Zurich Insurance’s Singapore and Malaysia operations have jointly contributed S$10,000 (approx. US$7,804) to Project 1000, an ultra-endurance initiative led by Guinness World Record holder Natalie Dau, with donations matched by the Z Zurich Foundation up to US$10,000 until 31 March 2026.
The contribution supports Project 1000’s 2026 partnership with Cahaya Surya Bakti, a foundation focused on protection, care, and opportunities for displaced families across Southeast Asia.
The announcement coincides with Dau’s completion of “Breaking 8”, a challenge in which she ran the length of Peninsular Malaysia in under eight days, averaging 105 kilometres daily across seven days. Starting on 7 March, ahead of International Women’s Day, Dau broke her own 2024 Guinness World Record for the fastest crossing of Peninsular Malaysia on foot.
Liam Burrell, Chief Executive Officer of Zurich Singapore and Head of Commercial Insurance, Asia, said, “This collaboration goes beyond sponsorship; it underscores Zurich’s commitment to making a lasting difference in the communities we serve.”
Junior Cho, Country CEO of Zurich Malaysia, added, “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to empowering women, driving sustainable change, and supporting communities across Southeast Asia.”
Launched in 2024 as a 1,000km solo ultra-endurance run, Project 1000 aims to raise funds and awareness for underserved children in Asia, with a focus on empowering girls through movement and access to sport.
Employees, customers, and partners are invited to contribute via Zurich’s Giving Opportunity platform, with matched funding from the Z Zurich Foundation amplifying donations made before the 31 March deadline.
In 2025, Zurich Insurance Group’s Asia Pacific business generated gross premiums of US$7.5bn, with Life premiums rising 16% year-on-year and Property & Casualty gross written premiums expanding 8%. At the time, CEO for Asia Pacific, Tulsi Naidu, remarked that the company remains focused on the growth of Zurich’s franchise across Asia Pacific and has a long-term positive outlook for the region.
