Melissa Kumazaki from Miller Insurance joins the Asia Future Leaders Committee

We are excited to welcome Melissa Kumazaki, Credit and Political Risk Broker, Miller Insurance as the newest member of the IPFA Asia Future Leaders Committee.

IPFA’s Operations Manager of the APAC region recently caught up with Melissa Kumazaki to ask a few questions.

Sam  – If you could personally change or influence one thing within infrastructure and/or energy, what would it be?

Melissa – I’d like to see more collaboration between banks, insurers and developers to create financing solutions that are practical and actually get used. There’s often a gap between what’s designed on paper and what works on the ground. If we can bridge that gap, we can support more sustainable growth and better manage risks for everyone involved.

Sam – Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to yourself at the start of your career?

Melissa – Be patient and open-minded. Careers aren’t always a straight path, and sometimes unexpected moves open the most valuable opportunities. Focus on building relationships and trust – technical skills matter but people and partnership will take you further in the long run.

Sam – What do you hope to bring to the Asia Future Leaders Committee?

I want to bring real-world view from having worked on both the banking and insurance sides. There’s often a gap between the two, and I hope to share how insurance can be used strategically to support growth rather than just as a safety net. I also want to highlight challenges and opportunities in APAC, especially in fast growing markets and help connect people so we can work together to create solutions that actually get used. 

Melissa joins a dynamic committee helping to shape the Future Leaders Network in Asia:

🔹 Jonathan Hu, Deutsche Bank (Chair)
🔹 James Fisher, CMS
🔹 Joshua Grimm, Forvis Mazars
🔹 Melissa Kumazaki, Miller Insurance
🔹 Lynette Lim, Orrick
🔹 Weiyang Lim, MUFG Bank
🔹 Lyna Luo, Morrison & Foerster
🔹 Kah Hon Chan, DZ BANK AG

Together, they are building a vibrant, inclusive community for the next generation of infrastructure and energy professionals across the region.