The “Creation of a resilient and inclusive society,” which MS&AD Holdings is aiming for, entails realizing sustainable residential spaces that are safe and able to recover from disasters. In order to support people's safety and security, it is very important to predict the risks that could be incurred in the event of a disaster and to develop communities that are prepared against emergencies. To that end, we are conducting various initiatives to realize an inclusive society where everyone can continue to live their lives with peace of mind, in addition to supporting local government to develop disaster-resilient communities.
In addition, revitalizing local communities is also important for creating communities capable of coping with disasters. Declining vitality among local communities is leading to a number of issues such as depopulation and a shortfall in social services. Regional revitalization is a key government policy. Accordingly, we are working in collaboration with local governments and various stakeholders around each region to take industrial promotion measures based on each region’s particular characteristics, support risk management for resilient community development, taking advantage of the natural capital, and to take other forms of action toward creation of a resilient and inclusive society.

Contribution to Disaster-resilient Community Development

Initiatives in Collaboration with Local Governments

Collaborating with local governments and utilizing the accident and disaster information collectively acquired by non-life insurers, we are promoting initiatives which will assist in predicting loss, and developing evacuation plans for local residents in the event of disasters.

Support for Rapid Post-disaster Recovery

With disasters now occurring every year as a result of climate change, it is important to prepare for post-disaster situations. We are taking such approaches for rapid post-disaster recovery as development of new products to respond to needs which up to now have not been covered, rapid damage investigation and claims settlement, and provision of support, including donations, to disaster victims.

Coverage for companies’ costs incurred in evacuating vehicles based on issuance of evacuation information

We are the first insurer in the industry to have developed and launched “Endorsement Covering Emergency Evacuation of Vehicles in the Event of Disasters” which covers the costs incurred by companies in evacuating their vehicles when evacuation information has been issued by local governments in relation to a natural disaster.

 

[Industry “first”] Coverage for companies’ costs incurred in evacuating vehicles based on issuance of evacuation information - Supporting “evacuation activities” of various companies prior to their incurring damage (in Japanese onlly)

Launch of automobile insurance for fire brigade members to cover their own vehicles used during fire-fighting activities

This product covers private vehicles, etc. of fire brigade members used in fire-fighting activities against accidents involving those vehicles during such activities. Through this product, we will help to realize a society which enables fire brigade members to engage in disaster rescue operations with “safety and peace of mind,” thereby contributing to further enhancement of local communities’ disaster prevention capabilities.

 

Launched automobile insurance for fire brigade members to cover their vehicles used during fire-fighting activities (in Japanese only)

Donations in response to disasters

In order to help disaster-affected policyholders rebuild their lives as quickly as possible, we collect donations from employees of Group companies. Utilizing our Disaster Relief Donation Matching Gift Program, through which we make additional donations to match employee contributions, a total of some JPY770 million, including company contributions, has been donated since the system was established in 2004.

 

<Total Group-wide Disaster Relief Donations>

FY2021 No. of donation drives No of Contributors Total amount (including matched funds)
3 7,979 21,479,000 yen

 

Disaster Relief Donation Matching Gift Program

Disaster volunteer activities

We are continuing our initiatives to provide aid to the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake, as exemplified by sales events, co-sponsorship of marathon, etc. aimed at generating funds for reconstruction assistance. When floods or other disasters strike, employees obtain information on volunteer activities from their companies and disaster-hit areas and then participate individually in relief initiatives in these areas.

Creation of Communities where People can Continue to Live Their Lives with Peace of Mind

In order to help create a community in which everyone can live with safety and peace of mind, it is critical to develop an environment that enables people to continue working.
Revitalization of local industries will lead to creation of employment opportunities. It will also generate the capacity to create an environment whereby people and things can be shifted to places where they are needed in a manner which suits the various lifestyles of those engaged in industrial activities. Through our insurance and financial service businesses, we are supporting a wide range of initiatives such as infrastructure development, business continuity, access improvement, and lifestyle diversification.

Support for Regional Revitalization through Conclusion of Collaboration Agreements

We are assisting in initiatives for realizing regional revitalization through agreements with partners including prefectural and municipal governments, local commercial/industry groups, and financial institutions. Our Group has entered into 696 such agreements so far, providing support for various risks and consulting services for regional revitalization. Our Group is working to create common value with society (CSV) by addressing social issues faced by local communities through our strengths in cooperation with local stakeholders.

<Principal Approaches>

Provision of business continuity plans (BCP)

We hold seminars and other events to help companies formulate BCPs that allow them to rapidly restore and continue their business operations, even after natural disasters or unexpected accidents occur.

 

Diagnosis Service for SDGs-oriented Management by Business Type (AD) (in Japanese only)

Regional revitalization support site

We established a website for local governments to support regional revitalization initiatives by disseminating information on such initiatives carried out by each local government, and useful information for local governments.

Ongoing Support in Line with the Characteristics of Regions and Regional Industries

In order to revitalize society, it is necessary to provide support for sustainable growth of local communities. We have been offering insurance products and services that meet needs, not only in Japan but also in other countries, focusing on particular issues which each region is facing.

<Principal Approaches>

Contribution to regional revitalization through addressing issues associated with unoccupied houses

With the aim of promoting regional revitalization through addressing issues relating to unoccupied houses, we are developing products and services that will promote distribution and utilization of unoccupied houses in partnership with operators of platforms which connect house owners, businesses, and local governments.

 

Started partnership to promote distribution and utilization of unoccupied houses (in Japanese only)

Support for optimization of road inspection and management services through automatic detection of road damage using AI analysis (Dora-reco (Dashcam) Road Manager)

Through AI analysis of data collected from dashcams owned by Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, road damage is automatically detected, thereby realizing optimization of conventional road inspection and management This detection approach is a major advance on conventional “road patrols and visual checks.”

 

Dora-reco (dashcam) Road Manager (in Japanese only)

Joint Development of Accommodation Bookings Cancellation Insurance for inns and hotels

Launched an insurance product covering cancellation of accommodation reservations, taking into account of the social tendency to refrain from booking accommodation in light of the potential risk of being forced to cancel such bookings due to COVID19 infection, requests to isolate at home, etc.

 

Jointly developed Accommodation Bookings Cancellation Insurance for inns and hotels with the aim of contributing to local tourism industries (in Japanese only)

Development of U-Medical Support for veterinarians and livestock farmers

Developed U-Medical Support, a service to digitally support communications between veterinarians and farmers for the diagnosis and treatment of cattle, which is the first-of-a-kind service in the livestock industry. It not only enables smartphone-based confirmation of post-treatment conditions of cattle but also contributes to enhancing the efficiency of administrative tasks such as preparation of electronic charts.

 

Started development of U-Medical Support for veterinarians and livestock farmers (in Japanese only)

Coverage for cattle veterinary fees

In cooperation with Japanʼs public Agricultural Insurance Scheme, developed an insurance product to cover farmers’ share of livestock veterinary fees that are not covered by public insurance By providing this insurance in a package with IoT sensors attached to the cows, we can help facilitate reduction of cattle mortality rates, contribute to further stabilizing farmersʼ businesses, help to improve profitability of the public agricultural insurance scheme and assist in improving veterinarians’ working environment.

 

Coverage for cattle veterinary fees (in Japanese only)

Provision of insurance for small loans to micro-entrepreneurs (Philippines)

Launched Micro-insurance for loans in Autumn 2019, in cooperation with BPI Direct BanKo, which provides small loans to micro-entrepreneurs.
The insurance supports the operations of micro-entrepreneurs through insurance even in the event of an unforeseen occurrence such as an accident or disaster.
Number of policies sold in FY2021: 133,439; Total premium amount: PHP9,789,921 (Philippines Peso)

Provision of fire insurance dedicated to housing for indigenous people in Malaysia

We packaged insurance related to the support scheme undertaken by the social enterprise EPIC Homes with the aim of helping to improve the living conditions of indigenous people. Housing with this coverage provides peace of mind to the indigenous people living there and encourages participation in the support scheme by potential donors.
Cumulative total of houses for indigenous people covered by our insurance in FY2021: 62 Fire insurance premiums for indigenous homes: MYR3,132 (Malaysian Ringgit)

 

Press release (MSIG Malaysia)

Promotion of insurance and job creation in India

We have set up small shops equipped with insurance kiosks in villages, towns, and small and medium-sized cities across the country. Through this, we are contributing to promotion of insurance in regions where access to such services had previously been difficult.
We have also entrusted groups that are working to create jobs in farming communities through issuance of insurance policies. This contributes to improving employment prospects for people in farming communities with few job opportunities other than agriculture

 

Cholamandalam MS General Insurance official website

Conclusion of a comprehensive partnership agreement with Hokkaido All Olympians

This comprehensive partnership agreement has been concluded based on our finding that both parties share a number of concepts, such as implementation of educational support for children and human resources development activities in the region, contributions to society and education sectors through sports and contributions to advancement of sports.

 

Concluded a comprehensive partnership agreement with Hokkaido All Olympians (in Japanese only)

Support for a Variety of Lifestyles

In order for anyone including elderly citizens, disabled persons and people living in underpopulated areas or remote islands to continue living anywhere with peace of mind, we are implementing a range of initiatives, including provision of insurance products and services, investment, and social contribution activities.

<Principal Approaches>

Contribution to addressing issues in remote island areas

We participate in demonstration experiments aimed at addressing issues in remote island areas, including mobility, logistics, and medical care, that arise due to population decline and aging. Through this initiative, we contribute to the creation of sustainable environments and revitalization of remote island areas.

 

Launched Autonomous Drone Introduction Support Package (in Japanese only)

Investment in water bonds, gender bonds and peace-building bonds

Invested in water bonds and gender bonds, both issued by the Asian Development Bank, and peace-building bonds issued by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Income generated by these bonds will be appropriated for programs which satisfy security needs concerning water and sanitation, programs which contribute to promoting gender equality and female leadership, and projects for achieving peace, stability and rehabilitation of countries and regions affected by conflicts and civil wars.

 

Investment in water bonds issued by the Asian Development Bank (in Japanese only)

Investment in gender bonds issued by the Asian Development Bank (in Japanese ony)

Investment in peace-building bonds issued by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) (in Japanese only)

Launch of automobile insurance for self-driving vehicles utilizing electromagnetic induction lanes

Provided industry-first low-cost automobile insurance for self-driving vehicles that use electromagnetic induction lanes, which are expected to be a new means of transport in depopulated areas with aging populations, and in other areas.

 

Launched automobile insurance for self-driving vehicles utilizing electromagnetic induction lanes (in Japanese only)

Development of an accident relief system linked to dementia ordinances (dementia "Kobe Model")

Entrusted with the administration of the accident relief system linked to Kobeʼs dementia ordinances, we have developed Japanʼs first comprehensive three-pronged coverage scheme for dementia: (1) Accident relief (insurance), (2) System expansion (promotion of early dementia testing), and (3) Prevention of accidents (GPS tracking services operated by security companies) (44,129 persons had undergone cognitive function screenings as of the end of November, 2021
(There were 39,528 applications for dementia tests as of the end of April 2021. (preliminary figures)

Provision of easy-to-understand information

In addition to utilization of personal computers and smartphones, we are instituting procedures that give due consideration to the needs of the elderly and people with disabilities by adopting eye-friendly, easily readable fonts (Universal Design Font, etc.) for use in brochures for our primary products, together with easy-to-understand language, figures, and illustrations to convey information. We also provide sign language, interpretation services in 17 languages, and translation services in 12 languages.

Introduction of Heartful Line Service

We introduced the Heartful Line Service for customers aged 80 years and older, which, when they phone the call center, connects directly to the operator without going through the voice guidance.

Introduction of Customers Chat Service

Launched a service to enable communications by text message between customers and our customer service center staff, utilizing online text chat technology as well as LINE.

 

Launched a customer service utilizing online text chat technology and LINE (in Japanese ony)

Handling of endorsement for social contribution

In response to customersʼ wide range of values in relation to asset inheritance, such as goodwill through contributing to society by donating their assets, in a joint effort with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, we developed the industryʼs first Endorsement for Social Contribution, which enables designated public interest groups* to be appointed as beneficiaries of insurance claims (September 2019).
We are expanding the contents of this endorsement based on customer feedback, etc., and added Kyoto Universityʼs CiRA Foundation as a designated public interest group in July 2020.
*The following three public interest groups had been designated as of the end of September 2021:
・Japanese Red Cross Society
・Japan Committee for UNICEF
・Kyoto Universityʼs CiRA Foundation

 

Addition of designated public interest groups in endorsement for social contribution (in Japanese only)

Mitsui Direct General Insurance Smile Fund, which donates to organizations according to the number of votes cast by policyholders

The Mitsui Direct General Insurance Smile Fund was launched in 2014, allowing policyholders to easily make social contributions with a single click. The total amount donated was JPY30.98 million with the number of policyholders involved standing at about 330,000 (as of the end of September 2022).

 

Mitsui Direct General Insurance Smile Fund (in Japanese only)

Affixing of Bell Marks to insurance products

As the only co-sponsor from the non-life insurance sector (as of July 2022), we are participating in the Bell Marks campaign which is designed to ensure that all children equitably receive education in productive environments. We have affixed Bell Marks to all Tough-series products.

 

Information on insurance products with bell mark (in Japanese only)

Development of Dementia Supporters

We also carried out online training in FY2021 in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Group has been conducting joint promotion of dementia training courses for employees with 10,357 persons having taken part as of the end of fiscal year 2021. MSA Life has entered into cooperation agreements with local governments to take part in community monitoring activities.

Contribution to realization of an inclusive society

We are developing initiatives that contribute to realization of a sustainable society wherein all people, including the elderly and those with disabilities, can live comfortable lives.

 

Started joint initiatives with WheeLog to promote universal urban design (in Japanese only)

Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance and Sophia University jointly established Institute of Inclusive Community (in Japanese only)

Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance and MS&AD InterRisk Research & Consulting participated in Maizuru Cityʼs Symbiotic MaaS “meemo” (in Japanese only)

Social contribution activities carriedout nationwide

Group companies are actively carrying out global environmental conservation/social contribution activities tailored to the needs of individual communities.

MS&AD Unison Smile Club

A social contribution activity organization operated by MS&AD Group employees who support the organization by undertaking volunteer activities and making donations in 100-yen units out of their monthly salaries. The club is developing donations to NPOs and other organizations, together with employee volunteer activities.

 

MS&AD Unison Smile Club

MS&AD Unison Smile Club activities (MSI) (in Japanese only)

Fundraising activities by executives and employees (ADI) (in Japanese only)