Description: In an earlier article in the February 2004 edition of International News, some topical issues and the background to the Australian actuarial profession were discussed. This article provides an update on the current “state of play.” Therefore, the focus is mostly on topical issues, as much of the background already provided remains relevant.

Description: Historical Factors That Have Influenced the Life Insurance Market

Description: Read the October 2020 issue of International News published by the International Section. Newsletters provide practical information for the working actuary, articles on trends that impact sections and news about section activities.

Description: In “Gearing up for Designing Your Future,” published in the May 2017 issue of Actuary of the Future, the author cited four heroes as his personal inspiration. This article is the successor, showing the glory of these heroes and how they can inspire us actuaries today, as we strive to live our best lives. Identifying your own Noble Purpose as an actuary and in your life makes creating a five-year plan for personal growth meaningful and motivating. What will you gain from reading biographies of famous people and the classics? To aspire, to approach eloquence, to emulate the poetry of how they put their ideas across to mobilize their publics, to elevate our own characters by their examples, to be fully equipped to make moral and ethical judgments, to master the primary tool, verbal communication.

Description: This is a report on the 2005 Shanghai Insurance and Actuarial Open Forum which was held on June 8, 2005 at the Management and Development Center of Fudan University in Shanghai, China. The Forum had two themes : health insurance in China and actuarial education in China.

Description: Notes on the IAA meeting that took place in D.C. in May

Description: This is a brief report on the trip that the author made with two other SOA members, Bruce Schobel and Jim Wiseman, to Almaty, Kazakhstan during the week of September 1, 2003. They were invited by the Actuarial Society of Kazakhstan [ASK] to conduct several seminars for their members and various government officials. The trip was financed by USAID through a grant to the Arizona-Kazakhstan Foundation. The topics of the seminars were pension/social security reform, role of the actuary in an economy, annuity pricing/ reserving and professionalism.

Description: This article discusses the actuarial profession in Australia including the Institute of Actuaries of Australia. Also discussed are the financial services industry in Australia and the regulatory environment.

Description: The International Section Council is pleased to announce the winners of the Country Feature Award held for the Ambassadors by the section. First place went to the Ambassador in Vietnam.

Description: Cecil Bykerk addresses the International Section and talks about his international travel.