As a company engaged with the real lives of people, AIA gained deeper insights that enable the company to provide a wide range of insurance products that meet individual needs. Being in the business for more than nine decades, AIA has built a business empire that serves the ever-changing needs of individuals and companies in Asia. AIA’s personal, warm, and relationship-based business approach has made the company an integral part of the fabric of its clients’ lives. And AIA is committed to protect its clients now and the generations to come.
Cornelius Vander Starr was a passionate young American entrepreneur. In 1919, he opened a small insurance agency on 15 Nanking Road, Shanghai. His insurance “empire” started with started with just a small and simple idea: because Asians wanted to be prudent and protect their families, life insurance should be very attractive.
From that small Nanking Road insurance agency, AIA slowly increased its influence in Asia. In 1931, branches in Hong Kong and Singapore were opened. The Malaysian office was opened in 1933 at the height of the Great Depression. The office in Thailand was established in 1938. AIA founded its branch in Indonesia in 1951 when the nation was emerging as an independent state. The South Korean office was opened in 1987 when Seoul was preparing to host the 1988 Summer Olympics.
AIA’s success can be attributed to the weight it gives to innovation, professional service and quality customer relations. Through the years, AIA’s emphasis has proved to be effective as the company received one recognition after another. Reader’s Digest named AIA as Trusted Brand while BrandAge recognized AIA as Most Admired Brand. AIA was also awarded with industry awards like the Life Office Management Association (LOMA) Excellence in Education Award for its excellence customer service and continuing education.