MSIG Insurance Malaysia Bhd, the country's third-largest fire insurer, is deepening its community resilience work with indigenous Orang Asli families through an ongoing collaboration with social enterprise EPIC Homes. The partnership, active since 2018, pairs housing construction with fire insurance coverage to give these families a stronger financial safety net.
This year, MSIG Malaysia supported the completion of two new homes in Simpang Pulai, Perak. In July, 31 employees—including CEO Ang Yien Chia—joined EPIC Homes volunteers to finish the first house. A second build followed in September, with 25 staff members taking part. The projects aim to deliver more stable living conditions for the families involved.
Ang Yien Chia stressed the importance of combining shelter with insurance protection. “We aim to give Orang Asli homeowners greater confidence that they have financial support should unforeseen events occur,” she said. She pointed to a 2025 incident where insurance payouts helped repair a storm-damaged home, illustrating how coverage accelerates recovery after natural disasters.
Over 300 homes protected since 2018
Since the initiative began, MSIG Malaysia has contributed to safeguarding more than 300 Orang Asli homes. The insurer provides fire insurance policies that cover structural damage and contents, while EPIC Homes manages the construction and community engagement.
John-Son Oei, CEO of EPIC Homes, expressed appreciation for the partnership, noting that it delivers “safe and dignified housing” while reinforcing long-term resilience. “This collaboration goes beyond building walls—it builds confidence and security for families who have historically been underserved,” he added.
The initiative reflects a broader trend in Malaysia’s corporate social responsibility landscape, where insurers and builders are teaming up to address both physical and financial vulnerability. For travel and hospitality businesses operating in rural areas, such partnerships can also support the wellbeing of local communities that host tourism activities.
MSIG Malaysia’s commitment to community empowerment is part of its wider strategy to embed sustainability into its operations. The company has also been active in disaster relief and financial literacy programs across the region.
As Malaysia continues to develop its tourism and MICE sectors—particularly in states like Sabah and Sarawak—the stability of indigenous communities becomes increasingly relevant. Reliable housing and insurance not only improve quality of life but also contribute to the social license for travel businesses to operate in these areas.
For travel professionals, this story underscores the importance of corporate partnerships that address local needs. Whether it’s an airline supporting community projects or a hotel group investing in employee volunteerism, such initiatives can enhance brand reputation and foster goodwill among local stakeholders.
MSIG Malaysia’s work with EPIC Homes is a model for how insurers and community organizations can collaborate to create lasting impact. By combining funding, volunteer labor, and insurance products, they are helping to close the protection gap for some of the country’s most vulnerable populations.
