APU Students' Insightful Visit to Great Eastern Life Assurance Malaysia

To acquaint students pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Actuarial Studies at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) with practical industry scenarios, the Actuarial Science Club (ASC) recently organised an enriching industrial visit to the headquarters of Great Eastern Life Assurance Malaysia situated at Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

On the 27th of February 2024, a total of 72 ASC members, accompanied by their lecturer-advisor, Ms Zawatil Isyqi, embarked on this visit, aiming to glean insights into the tangible skills requisite for navigating the professional landscape.

The occasion provided a unique and invaluable opportunity for students to gain insights from a company steeped in a 115-year legacy within the insurance industry.

Commencing with a career journey discourse by Ms Angelina Lau Huey Yih, Actuarial Manager at Great Eastern, the industrial visit unfolded with detailed insights into her career trajectory and current roles within the company, offering APU students a glimpse into the realities of professional life as an actuary.

Ms Lau’s narrative provided profound insights for APU students, shedding light on the nuances of the actuarial profession.

Subsequently, Ms Lim Ai Ling, Vice President & Head of Training & Development at the company, delivered a financial literacy talk, leveraging her expertise and dynamic speaking style to explain the importance of financial literacy and impart tips for enhancing it. Her interactive approach fostered engaging dialogues, encouraging participants to share perspectives and pose questions.

During the tea break session, ASC members seized the opportunity to network with over 10 actuarial professionals from the department, engaging in informal discussions about career paths and gaining further insights into potential trajectories.

The industrial visit culminated in a "Reach for Great Forum," featuring Ms Angelina Lau, Ms Lim Ai Ling, alongside other esteemed panellists – Ms Athirah Mahdzir, Employer Branding, Employee Engagement & Communications Manager; and Ms Elaine Ng Jie Yin, Human Capital Business Partner.

The forum enlightened APU students about job opportunities offered through the Internship and Management Associate Programme provided by Great Eastern Life Assurance Malaysia.

The subsequent Q&A session saw active participation from attendees, with queries about the actuarial industry being addressed comprehensively, fostering clarity and understanding.

Reflecting on the experience, Peyton Ong, a Year-2 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Actuarial Studies student specialising in Financial Technology, remarked, "My biggest takeaway from the Great Eastern visit was gaining a comprehensive understanding of the actuary role."

"I learned about various actuarial functions, from core tasks like pricing and solvency projections to broader areas like business planning and financial modelling," he continued.

According to Ong, this visit will play a pivotal role in his career planning, equipping him and his peers with valuable skills for their job search endeavours. "Thanks to the insights on CV writing by Ms Athirah and the networking opportunities with GE professionals," he added.

Overall, the industrial visit served to reinforce students' commitment to pursuing actuarial science while providing a roadmap for realising their aspirations.