Indonesia life insurer focuses on Asean's potential for tech, consumption
Indonesia's Sequis Life is turning its focus to Asean markets as major technology manufacturers accelerate their regional expansion plans, creating new investment opportunities across multiple sectors, according to the insurer’s Chief Investment Officer, Muhamad Umar Johan Sidik.
"We're seeing a transformative shift as global technology leaders establish manufacturing hubs across Southeast Asia," Sidik told AsianInvestor. "This creates opportunities not just in direct manufacturing investments, but across the broader ecosystem."
Sequis Life
The $1.3 billion insurer views this regional transformation as a multi-year investment theme to take into consideration as it navigates near-term market volatility and regulatory changes.
Southeast Asia's position in global supply chains has strengthened significantly, with the region emerging as China's largest trading partner since 2020, the executive said.
"Major tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, Intel and Nvidia are all expanding their regional manufacturing capabilities," Sidik said. "This shift is creating opportunities across multiple sectors, from industrial real estate to local component suppliers."
The region's export growth has outpaced other Asian markets since 2021, reinforcing its position as a key manufacturing hub, he added.
SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS
Looking ahead, Sequis Life also sees sustainable investments emerging as a dominant theme across both infrastructure and broader market opportunities.
"Sustainable investments will drive our industry's evolution over the next three to four years," Sidik said. "We're particularly interested in opportunities where manufacturing growth intersects with sustainability initiatives."
The firm also maintains significant exposure to the financial sector, which it sees as a key enabler of the region's sustainable development.
"Financial institutions are central to funding both manufacturing expansion and sustainability initiatives," Sidik said. "Their loan books give us broad exposure to regional growth while supporting environmental, social, and governance objectives."
REGULATORY STRATEGY
The upcoming implementation of IFRS 9 and 17 accounting standards in January 2025 has reshaped how the insurer approaches its investment strategy, particularly for private market investments.
"We've developed a dual-category framework that distinguishes between strategic and non-strategic holdings," Sidik said. "Strategic investments that support our core business operations will be treated differently from purely financial investments under the new standards."
The insurer maintains a conservative 450% risk-based capital ratio buffer, providing flexibility to pursue opportunities while ensuring regulatory compliance.
"The new framework requires careful consideration of mark-to-market requirements," Sidik said. "We're structuring our portfolio to manage this transition while maintaining our ability to invest in long-term opportunities."
The insurer's approach to private market investments has evolved alongside the region's growth and development, requiring a careful balance between opportunity and regulatory constraints.
"Over the past six to seven years, we've gradually increased our alternative asset allocations to near regulatory limits," Sidik said. "Our focus is now on top-tier private equity and venture capital funds that can deliver persistent returns while managing liquidity risk."
DEMOGRAPHIC STRENGTH
The insurer's regional investment thesis is supported by Asean’s demographic profile and increasing economic integration.
"Southeast Asia represents the world's third-largest population bloc after India and China," said Sidik.
"This young, growing population provides a strong foundation for manufacturing growth and domestic consumption."
The Indonesian firm’s selective approach to private markets appears to reflect both regulatory requirements and practical considerations around portfolio management.
"For private investments, we prioritise opportunities with clear exit strategies," said Sidik. "When market conditions are favourable, we can monetise positions to create capacity for new investments, but during market stress, we maintain flexibility in our exit timing."
The insurer's experience has shown that investing in larger, established funds helps manage both regulatory compliance and portfolio liquidity needs, according to the executive.
"We're particularly focused on opportunities where we can build continuous partnerships with underlying portfolio companies," Sidik said. "This approach allows us to better manage both our regulatory obligations and our long-term investment objectives."