The Actuarial Science Club (ASC) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) successfully hosted a workshop titled “Unlocking the Power of Excel” on 27th August 2024.

The workshop featured Mr Ong Khai Liang, Senior Executive in the Pricing Department at Sun Life Malaysia, who led students through a comprehensive exploration of essential Excel functions and industry-specific applications.

Mastering essential Excel Skills

Mr Ong kicked off the workshop with a detailed introduction to essential Excel skills used in the actuarial and insurance sectors, guiding students through key functions like keyboard shortcuts, cell referencing, and conditional formatting.

As the session progressed, students explored advanced features such as pivot tables, lookup functions, and goal seek.

Emphasising accuracy and error prevention in handling large data sets, Mr Ong provided valuable insights into the practical, industry-specific applications of Excel that are often beyond the scope of university curricula.

Engaging learning through Kahoot and hands-on Practice

The session then transitioned into a more interactive format with a Kahoot quiz, where Mr Ong tested students' understanding of the Excel functions they had learned.

This gamified approach kept the session lively and reinforced key concepts in an engaging way.

Following the quiz, Mr Ong provided practical exercises for students to apply their newly acquired skills in real-time, solidifying their grasp of essential Excel functions.

Building Career-Ready Skills

The workshop played a pivotal role in equipping students with essential skills for their actuarial careers.

Through Mr Ong’s detailed guidance on core Excel functions and their real-world applications, students gained valuable insights into how these skills are utilised in the industry.

This hands-on experience, combined with interactive exercises, provided students with a strong foundation to excel in their professional journeys.