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In a rare public disagreement, Professor Tommy Koh has openly challenged the rationale provided by Mr Lim Boon Heng, chairman of NTUC Enterprise, for selling a majority stake in Income Insurance to German insurer Allianz.
Prof Koh's response, posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday (31 July), raises critical questions about the decision's impact on Income's mission and legacy. He emphasized Income's founding mission to make insurance accessible and affordable to ordinary Singaporeans and questioned if such socially responsible products would continue under Allianz's ownership.
Mr Lim argued that selling the stake would strengthen Income, making it more competitive and able to offer better prices to consumers.
He cited Income’s declining market share in Singapore’s competitive insurance market and highlighted past challenges in raising capital as a cooperative.
Mr Lim explained that the proposed deal with Allianz would enable Income to leverage Allianz’s global expertise and financial strength, thus enhancing its competitiveness and ability to offer better prices and products to consumers.
He emphasized that while the partnership would introduce a new dynamic, the foundational values and mission of Income should continue to be upheld, and trust would need to be earned through future actions.
Read more: gutzyasia.com/PrNL