Abie Pua
Principal Officer
Howden PCC (L) Bhd
Professional Background
Describe your professional journey and how you became interested in the broader financial or insurance industries.
Abie Pua: I began my career in insurance and risk management before transitioning into consulting, where I specialised in enterprise risk and captive solutions. What drew me to the captive insurance industry was its strategic role in helping businesses manage uncertainty and create resilience. Over time, I became fascinated by how risk management intersects with finance, particularly through captives, which empower organisations to take control of their risks and unlock long-term value.
Provide a brief overview of your current role. What are your core responsibilities within the captive insurance industry?
Pua: As principal officer of Howden PCC and risk consulting practice leader, I oversee governance, compliance, and the overall operations of our Labuan-based protected cell company. In parallel, I lead risk management and captive advisory services across Asia. My responsibilities include regulatory engagement, stakeholder management, and designing bespoke captive solutions that optimise capital, strengthen resilience, and align with clients’ strategic objectives.
How did you get into the captive insurance sector? Was there a specific project or experience that led you here?
Pua: My entry into the captive insurance sector happened while I was with JLT Malaysia Risk Consulting. A colleague managing our only pure captive client at the time was looking for a successor and, given the close link between captives and risk management, I was identified as the most suitable candidate. That opportunity opened the door to a niche but highly strategic area of insurance.
Industry and Role Insights
Looking back, what has been a particularly rewarding project or achievement in your career?
Pua: One of my proudest achievements is contributing to the growth of captive insurance awareness and adoption in markets where the concept was once unfamiliar. Helping clients, from large corporates to public institutions, understand how captives can be used strategically to manage risk and optimise capital has been incredibly rewarding. I am also proud of building a strong, regionally recognised captive practice and serving as principal officer of Howden PCC.
Who or what has significantly influenced your understanding of captive insurance?
Pua: I was first introduced to captive insurance during my master’s programme at Monash University, Australia. When I began managing a pure captive in 2012, Jocelyn Yeo and Bernard Sze provided invaluable guidance and support. Later, upon joining Howden in 2020, Eddy Hon broadened my perspective by introducing me to protected cell companies and the wider possibilities within captive insurance. Their mentorship, along with opportunities from other industry leaders, has been instrumental in deepening my expertise in this field.
What is your impression of the captive insurance industry? What aspects of it do you find most promising?
Pua: Captive insurance is a dynamic and evolving sector that offers businesses strategic flexibility. Its ability to address emerging risks, enhance governance, and support sustainability initiatives makes it highly promising. I see captives increasingly being used not just for risk financing but as enablers of broader business objectives, including ESG-linked strategies and integrated resilience solutions.
What key trends or developments have you noticed in the captive industry recently, and how do you see them shaping the sector’s future?
Pua: Key trends include the use of captives for non-traditional risks such as cyber and ESG, growing interest in capital efficiency, and digital transformation in compliance and reporting. These developments will position captives as strategic tools rather than just insurance vehicles, driving innovation and accessibility across industries.
What do you find most enjoyable about working in this field, and what challenges or opportunities have you observed for new professionals?
Pua: I enjoy the strategic nature of captive insurance. Every solution is bespoke, requiring creativity and collaboration. For new professionals, the challenge lies in mastering technical complexity, but the opportunity to innovate and influence global risk strategies is immense. Captives sit at the intersection of finance, risk, and regulation, offering a rich learning experience and a rewarding career path.
How do you continue to develop your knowledge in this specialised industry?
Pua: I stay updated through industry publications, conferences, and professional networks. Continuous learning is essential, so I actively engage in training programmes and thought leadership forums. My role as adjunct lecturer in enterprise risk management also keeps me connected to academic research and emerging trends, ensuring I remain at the forefront of industry developments.
What are your aspirations for your career within the captive insurance industry?
Pua: My aspiration within the captive insurance industry is to progress into a director-level role, where I can take on greater responsibility and contribute meaningfully at a strategic level. Beyond personal growth, I am committed to supporting Labuan, the domicile that has been instrumental in my career, by helping strengthen its position as a leading hub for captives in the region. I am also passionate about knowledge-sharing and advocacy, raising awareness of the benefits of captives and inspiring the next generation of professionals. By attracting and mentoring young talent, I hope to build a stronger, more diverse pipeline that will sustain and advance the industry for years to come.
For those exploring a career path in captive insurance, what advice would you share based on your experience?
Pua: Stay curious and embrace complexity. Captive insurance sits at the intersection of finance, risk, and regulation, which means every project is an opportunity to learn and grow. Build deep technical knowledge, seek mentors, and do not hesitate to raise your hand for challenging assignments. Your perspective is valuable. The industry needs diverse voices to challenge the status quo and shape the future of risk management. Most importantly, approach your career with integrity and collaboration; these qualities will set you apart in this niche but rewarding field.
"Abie is a transformative force in the captive insurance space, combining deep technical expertise with a visionary client-centric approach. Her leadership in building Howden PCC’s capabilities, commitment to mentoring future professionals and advocacy for diversity has elevated both our organisation and the industry. Through her ability to bridge complexity with practical strategies, Abie continues to deliver measurable impact and inspire innovation across our offices in Asia and is also a key member of the global Howden Captive Services team."
- Eddy Hon,
Director and Country Manager,
Howden Malaysia
