The Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM) and Liberty Specialty Markets (Liberty) have announced senior appointments that touch Asian insurance markets and Asian-related portfolios. LIAM has confirmed a new president and vice president for the 2026/2027 term, while Liberty has named a divisional director to oversee its delegated authority practice in the UK and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
At its 52nd annual general meeting on March 31, 2026, LIAM appointed Pauline Teoh, chief executive officer of Zurich Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad, as president. Vibha Coburn, chief executive officer of Manulife Insurance Berhad, was re-elected as vice president for the same term. Teoh has worked in the Asia-Pacific life and health market for more than 25 years, with experience spanning business growth, digital projects, partnerships, sales and distribution, financial risk management, mergers and acquisitions, and initial public offerings. She holds a Bachelor of Mathematics in actuarial science and economics from the University of Waterloo in Canada and is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries.
Coburn has over 30 years’ experience across banking, insurance and management consulting in Asia, Europe, and Australia. She joined Manulife on Oct. 1, 2020, as group CEO and executive director of Manulife Holdings Berhad, and CEO and executive director of Manulife Insurance Berhad. Previously, as chief regional distribution officer for Manulife Asia, she oversaw regional agency and distribution initiatives, including efforts that lifted the group’s Million Dollar Round Table membership relative to other multinational life insurers.
For the 2026/2027 term, LIAM’s management committee also includes a new member, Wan Saifulrizal Wan Ismail, CEO of AmMetLife Insurance Berhad. Other committee members are:
Liberty Specialty Markets, part of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, has appointed Winsee Cheung (pictured) as divisional director, delegated authority practice, effective April 7, 2026. She will lead the delegated authority unit in Liberty’s UK & MENA region and will join the underwriting leadership team alongside other divisional directors. Cheung will report to Henry Nelson, chief underwriting officer, UK & MENA. Her responsibilities include oversight of the integrated business unit covering delegated authority, with a focus on underwriting standards, portfolio management and cycle management. She joins Liberty from Marsh and has 25 years of industry experience, including senior roles and work on portfolio-based solutions. Nelson said the appointment fits with Liberty’s integrated business unit structure. “We are delighted to welcome Winsee to the team. Her appointment will continue to support the roll-out of our integrated business unit model, which brings together underwriting with all aspects of delivery and encourages them to contribute proactively to business success,” Nelson said.
