The Institute of Risk Management has announced the formation of a Malaysian subsidiary, IRM Asia Sdn Bhd.

The move forms part of a wider strategy to strengthen the institute’s activities in Asia, while maintaining close links with its headquarters in London.

Based in Kuala Lumpur, the new subsidiary will act as a regional hub for lifelong learning, professional development, networking and thought leadership. It aims to support organisations and professionals in strengthening risk management capabilities in a rapidly changing environment.

The board of IRM Asia Sdn Bhd will be chaired by Dr Ian Livsey, chief executive officer of the Institute of Risk Management. Directors include Zaf Khan, chair of the IRM Malaysia group, Colin McRorey, a member of the main IRM board, and Victoria Robinson, head of partnerships at IRM. Further directors from across ASEAN will be appointed in due course.

IRM Asia has also been approved as a training provider by Human Resources Development Corporation in Malaysia. This will allow the institute to deliver its professional development programmes locally, enabling Malaysian professionals to access HRD Corp funding for risk management education, training and certification.

Stephen Sidebottom, chairman of the Institute of Risk Management, said: "Our commitment to lifelong learning is at the heart of IRM’s mission. We are dedicated to developing risk professionals at every stage of their careers - from entry-level to chief risk officer – to help organisations build resilience and foster healthy risk cultures for the benefit of business and society.

“I would like to thank all our regional members for their commitment and ongoing support and to Vicky Robinson, head of partnerships, Asia in making this vision a reality."

The institute has also strengthened regional engagement through upgraded membership of the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and by joining BritCham Singapore as a Sterling member.

The IRM plans to mark these developments with a launch event later this year in Kuala Lumpur.

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