SHAH ALAM: In a world that increasingly values empathy and social responsibility, FWD Takaful has taken a bold step forward to redefine protection for all by championing inclusivity.
And through its latest initiative the FWD Takaful Inclusive Community Day: Building a Supportive Future for Everyone and the launch of Special Med 2.0, a pioneering takaful plan specially designed for Malaysia’s Persons with Disabilities (OKU) community.
The event, held at Setia City Mall, Selangor, marked a historic moment for the industry. More than a product launch, it was a social movement one that aims to foster awareness, break down stigma, and open conversations about the real-life challenges faced by the OKU community in accessing financial protection and healthcare.
There are currently more than 700,000 registered OKU individuals in Malaysia. Yet, many still struggle to secure proper insurance and healthcare coverage due to restrictive eligibility criteria.
Recognizing this gap, FWD Takaful has emerged as a trailblazer, introducing a product that not only fills the void but reimagines the very foundation of the takaful industry shifting from a purely risk-based approach to one built on empathy, equality, and social justice.
According to Faiz Hafizi Manap, Head of Pricing and Product Development at FWD Takaful, Special Med 2.0 is Malaysia’s first hospitalisation takaful plan specifically designed for the OKU community.
“We know that many OKU individuals are unable to purchase standard medical plans due to strict eligibility requirements. They live with lifelong challenges, so we wanted to create a plan that truly fits their needs not just modify an existing one,” he explained.
The plan covers various types of disabilities including autism, learning disabilities, visual impairments, and hearing disabilities. It represents a paradigm shift in how the industry views protection, prioritizing inclusivity and fairness over risk and exclusion.
In line with its vision to become Malaysia’s most inclusive digital takaful provider, FWD Takaful has made accessibility a key pillar of this initiative. Applicants can now visit the FWD Takaful website, answer a few simple questions, and receive their eligibility results within minutes all without the need to meet an agent or visit a branch.
“We believe technology can close the accessibility gap. Previously, many OKU individuals faced logistical barriers when applying for protection. Now, they can do it easily, anytime and anywhere,” added Faiz Hafizi.
This digital-first approach cements FWD Takaful’s reputation as a tech-driven, human-centered organization ensuring that every individual, including those once marginalized, can enjoy fair and equitable protection.
The event was further enlivened by the presence of popular actress and television host Amyra Rosli, who attended to show her support for the initiative. Her participation served as a symbolic reminder that inclusion is a shared social responsibility, extending beyond corporate boundaries.
The program featured interactive sharing sessions, product demonstrations, and community exhibitions giving attendees the opportunity to better understand the importance of long-term financial protection and resilience through takaful.
Although Special Med 2.0 was only launched in 2024, early response has been encouraging, with more than 120 OKU individuals already covered under the plan. But for FWD Takaful, numbers are not the main goal.
"The true mission lies in raising public awareness that financial protection is not a privilege it is a right for everyone," said Faiz Hafizi.
