Dr Ian Livsey, CEO, Institute of Risk Management (IRM)

The Institute of Risk Management (IRM) was founded over 40 years ago in the UK and has grown into a global authority on Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). Today, we have members and partners in over 140 countries, including a strong and growing presence in Malaysia and across the ASEAN region. Our work here reflects our commitment to supporting businesses in building risk resilience and unlocking opportunities through world-class risk education, lifelong learning and professional standards.

By these means, we help organisations and individuals build excellence in risk management and raise awareness of risk across society so that they protect value and take advantage of opportunity.

What are some of your organisation’s proudest moments/milestones in Malaysia?

One of our proudest milestones was the launch of the Malaysia Regional Group, which has become a vibrant hub for knowledge-sharing and collaboration among risk professionals. We have hosted high-impact webinars and events featuring global thought leaders, helping Malaysian businesses strengthen their risk culture and governance frameworks.

We are delighted that IRM Asia Sdn Bhd has now been registered and looking forward to building our relationships with BMCC members and the wider business and education community.

Only for new investors in Malaysian market: Briefly share the reasons for choosing Malaysia. 

Malaysia offers a dynamic business environment and a strategic position in ASEAN, making it an ideal location for IRM to support organisations navigating complex risks in a fast-changing world.

IRM Asia will position ourselves in KL as a hub for our ASEAN members and Groups which span from Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, New Zealand, Singapore, and across Asia more widely.

Describe your operations and total investments in Malaysia (value, staff strength, etc.) to date.

Our investment in Malaysia is primarily intellectual and professional-bringing globally recognised ERM qualifications, training programmes, lifelong learning, risk advisory and thought leadership to the market. We will work with local partners and experts to deliver lifelong learning opportunities that empower businesses and individuals to thrive. We also have a charitable education foundation and will be looking to support projects across the region.

We are introducing a new corporate membership offer to enable businesses to develop healthy risk cultures and the internal capacity and capability to become risk resilient and remain competitive.

Our Group operations including our offices in Africa, GCC and India and now Malaysia will strengthen our global risk management community and provide worldclass education and insight for organisations.

Based on your overall experience of doing business in Malaysia, name the advantages and challenges of doing business in Malaysia.

The prospects are incredibly strong. As businesses face increasing complexity-from AI transformation to ESG-ERM is no longer optional; it is essential. We see Malaysia as a key growth market for IRM’s mission to build risk resilient organisations and societies.

We are in the process of introducing educational awards in both AI and Cyber for businesses looking to strengthen their internal capabilities.

What are the top 3 reasons for your organisation joining the BMCC?

• To connect with a dynamic network of UK, global, and Malaysian businesses.
• To champion the importance of ERM in driving sustainable growth.
• To collaborate on initiatives that strengthen business resilience and governance.

What is the top value you see for yourself or your organisation in being a member of the BMCC?

Access to influential networks and platforms that amplify our message on risk management and lifelong learning.

In one sentence, how would you describe your own experience or your organisation’s experience as a member of the BMCC.

Being part of BMCC has already been a productive experience-opening doors to collaboration and reinforcing our shared commitment to business excellence.

The staff are keen to advise and help us with our growth plans.