The actuarial edge

condition that the student scores a minimum grade set by the professional bodies in the designated subjects.

The Head (Academic) of the Department of Financial Mathematics and Statistics at the Sunway University Business School, Associate Professor Dr Ho Chee Kit ( pic) shares: “Students, while still enrolled in the degree programme and as they progress in their studies, can take the professional examinations conducted by the professional bodies.

“Upon graduation with the degree and with some professional examinations passed, they can start their career as an actuarial assistant.”

While working, they continue to take the remaining professional examinations, eventually becoming qualified actuaries in their chosen specialisations such as Finance or Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Individual Life and Annuities, Group and Health, Investment, Retirement Benefits and Casualty and Property Insurance.

With regulatory changes, the emergence of new risks coupled with the need to have more creativity in managing risks and the changing business landscape, the actuarial profession has excellent growth opportunities and a bright employment outlook.

“Actuaries are, in fact, highly valued in the marketplace, not just in financial sectors, but other industries as well. Apart from paying a high salary, many companies also offer cash bonuses, salary increments and promotions for each professional designation achieved,” says Dr Ho.

“An actuary has a high chance of ending up in the top management of a company.”

Some of the jobs of an actuary include pricing of insurance products, establishing pension and retirement plans, managing the assets and liabilities of financial institutions and helping the government develop regulations and legislation to ensure companies adhere to sound insurance practices. Actuaries also provide risk management consultancy to companies.

The next intake for this programme is in March.

For more information on this and other degree programmes offered by Sunway University, visit the Sunway Education Open Days on March 17, 23 and 24, 10am-4pm. Extended counselling is available every day in March.

Alternatively, you may call 03-7491 8622, e-mail info@sunway.edu.my or visit sunway. edu.my