Issue: 1/2011

PP 13137/04/2012 (029523)
www.progressiveinsurance.com.my

T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F P R O G R E S S I V E I N S U R A N C E B H D

PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE BHD (19002-P)

Head Office 7th, 9th & 10th Floors, Menara BGI Plaza Berjaya, No. 12, Jalan Imbi,
55100 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-21188000 Fax: 03-21188103
 EDITORIAL COLUMN
Everybody wants to be recognized for their work, their skills or their contribution.

2
010 was another good year for the company. Despite the though market condition, we actually achieved
higher pre-tax profit in 2010 compared to previous year. This historic achievement would not have
been possible if not because of the hard work, dedication, commitment and the good teamwork of the
staff. Indeed, we were delighted and honoured when our biggest shareholder, the Sabah State Government,
indirectly recognized staff ’s contribution by bestowing state awards to two of our staff. Recognition for job well
done also comes in many forms including promotion and upgrading.

To all our colleagues who were promoted and upgraded recently for job well done, congratulations and keep
up the good work.

Jaimin B.Kamin
jaimin@progressiveinsurance.com.my

PROMOTION
NAME DEPARTMENT PRESENT GRADE NEW GRADE
1. Tan Wee Giee Kuching E4II E3III (MANAGER)
2. Ng Chee Hong Internal Audit E4III E4II (ASSISTANT MANAGER)
3. Stanley Mogindol Kota Kinabalu E4III E4II (ASSISTANT MANAGER)
4. Manuvel Rajan Finance E4III E4II (ASSISTANT MANAGER)
5. Suraya Mansor Technical E5I E4III (SENIOR EXECUTIVE)
6. Liew Yung Kuching E5I E4III (SENIOR EXECUTIVE)
7. Halimah Selamat Kota Kinabalu E5I E4III (SENIOR EXECUTIVE)
8. Norizan Ahmad Butterworth E5I E4III (SENIOR EXECUTIVE)
9. Asmah Hashim HR & Admin AAI E5IV (EXECUTIVE)

UPGRADING
NAME DEPARTMENT PRESENT NEW GRADE Tuan Haji Johari
GRADE
Nordin ( Assistant
Susan Lee Khiook
1. HR & Admin E4II E4I General Manager -
Ching
Claims ) receiving
Helena Tsen Mee
2. HR & Admin E4II E4I the Sabah State
Nah
Award AHLI DARJAH
3. Tan Han Hui MIS E5II E5I KINABALU (ADK)
4. Malarveni Sevugan Claims E5II E5I from the TYT Yang
5. Chan Mun Hoe Claims E5II E5I Dipertua Negeri
Mohd Shakirin Sabah.
6. Technical E5III E5II
Yahya
Sheldon Aldrin
7. Kota Kinabalu E5III E5II
Soleten
Matthias Obrey
8. Kota Kinabalu E5III E5II
Majin
9. Noordalila Mohd Ali Technical AAII AAI
Siti Muklisah
10. Butterworth AAIII AAI
Abdullah
11. Sanisah Ahmad Johore Bahru AAIII AAII
12. Maziah Mohd Daud H&S AAIII AAII Tuan Haji Dahlan
Mustaffa ( Senior
Norhashimah
13. Butterworth AAIII AAII Manager - Butterworth
Ahmad
& Northern Region )
Mohd Azrul Amimi
14. Butterworth AAIII AAII receiving the Sabah
A. Bakar
State Award BINTANG
15. Juliana Muzaffar Technical AAIII AAII SETIA KINABALU (BSK)
Muhamad Afandi from the TYT Yang
16. Claims AAIV AAIII
Wahid Dipertua Negeri Sabah.

P2
 CEO’S MESSAGE
SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

The recent M & A activities in the local insurance industry saw the
disappearance of some of the industry players who has been around for
more than quarter of a century. They either simply cease operation or
merged with a bigger entity. While their departure was a relatively quiet
affair, the message that for the industry players is loud and clear – the
market place is a battle field where only the fittest will survive.

For us to survive in the market, we must stay relevant and constantly adapt
ourselves to the market condition. We need to constantly guard our market
territory by consistently meeting our clients’ expectation and giving them the best possible service.

Our competitors will grow. For us to survive, we too must grow to stay in the game. For us to grow, we must
remain profitable, and for us to remain profitable we must expand our customer and revenue base.

If our 2010’s financial result is an indication of our strength, I am sure we can survive and bring
Progressive to be amongst the top Insurance Companies in Malaysia. We must strive to:

• Deliver the best possible service to our customer, including internal customer.
• Have financial capability to insure huge assets with full support from our business associates.
• Look after the interests of all our stakeholders
• Be a good corporate citizen
• Be an insurer of choice
• Be an employer of choice
• Have staff whose competencies and capabilities are at par with industry if not better.

I must say I am proud we have come this far in the last 7-8 years. Our business direction charted all these years
have proven a correct one although a lot more need to be done. I expect all of us to work even harder and I
know I can depend upon you all for your continued support, cooperation and help.

Francis Lai

P3
In the event of fire…

TALENZ FOR TOMORROW

Back row from left : Wee Giee and Joseph on the 6th and 8th respectively.

In an effort to nurture and develop the talent of future leaders in the industry, the Education/HRD Sub-Committee of the Persatuan
Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM) had formed a Think Tank Group of young managers to identify talent management initiatives and issues
for the general insurance industry. One of the Think Tank Group’s programme was to organise “Young Managers Forum”, a gathering of
these young managers, with the theme “Talenz for Tomorrow” to get their feedback on the current talent management issues. Two of
our young managers, Tan Wee Giee and Joseph Lee, represented Progressive Insurance, in the gathering which was held on 17 January
2011.

FAREWELL
Early this year, we saw the retirement of one of our
long-serving colleague at Kota Kinabalu branch. On the
evening of 6 January 2011, Anicia Joikol clocked out for
the last time after faithfully serving the company for
almost 28 years. To the more than half of the staff in Kota
Kinabalu who joined after 1982, Anicia has always been
one of the “familiar face” in the office, especially in the in the office, Anicia will be missed by her colleagues. We wish her all the best
Underwriting Department. A polite and well-like person in her future undertaking!!

IN THE EVENT
OF FIRE...
On the morning of 14 December last year, hundreds of
people occupying the office tower of Menara BGI Kuala
Lumpur, where our head office is located, were asked to
evacuate the building. The blaring fire alarm with deafening
siren went off at around 10.30 a.m. All the people in the office
were telling each other: fire!! fire!!! Within minutes, we have
evacuated our office. A long line of people, including our
CEO, were seen streaming down the emergency staircase
at the back of the building and walked over some distance
toward an open space near Times Square. After waiting for
about 45 minutes, one of the fire marshal came to inform us
that the fire drill is over, and thanked us for our participation.
Firedrill : waiting for news from the firemen
Have you ever participated in a fire drill?
P4
PLANNING FOR
PROFITABLE GROWTH
O ur Sabah Operation, which comprise of Kota Kinabalu and
Sandakan branch, is the second largest contributor to the
company’s overall annual production. As part of our effort to sustain
and enhance the production capacity of Sabah Operation, the
management engaged Apex Training & Consultancy Services to

organize a special workshop for the management team of

the Sabah Operation.
The 2-day workshop was held at the Mount Kinabalu
Heritage Resort & Spa, Kundasang in November 2010
and attended by 8 Managers and 16 Executives.
The workshop focused on analyzing the Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats - both on
individual and company level – and how to apply and
adjust them to fit into the company’s overall strategies.
The analysis and its findings would be used as the blue
print of the Sabah Operation for the next few years.
At the closing of the end of the workshop, real life
challenge was thrown to the Sabah Operations by CEO,
in which both Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan counter
challenge with an increase of 300% from RM3 mil to
RM12 mil market business.

By:
Helena Tsen, Kota Kinabalu
(Helena@progressiveinsurance.com.my)

P5
 G T H E Y E A R
WELCOMIN
OF THE RABBIT
I t has been our annual tradition to welcome the Chinese Lunar
New Year by organising New Year dinner for our agents. For agents
in Klang Valley, we recently organised the dinner at the usual venue,
fact, this year saw some of the staff from the Kuala Lumpur Operation
department providing the “in-house” entertainments during the
dinner.
Price Hotel and Residence, Kuala Lumpur.
Another regular feature of the dinner is the “karaoke singing
The dinner in Kuala Lumpur this year saw bigger crowd compared competition”. This year the respond were overwhelming but, due to
to last year, mainly because of the increase in the numbers of our time constrain, the numbers of contestant were limited to 15 only.
agents in Klang Valley. In his welcoming speech, our CEO thanked all Our CEO contributed a few songs during the dinner, including two of
those present for attending the dinner and also for their continuous his favourite songs – “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” and “Words”.
support to the company. New
Year dinner has always been This year’s dinner, which ended at around midnight, were also
a lively and noisy event, and attended by the Chairman, Yang Berbahagia Datuk Datu Harun bin
this year was no exception. In Datu Mansor and the rest of the members of the Board of Directors.

P6
 PROGRESSIVE CARE - JADE
Individual and Family
Hospital & Surgical
Insurance
M any of us would save and plan to buy a new home, to
have a vacation and also for our children’s education
and our retirement. Often our hard-earned money and well-
planned savings will be quickly used up when a major accident
or sickness strikes.
With inflation rates for hospitalisation expenses in double digits
and the high cost of advanced high-tech medical diagnostic
facilities, having PROGRESSIVE CARE – JADE hospitalisation
and surgical insurance policy is an essential investment.
What’s so special about PROGRESSIVE CARE –JADE?
• Provides comprehensive coverage, up to a renewable age of
70 years.
• Your renewal will not be refused, in spite of adverse claims.
However, renewal premiums will be reviewed based on your
previous year’s claims, if any.
For further information, contact our branch office or visit www.progressiveinsurance.com.my
• Premiums are aged banded and both male and female pay
the same premiums.
• You have a choice of 5 Plans
Special benefits of PROGRESSIVE CARE – JADE:
PROGRESSIVE CARE – JADE is carefully planned to provide
these special benefits features:
• Hospital Room and Board up to 365 days a year.
• In hospital Physician’s visit to the ward up to 365 days a year.
• Outpatient Physiotherapy after discharged from hospital,
following surgery and for the mobilisation of the limb/s
which surgery was performed.
• Snatch Theft special allowance in the event of snatch theft
incident.
• Traditional Medicine by a registered traditional medical
practitioner, for treatment as an outpatient, due to accidental
injuries.
P7
 THE
U N I T Y D E T E C T O R
OPPOR T
A
n enterprising Japanese company developed a “Date Detector.”
The user programs this small electronic device with some basic
information, including their age, gender, and interests, as well
as that of the person they wish to meet. After leaving their home, they
turn on the Date Detector and head for an area where people like to
gather. As two people wearing Date Detectors come into proximity
of one another, their detectors will start beeping if they have been
similarly programmed. After finding each other, they laugh, start a
conversation, and go on a date.
Wouldn’t it be great if we had Opportunity Detectors? Imagine it
alerting us every time an opportunity was nearby! It could change
our lives. After all, opportunities are everywhere; they surround us.
Those who fail to see them are like people in a forest who cannot
find firewood. They are also like people sitting on a park bench. They
watch birds descend and surround them, waiting to be fed, but they
do nothing, so the birds fly away. So it is with opportunity; it departs
when we fail to act.
Returning to Opportunity Detectors, guess what? We do have them!
They are called DISCOMFORT and FEAR. You see, if I wish to increase my
happiness, enrich my life, and become a better person, I will have to do
things that I am not doing now. Don’t you agree? And what is it that
I do now? Isn’t it whatever I am comfortable doing? Don’t we avoid
making an effort, experiencing discomfort, and facing fear? That is the
mistake we make. Opportunity is always present. It is always close by,
yet just out of reach. It lies outside of our comfort zone.
So, every time we feel a twinge of discomfort or fear, it is our
Opportunity Detector alerting us of opportunities to grow. You see,
opportunity is not a door; it is a dare.
Where do opportunities come from? Don’t they come from other
people? Doesn’t that mean that if you wish to experience more
opportunities you need to experience more people? If you can step
out of your comfort zone and start mingling with people you’re
uncomfortable with, you’ll be exposed to a whole new world of
opportunity.
What people are you avoiding? Are they overweight or underweight?
Attractive or plain? Intellectual or uneducated? Bald or hairy? Male or
female? Loud or soft-spoken? Cocky or meek? Tall or short? Take off
your blinders; expand your vision; open your mind and talk to them.
You are uncomfortable in their presence for a good reason. It is your
Opportunity Detector alerting you of a chance to make new discoveries
and experience growth.
What are snobs, know-it-alls, wise-guys, jerks, losers, and dopes? They
are words used by others to describe YOU when you don’t behave as
they want you to. You may be guilty of doing the same thing. If so, stop
the name-calling and recognize that you’re merely uncomfortable
when things don’t go your way. At times, don’t things have to go THEIR
© Chuck Gallozzi. Reprinted with permission.
P8 For more articles and contact information, visit http://www.personal-development.com/chuck
way? Don’t they have a right to exist? If we can look at them in a new
light and make ourselves willing to listen to their ideas, we will discover
they no longer rub us the wrong way. In fact, they will rub us the right
way, by polishing us and causing us to sparkle and shine.
Are you avoiding members of particular races, ethnic groups, religions,
or political persuasions? If so, rejoice, for once again new opportunities
await you. Benefiting by the many opportunities that surround us takes
more than an awareness of their presence. It also takes humility. How
can I learn if I think I already know everything? When in the presence of
others, one of the best things we can do is ask questions.
Questions allow others to share information and allow us to absorb it
by listening.We also find opportunities by looking for them. If we would
look for them as diligently as birds look for worms, we would easily
uncover them. For example, the behaviour of our children may cause
us to grit our teeth. But, after reflection, we may realize they give us the
opportunity to become the parents we always wish we had.
It is also helpful to examine our way of thinking. For instance, some
complain there is no future in their job. Of course not, there is no future
in any job. For the future doesn’t lie in our job, but in us. So, if we’re
unhappy with where we are, we need to ask ourselves what we are doing
wrong. If we do so, we’ll come up with answers. We’ll think of things to
avoid and actions to take. Opportunities will present themselves to us.
So, it’s not the world that needs changing, but we.
It’s not only our way of thinking, but the words we use that we should
be aware of. For example, every time we say, “I don’t want to” or “I’m
scared to” or “I don’t know how to,” we are expressing discomfort or fear.
In other words, those expressions are pointing to opportunities waiting
to be tapped.
Johnny Carson said, “Talent alone won’t make you a success. Neither
will being in the right place at th e right time, unless you are ready. The
most important question is: ‘Are your ready?’” How about you? Are you
ready to associate with those you have been avoiding? Are you ready
to stop talking and start listening? Are you ready to do what you have
been putting off? Are you ready to make the call, instead of waiting for
your phone to ring? Are you ready to seize every opportunity, no matter
how small, or how difficult? Are you willing to admit that winners are
people who do the things losers are uncomfortable doing? Are you
ready to discover that you CAN do what you are afraid of? Are you ready
to choose between realizing your dreams and realizing your fears? Are
you ready to heed your Opportunity Detector?
Finally, here is a worthwhile “Knock-Knock” story told by Norman
Dale:
Knock, Knock!
“Who’s there?”
“Opportunity!”
“Don’t be silly — opportunity doesn’t knock twice!”
2010 MELAKA BRANCH AGENCY’S AWARDS
PRESENTATION AND DINNER
10 December 2010, a clear and warm Friday night,
we celebrated our 3rd Annual Agency Dinner
and Awards Presentation. Yeah, it’s a warm night,
in a warm atmosphere… this year, we have more
participants as our number of agents increased.
The event started at 7.45pm with a welcoming
speech from our CEO, Mr. Francis Lai. He thanked all
those present and to those who had supported us
throughout the year which enable Melaka Branch
to achieve another great year. He also shared
with all those present his views on the industry’s
outlook in 2011 especially on the merging and
acquisition activities within the industry and on
motor loss ratio which continue to increase at
alarming rate. He also shared with all on company
service standard and his expectation from staff of
the company, agents and customers.
The dinner was served at 8.15pm after the “10 pages” speech
from our CEO. We had the awards presentation at 9.15pm where
our CEO giving away Top Producer Awards for Corporate category
represented by Mr Eric Lee, Senior Manager of Edaran Tan Chong
Motor, Melaka branch and to our individual
Agent Top Producer, Mr Koh Chong
Seng. Both of them received a pewter
trophy and Jaya Jusco Cash Vouchers.
After Dinner Karaoke session has
become part of our annual dinner’s
tradition. Immediately after the
awards presentation ceremony, the
karaoke session was started.
This year saw overwhelming
participation from guests,
eager to show off their
singing talent, that our
CEO only managed to
sing 2 songs.
Overall, the dinner
was a success and
everybody had
a great time. The
dinner ended at
about 10.30 p.m. An
eventful night, A Happy
and successful Dinner!
Bravo!!
By: Yeap Bee Bee, Melaka

P9
 14 SECURITY TIPS
To Safe Internet Banking
Advice from Malaysian Cyber Security Agency (formerly known as NISER)

S cams targeting electronic banking have increased drastically in Malaysia over the past year. A total of 1,426 reports were made to
CyberSecurity Malaysia last year compared with 634 in 2009. Those who fell for these scams were usually new Internet banking account
holders and those who lacked a general understanding of Internet security. The trap was to trick Internet banking account holders into
revealing their online banking username and password. CyberSecurity Malaysia is a national cyber security specialist under the Ministry of
Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). It runs the Cyber999TM Help Centre for Malaysian Internet users.

Below are some of the security tips to safe internet banking :-

Keep your password/PIN code safe and memorize them. Make sure you change them regularly (recommended every 3 months).
1. If you conduct Internet transactions in a number of websites, use different passwords for each website. Create unique passwords
that are difficult to guess, e.g. use a combination of letters and numbers.

How do you know the website is secured?

- Look for https:// in the URL and not http:// when you login
2.
- Look at the status bar of the security icon (locked padlock) when you visit the bank site. Double click on the padlock and ensure
that it has a valid digital certificate.

Log out immediately after you have completed your Internet transaction. Then, clear the browser cache, cookies and history
3.
(refer to your bank’s website for online guidance).

4. Ensure that you log out properly after every Internet banking session and not just close the browser.

5. Never leave your computer unattended when you are conducting your Internet transactions.

6. If you are unsure of the security of the computer, do not use it for Internet transactions.

Use an anti-virus, anti-spyware and personal firewall and keep it updated. Some of this software are freely available on the
7.
Internet.

Ensure that your PC and browser are updated with the latest patches/fixes. Use the Automated Update feature of your Operating
8.
System (e.g. Windows Update for Windows users).

Do not be influenced by appealing offers, especially from unknown parties. Do not click on any links attached in your emails. Do
9.
not copy and paste any website address (URL). Retype the website address to surf or use your Bookmark.

Do not respond to emails asking for personal information, log in information or on changing password notification. Report to
10.
your bank or Malaysian Cyber Security Agency.

If you decide to go to other websites linked via your internet banking website, read the privacy and policy information of that
11.
website first before conducting any Internet transactions.

12. Always check your account balance/statement to ensure that no unauthorized withdrawal has taken place.

When visiting your Internet banking site, always check that the Date and Time, matches the date and time when you last signed
13.
in.

If your bank account has been compromised, act fast and inform the bank, or contact the Malaysian Cyber Security Agency
(http://www.niser.org.my or http://www.mycert.org.my)
o Tel – 03-89926969
14.
o Fax: 03-89453442
o Email: mycert@mycert.org.my
o SMS: 019-2813801

P10
RECIPIENTS OF THE EMPLOYEE
OF THE MONTHS AWARDS 2010
JANUARY FEBRUARY

Rosli Ahmad
Malah Supramaniam HR & Administration
CEO Department Department

MARCH APRIL

Tay Li May Noraini Othman

Hospital & Surgical Reinsurance
Department Department

MAY JUNE

Suraya Mansor Tee Seok Bee

Technical Department MIS Department

JULY AUGUST

Haeslin Abdul Halil

No recipient
Butterworth Branch

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER

Chin Chooi Yoke D Rosliah Ag Ahmad

Finance Department Kota Kinabalu

NOVEMBER DISEMBER

Lim Thuan Foong Halimah Selamat

MIS Kota Kinabalu
P11
 THE ROAD TO
E
SUCCESS
TH R O A D
C C E S S
TO SU t agent in
s t a n d importan
b ig g e y. Sino
One of our io n is S ino Agenc
rn R e g 8 and
the Northe o u r a g e nt since 199 l
Agency ha
s been
ntl y to the annua
d signifi c a branch.
contribute r B u tterworth
o f o u akaria,
production s ta ff, S hahniza Z ipal
Recently,
our e princ
d M r. , C h a n Yin Wa, th ss of his
interviewe e succe
o f S in o A gency, on th xtract of the
office r e
B e low a re parts of the
agency.
Mr. Chan with his staff of Sino Agency interview.

How did you start your agency? I would like to think the success of my agency is largely due to the
I started my agency with two friends more than 40 years ago. quality of services that we provide to our clients. Just like any other
service-based industry, insurance business is all about meeting
Why did you go into insurance agency business? client’s need and delivering what you have promised them. If you
I came from a poor family. After completing my Form 5, I deliver what you have promised them, they will come back to you
immediately started working. I got a job as clerk in an insurance for their insurance needs. Most of my clients are repeat customers.
agency and that’s how I come to know about the inner working Quite a numbers of my clients are also second generation client
of the insurance business. After sometime, I thought of having my whose parents are my clients in the early days. Another important
own business. I did not have much money to start other types factor that contributed to our success is the strong support and
of businesses, but starting an insurance agency business did not efficient service given by Progressive, especially those in Butterworth
require much capital. With the encouragement and financial office.
support of my good friend, I soon started an insurance agency
with two other partners. What are your plans for your agency?
I am now semi-retired, and am training my son to take over the reins
What are the challenges that you face in this business? and run the agency. Looking at the way he work, I am sure he will be
In the early days, when I was starting out in this business, I was a able to bring the agency to a new height.
principal agent and my role was to identify and appoint as many
sub-agents as possible in order to build up production. Then, the As a successful entrepreneur, what is your advice to those
main incentive for sub-agent was the premium commission given who are interested to go into insurance agency business?
to them. I tried my best to procure higher commissions and better The insurance agency business is different from other types of
facilities from my principals so that I would be able to compete businesses, basically because of the fact that we are not selling any
with other principal agents in the market. These days, however, goods or tangible item,
things are different; all the Insured are direct clients who need but insurance products,
and expect better service delivery and competitive underwriting which are basically a
terms. set of promises. Clients
need and expect most
Why did you choose Progressive as your principal? of all, the all-important THE NEWSLETTER OF PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE BHD
I was introduced to Progressive by my good friend Mr. Ong of satisfactory service
Magjaya Sdn Bhd, who was a contractor doing projects for the from their agents; Newsletter Committee Members
government. His company had taken CAR and Bond insurance with sincerity and honesty Advisor - Francis Lai
Editor - Jaimin B. Kamin
Progressive for a few of their projects. I was also told by Mr. Ong on our part, especially Production - Azizah Supaat
that Progressive’s Butterworth branch manager, En Mohd Dahlan when we assist them Helena Tsen
in processing their Art - Rabhi Saee
is a friendly and helpful person. After meeting En Mohd Dahlan on Mohd. Shakirin Yahya
a few occasions, I finally decided to sign up as Progressive’s agent claims. This will earn
in 1998. their trust and respect
which in turn, will help
Design & Printing
What are the factors that contributed to the success of your establish sustainable ULTIMATE PRINT Sdn. Bhd.
agency? long-lasting agent- Lot 2, Jalan Sepana,
15/3, Seksyen 15,
client ties. 40200 Shah Alam.
P12 Tel: +603 5511 3888 Fax: +603 5101 3608

Published by: Progressive Insurance Bhd (19002-P)

7,9 & 10 Floors, Menara BGI, Plaza Berjaya, 12 Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: 03-21188000 Fax: 03-21188103