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AIA Indonesia Champions ESG Through “AIA Healthy for The Nation” Initiative
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sia is home to more than 60 percent of the world’s population. Subsequently, more than 50 percent of greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to global warming and climate change is produced by this large population.
“The substantial population of Asia and its resultant impact on global greenhouse gas emissions have positioned the region, including Indonesia, at the forefront of the climate challenge,” opened Sainthan Satyamoorthy, President Director of PT AIA FINANCIAL (AIA Indonesia) at AIA Healthy for The Nation: ESG Day event on Thursday (24/08).
As the largest pan-Asian life insurer with the scale, resource, and influence to make a difference where it operates, AIA Group has dedicated itself to spearheading positive change, whether directly within its own sector where individual and mass health is concerned, or through other scopes which holds significance to the wider global community.
“Non-communicable diseases are no longer just a health issue, it’s become a critical discussion in other sectors on a global level. As a life insurance company, we hold the role in ensuring that all ecosystems and investments created can protect and prevent new health risks, including those which correlate with our environmental conditions. Through AIA Healthy for The Nation, we express our commitment, both for Indonesia and in line with AIA Group’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050,” he added.
Resonating AIA’s larger purpose to help millions of families live healthier, longer, better lives, AIA Indonesia announced its Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) initiative under the umbrella of AIA Healthy for The Nation program In order to realize and track the company’s net zero ambition, AIA Group is working closely with Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a global body that enables companies to set emission-reduction targets, adapted to the latest scientific developments.
The AIA Healthy for The Nation: ESG Day initiative in particular aims to transform employees into an advocate of the company’s ESG commitment by fostering a strong awareness and sense of urgency to make the environment and the society a better place for everyone.
The event, creatively showcased through a visual installation journey and presenting an educational session with AIA Indonesia’s Chief Marketing Officer Kathryn Parapak, Founder of the BenihBaik.com Foundation Andy F. Noya, and Founder of Narasi Media Najwa Shihab, celebrates the company’s legacy throughout its 100 years’ experience in the field of insurance, and its aspiration to become a thought-leader in ESG implementation within the industry.
It is expected that the installation can introduce ESG in an engaging way for internal stakeholders. Going through the installation, attendees are first greeted by an overview of AIA Group’s five ESG Pillars; Health & Wellness, Sustainable Investment, Sustainable Operations, People and Culture, as well as Effective Governance. The following sections of the installation dives deeper into each of the pillars, serving information through unique and relevant engagements.
Clean Air Zone
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are five main factors which contribute to five non-communicable diseases, causing 74 percent of deaths in the world. Only recently have air pollution and environmental health joined amongst the five factors.
Further concerning, data from Swiss company IQAir showed that levels of PM2.5 in Jakarta - particulate matters in the air which penetrate deep into the respiratory system when inhaled, potentially causing adverse health effects - has reached ten times the WHO annual air quality guideline standard.
Realizing the need to urgently respond and address environmental and social challenges so as to forge a sustainable and resilient future, the company took this opportunity to announce its pilot project as an address to the deteriorating air quality which has undoubted affects towards employee’s health and well-being.
“We have been observing the current air quality in Jakarta. So, we are very excited to implement the Clean Air Zone initiative at the AIA office, a pilot project in collaboration between AIA Vitality and Nafas Indonesia. This initiative goes beyond just introducing fresh air; it aligns with our ESG pillars to improve employee health and well-being,” Sainthan explained.
AIA Vitality is a health and wellness program that has been successful in helping customers adopt a more active and healthier life. Recently, 73 percent of the members reported better glucose levels, 63 percent reported normal blood pressure, and 33 percent reported better cholesterol levels, which can be credited to the preventative health checks encouraged by AIA Vitality.
Coal divestment
In addition to employee’s health and well-being, AIA has also implemented measures of ESG beyond its company walls, through its business operations.
“Since 2021, AIA Group has divested its entire portfolio of directly managed equities and fixed-income exposure to coal mining and coal-fired power generation businesses, and this target has been achieved seven years ahead of plan,” Kathryn told the audience at the event.
“In Indonesia in that same year, we divested our Non-Unit-Linked portfolio from coal mining and power generation. We have always committed to this path and seek universal support within AIA,” she added.
Collective action
The event further highlights the critical need for a multi-stakeholder approach and collaboration in mitigating risks of the future. To ensure inclusivity and encourage customers’ involvement in striving for a greener future, AIA In collaboration with BenihBaik.com Foundation introduced their Customer Tree Appreciation program which prompts tree-planting on behalf of AIA’s customers as a show of appreciation.
“Today we also officially announce our collaboration with the BenihBaik.com Foundation through a tree-planting program as an appreciation of customers who have entrusted their protection to AIA. As an initial stage, these planting activities will be carried out for the next one year in five provinces in Indonesia and are expected to not only contribute to the environment but also to society,” Kathryn announced.
Founder of BenihBaik.com Foundation Andy F. Noya echoed, “We really appreciate the collaboration that AIA will carry out with the BenihBaik.com Foundation, which underlines our alignment with sustainability practices.”
He further informed the audience that the collaboration will involve tree-planting in Bogor, Cilacap, Semarang, Banyuwangi, Makassar, Denpasar and Berau, which will also be monitored regularly.
AIA Healthy for The Nation: ESG Day , as an internal initiative, harmonizes with the broader objectives of AIA’s ESG commitment which also aligns with media-house Narasi’s ethos to promote sustainability and positive change in the society.
“At Narasi, we implement the concept of sustainability across three key aspects: community engagement, workplace practices and content creation. Through this approach, we position ourselves as an independent media that strives to contribute to the national SDGs targets. What AIA did through this event is commendable, and we appreciate the active promotion of ESG in the private sector to realize an inclusive and sustainable society,” said Najwa, Founder of Narasi.
