in 2025 is really the first proof that our strategic pivot is working,” How said in an interview with Astro AWANI’s Cynthia Ng, adding that the group deliberately prioritised profitability over rapid premium expansion.

Profit after tax rose to about RM31 million in 2025 from RM2.7 million a year earlier, even as gross written premiums slipped around 4% after the company exited less profitable segments.

How said the improvement was driven by stronger underwriting discipline and tighter management of the group’s motor insurance business, where the loss ratio improved by more than 14 percentage points.

Travel insurance remained a key contributor, with the portfolio expanding about 26% year-on-year as travel demand continued to recover.

Beyond core insurance, Tune Protect is also building new revenue streams through digital integration and ancillary services tied to travel which included a flight delay benefit that gives travellers access to airport lounge facilities while waiting for delayed flights.

In 2025, the group generated more than RM20 million in ancillary income and technology fee from activities such as enabling digital integration between distribution partners and insurance providers, allowing partners to connect through a single application programming interface (API) rather than negotiating with insurers in multiple markets.

“Once the integration is built, the higher the volume of transactions, the more income the technology segment generates,” How said.

Looking ahead, How said the company’s next phase of strategy will focus on building customer ecosystems around travellers and drivers.

For travellers, the group aims to bundle services such as travel insurance, airport transfers and lounge access, while for drivers it is exploring services linked to motor insurance, including parking and car-related conveniences.

By expanding into adjacent services and scaling its technology platform, Tune Protect aims to position itself not only as an insurer but also as an Insurtech that offers integrated travel and mobility solutions.

“We are looking at what customers actually need and building services around that,” How said.
 

** The benefit(s) payable under eligible certificate/policy/product is(are) protected by PIDM up to limits. Please refer to PIDM’s TIPS Brochure or contact Tune Insurance Malaysia Berhad or PIDM (visit www.pidm.gov.my). 

** This content is made possible by our editorial partnership with Tune Protect.