^{In line with its commitment to play an active role in empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout their journey, AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad (AXA) has launched Business Advantage Plus (Enhanced), otherwise known as BAPE, to assist viable businesses and support the continuity of their business operations during difficult times.}


KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- In line with its commitment to play an active role in empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout their journey, AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad (AXA) strives to assist viable businesses and support the continuity of their business operations during difficult times.

With SMEs making up 98.5% of total registered businesses in Malaysia¹, they play an integral role in the country’s economy and growth. According to a survey by SME Corp², nearly 60% of SMEs reported not having any sales during the Movement Control Order period, while 39% experienced lower sales. The pandemic has inevitably impacted the SMEs financially and it is critical for them to be provided with additional support to mitigate their business risks in a disruptive environment.

“We realise how challenging the situation may be for the SMEs and now more than ever they need great support to pivot their business and navigate a business environment that has been entirely changed by the pandemic. We strongly believe we have to do something about it, to help SMEs to bounce back from unforeseen events,” Emmanuel Nivet, Chief Executive Officer of AXA said.

Continuing on its mission to provide SMEs with continuous protection and financial support, AXA has launched Business Advantage Plus (Enhanced), otherwise known as BAPE.
               
BAPE is the first-in-market business protection plan that offers Inconvenience Allowance with 2 payout benefits on top of fire or insured perils damage claims to support prompt business recovery. Comes in 4 easy plans to choose from, it also provides exclusive benefits for food and beverage, budget hotel and learning centres.
 
“Our all-in-one, cost effective business protection plan is customisable to one’s needs in the current business environment. Businesses at different stages are able to purchase plan based on their needs and budget, and importantly withstand any untoward situation,” Emmanuel added.

To provide added relief to SMEs, AXA has also introduced a special sanitisation benefit up to RM2,000 in conjunction with the launch of BAPE, should any of the business’ employee(s) is diagnosed with COVID-19. This complimentary benefit is subject to the availability of the RM100,000 pledged fund or the end of the campaign period, whichever is earlier. In addition, SMEs who sign up for BAPE during the campaign period will be rewarded with a complimentary 1kg ABC dry powder fire extinguisher, first come first served.
 
For more information, please visit www.axa.com.my. 

¹. https://themalaysianreserve.com/2020/07/24/smes-contribution-to-gdp-to-fall-in-2020/
². https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2020/11/06/economic-outlook-2021-smes-resilience-the-way-forward 


SOURCE : Axa Affin General Insurance Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
AXA Affin General Insurance contacts:       
Name : Sheena Ho               
Tel : +603 2170 8548/012 309 1193
Email : sheena.ho@axa.com.my
 
Name : Allison Lee             
Tel : +603 2170 8259/016 228 2916
Email : allison.lee@axa.com.my
 
Corporate Responsibility strategy: 
axa.com/en/about-us/strategy-commitments
 
SRI ratings:  
axa.com/en/investor/sri-ratings-ethical-indexes 

--BERNAMA