IRM and the Malaysian Association of Risk and Insurance Management (MARIM) Sign Landmark MoU

The signing ceremony took place at IRM’s first official Malaysia Group event, Exploring the Future of Risk Management in Asia, held at EQ, Equatorial Plaza, Kuala Lumpur.

The IRM were honoured to have key industry leaders present at the event, including George Freeman MP, UK Trade Envoy to Malaysia as a VIP guest. Over 60 guests heard from IRM Chair Stephen Sidebottom and an expert panel discussion on emerging risks and best practices from new IRM Malaysia Group co-chair Zaf Khan, CFIRM, Malaysia Group Committee member Nandini Deverajan, SIRM and IRM Global Ambassador Margaret Chin. The event also welcomed Faisha Shahriman, Chair of MARIM, along with members of the MARIM Executive Committee, underscoring the association’s strong support and commitment to the partnership.

George Freeman MP, UK Trade Envoy to Malaysia, opened the event and commented:

“I was pleased to join this event in my capacity as the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Malaysia, a role focused on strengthening trade and investment ties between our two countries.

Risk is no longer an isolated concern – it is now embedded in every layer of business, policy, and strategy. Organisations like the IRM play a vital role in maintaining those high standards and exporting best practice internationally.

From a trade perspective, embedding risk management strengthens the case for investment, ensures business continuity, and helps companies innovate responsibly. The UK has long been a global centre for governance, risk, and compliance expertise.

The British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, including our Department for Business and Trade (DBT) team, stands ready to support UK and Malaysian organisations in building partnerships, sharing expertise, and expanding responsibly into each other’s markets.”

Attendees gained valuable insights into the evolving risk landscape, IRM’s plans in Asia and the role of Enterprise Risk Management in shaping the future.

This MoU was established with the aim of generating mutual benefit for both organisations signalling a shared interest in advancing risk management for the benefit of business and society in Malaysia and beyond, as well as members, students, and communities, within a spirit of professionalism, cooperation, and information sharing. It sets the foundation for closer ways of working.

The agreement focuses on joint face-to-face and virtual events, thought leadership initiatives, and wider promotional activities with the IRM’s global network of Regional and Special Interest Groups.

Stephen Sidebottom, Chair of IRM, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration:

“The IRM is a learning organisation committed to advancing the science and art of risk management. Our charitable purpose is to advance public good and organisational and community resilience by building knowledge capital and social capital in risk management.

We support individuals and institutions in developing the capabilities, confidence, and connections needed to anticipate, navigate, and prepare for natural and organisational (human) risks. We are rooted in the belief that professional risk competence leads to more resilient societies, more sustainable organisations, and improved outcomes for people, economies, and the environment.

This signing and commitment of goodwill marks a significant milestone in our commitment to supporting risk professionals in Malaysia. By working together with MARIM, we can drive innovation, share expertise, and elevate risk management standards across industries.”

Faisha Shahriman, Chair of MARIM, echoed the sentiment:

““MARIM is delighted to announce our strategic partnership with IRM, which opens new pathways for advancing the risk management profession in Malaysia.

This MoU enables us to leverage IRM’s global expertise to provide Malaysian risk and insurance professionals with access to their global risk management standard setting.

By strengthening local capabilities through thought leadership, research opportunities, and collaborative events, we aim to support risk managers in addressing industry challenges and driving business resilience.

This partnership ensures that professionals in Malaysia can benefit from global insights while applying them effectively to local market needs, helping to raise standards and advance the profession.”

The event also saw the launch of the first-ever in-person delivery of its flagship Fundamentals of Risk Management (FoRM) course in Malaysia, which is now HRD Corp-funded.

This landmark training will take place at Cititel Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur, on the 22nd-23rd July 2025, offering business and management professionals a dynamic, interactive introduction to Enterprise Risk Management (ERM).

Led by Shantini Paul, IRMCert, an experienced risk and compliance professional with over 15 years of training expertise, this course combines theory, case studies, and practical exercises aligned with ISO 31000 and industry best practices. Participants will gain essential risk management skills, helping them make smarter decisions, reduce losses, and create safer, more resilient workplaces.

With limited places available, early registration is encouraged to secure a spot in this inaugural training session. Interested participants can register here: FoRM Malaysia