13/01/2026

TUESDAY | JAN 13, 2026

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EDUCATION NEWS

Beacon of knowledge for actuarial science

A SIA Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) recently hosted the Actuarial Summit 2025 this year, jointly organised by APU and the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), UK. The overall success of the international summit and the engagement with local insurance companies, including the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), further cemented APU’s role as a leader in the region. Over 500 participants attended the summit and the opening ceremony, including students, educators, alumni, industry leaders and professionals, from both private and public higher learning institutions. It’s success signified strong support in the region for actuarial talent. Dr Shamsuri Abdullah, Deputy Director-General of Ministry of Higher Education said: “The actuarial field today is no longer confined to insurance or traditional statistical calculations, but is a discipline that supports risk management in a much broader context – encompassing climate impact assessment, sustainable pension systems and alignment with global agendas such as sustainable development goals (SDGs). Paul Sweeting, President of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) said in a pre recorded message from the UK, “This year’s theme, “Advancing actuarial excellence for a sustainable future”, reflects how actuaries can help build systems and communities that are resilient, balanced and responsible.” Associate Professor Dr Rajasegeran Ramasamy, Head of School of Mathematics, Actuarial and Quantitive Studies (SoMAQS) emphasised the BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Studies at APU is unique. “There are two specialisms, data analytics and fintech. Why these two are specially chosen? “The idea is to broaden the specialty of the student. By combining a strong foundation in E D U C A T I B Y D H A R University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management raise RM2,400 for local social enterprise, Generating Opportunities for Learning Disables (GOLD), through a 1-day Entrepreneurial Day and Hospitality Bazaar held on campus. With the theme Santa’s Snack Street, the bazaar was part of the “Small Business Venture” course, where students were required to conceptualise, plan, and operate real hospitality businesses for a full day of commercial trading. The event transformed the campus into a vibrant marketplace featuring student-led food and beverage ventures, combining entrepreneurial learning with social impact. Dr Gary Daniels, Head of the Centre for Hospitality Leadership and Innovation (CHIL), said: “More than just learning the ropes of running a business, Santa Snack Street also taught students that entrepreneurship can and should have a social purpose. The successful

o APU successfully held an international summit on actuarial science actuarial science with future ready competencies in technology, data analytics and financial innovation, the APU actuarial student is better prepared,” he said. Dr Raja emphasised the recent actuarial summit successfully achieved its core objectives of promoting professional

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knowledge, strengthening industry-academia collaboration and enhancing student career readiness. “Not only were there 500 participants, but also 6 CEO’s of major insurance companies in Malaysia, T E R S

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Banking & Finance university, advancing experiential learning, civic responsibility, and meaningful engagement with local community organisations. execution of the bazaar, made even more memorable with the impressive amount of funds raised within just a day, demonstrated how applied learning, community engagement, and compassion can come together in a very tangible way.” GOLD is a Malaysian non-profit organisation that provides vocational training, supported employment, and life skills development for young adults with learning disabilities. Through initiatives such as the Kindness Cookie Project and various vocational training programmes, GOLD allows its students to gain practical work experience, independence and social inclusion. The funds would be used in initiatives to provide opportunities for GOLD students to further their training for future employment. The collaboration highlights Sunway University’s position as a mission-driven 5th generation alongside practising actuaries, who shared their vision and knowledge and participated in mentoring sessions in addition to panel discussions, “ he said. For the summit, more than 25 industry booths were set up by leading financial and insurance institutions for the benefit of actuarial students. “The Actuarial Summit 2025 underscores Malaysia’s national commitment to enhancing actuarial education through real-world learning, strengthening employability and leadership pathways, fostering innovation in many

The panel discussions included many topics of current interest, attracting many students to attend them.

quickly to actuarial roles and pursue professional exam exemptions where applicable,” he explained. Datuk Paramjit Singh, CEO of APU said: “Our actuarial journey began in 2013 and reached a major milestone in 2018 with full IFoA accreditation. Today APU stands among a select group of universities in Asia with IFoA accreditation – offering our students an accelerated pathway to becoming globally qualified actuaries.”

The current programme is designed to bridge knowledge gaps through foundational models, practical exercises, and industry aligned projects, enabling students to acquire the technical and analytical skills required by professional actuarial practice. Students undergoing the master’s programme are also exposed to data analytics, fintech and applied modelling, which equips non actuarial graduates with the competencies needed to adapt

sustainability-focused actuarial practices and finally building a resilient, global connected actuarial ecosystem.” According to Dr Raja, APU’s Master of Actuarial Science offers significant benefits to students who join with a non-actuarial undergraduate degree by providing a comprehensive foundation in core actuarial principles. These include mathematics, statistics and financial risk management.

Youth contribute with a conscience THE spirit of giving back to society had students from Sunway

Education News/Health & Wellness TUES Learning disabled students benefit from the funds raised, for their vocational programmes. ESG WED

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