YAMA 2025 Winner, Mr. Arif Asnawi Leong, receives the YAMA Trophy from H.E. Bou Chanpirou, Director General of the Insurance Regulator of Cambodia, in the presence of the Chairman of the ASEAN Insurance Council, Mr. Budi Tampubolon; the Secretary General, Mr. Christian Wanandi; and the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Paul Low.
Celebrating Excellence at YAMA 2025 in Siem Reap
The ASEAN Insurance Training and Research Institute (AITRI) is pleased to share the highlights of the Young ASEAN Insurance Manager Award (YAMA) 2025, held in conjunction with the 28th ASEAN Insurance Regulators Meeting (AIRM) and the 51st ASEAN Insurance Council (AIC) Meeting in the historic city of Siem Reap, Cambodia.
YAMA 2025 marked another significant milestone in AITRI’s ongoing collaboration with the ASEAN Insurance Council (AIC) to identify, recognize, and nurture emerging managerial talent within the ASEAN insurance industry. This year, 23 nominations were received from insurance associations across ASEAN, reflecting the depth and diversity of young leadership talent in the region.
Following a rigorous assessment process, three top candidates were selected to advance to the Finalist Presentation and Judges’ Deliberation, held on 26 November 2025. The finalists demonstrated strong leadership potential, technical competence, and insightful perspectives on industry challenges and future developments.
YAMA 2025 Finalists
- Mr. Arif Asnawi Leong, FIA from Syarikat Takaful Brunei Darussalam
- Mr. Arthapas Cheuasangpun fromTokio Marine Safety Insurance PCL
- Mr. Worrawit Kittiwuttikrai from Muang Thai Insurance PCL
AITRI is proud to announce Mr. Arif Asnawi Leong as the YAMA 2025 Winner. His presentation stood out for its clarity, confidence, and forward-looking insights, reflecting a strong understanding of the evolving insurance landscape.
The achievements of the finalists were further celebrated at the YAMA 2025 Award Night on 27 November 2025, attended by distinguished guests and industry leaders from across ASEAN. The event served not only to honour the winner and finalists, but also to reaffirm the collective commitment of ASEAN stakeholders towards developing future leaders for the regional insurance industry.
AITRI extends its sincere appreciation to the Judges, Finalists, and Sponsors — Forte Insurance (Cambodia) Plc, Insurance Association of Cambodia, and Brunei Insurance and Takaful Association — as well as our Media Partners, Asian Institute of Insurance and Asia Insurance Review, for their invaluable support and partnership throughout the YAMA 2025 journey.
Once again, congratulations to Mr. Arif Asnawi Leong on this well-deserved achievement. AITRI looks forward to continuing this meaningful initiative and to an even more engaging and challenging YAMA 2026, as we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of ASEAN insurance leaders.
ABOUT YAMA
The ASEAN Insurance Training and Research Institute (AITRI) is excited to announce that nominations for YAMA 2023 are now open! Whether you are an established or emerging manager, this award is for you. We invite all young managers to submit an entry or nominate someone deserving of recognition. Organised with the support of the ASEAN Insurance Council (AIC), this award recognises young emerging insurance industry leaders from across the ASEAN region. This year’s YAMA finals and award presentation will be in conjunction with the 26th ASEAN Insurance Regulators Meeting (AIRM) and the 49th AIC Joint Plenary Meeting in Vietnam this coming November.
YAMA AWARD OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the award are to:
- recognize outstanding young managers for their achievements, contributions and dedication towards the insurance industry;
- recognize the potential of young talents in the industry as future leaders of the ASEAN insurance economies.
- be a role model for the future generation of insurance professionals joining the industry
- inspire dynamic individuals to step forward to lead to be a catalyst of growth and development of the region’s insurance industry and economy at large.
YAMA
The Young ASEAN Insurance Manager Award is given to individuals who have shown exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the insurance industry and the community at large in the ASEAN region.
NOMINATION CRITERIA
- Open to Staff of an Insurance, Takaful, Reinsurance, Retakaful, or Loss Adjusting company within the ASEAN member countries
- Must have held a managerial role for the past 12 months
- The highest level eligible to apply for this award is an individual reporting to a C-Suite/Senior Management
The nominee must be:
- 40 years old and below (only those born on 1 January 1983 onwards are eligible to enter)
- an ASEAN national
- working for a minimum of five (5) years in the insurance industry
- competent and has shown outstanding leadership within the company and the industry.
- innovative and creative in managing people and the business
- successful in undertaking difficult management or business challenges
- successful in promoting a positive image of the industry
