Networking & Jan Chairperson's Corner
By Maria Zou
International News, January 2025
Happy 2025 everyone! As we celebrate the New Year, I am happy to share that members of the International Section have almost tripled over the past year. I'd like to reflect on highlights of past year's networking activities that the International Section Council (ISC) have engaged in. It has been a dynamic period filled with opportunities to connect, grow, and support our fellow actuaries across the globe.
A little over two years ago, I embarked on a significant journey, moving from Canada to Hong Kong. This transition presented both challenges and opportunities. Being new to the Asian actuarial community, I quickly realized the profound impact and necessity of in-person networking. Consequently, one of the first objectives I set for myself upon joining the council was to enhance our networking activities, particularly for the overseas members of the Society of Actuaries.
Society of Actuaries APAC Symposium in Kuala Lumpur
One of the most memorable networking events of the year took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in June. This event was particularly significant as it was the first ISC-sponsored reception during the Society of Actuaries Asia Pacific Symposium. The reception was designed not just to provide a platform for members to meet and exchange ideas but also to introduce and reinforce the ISC’s mission and goals.
The turnout exceeded our expectations. Many members traveled from various cities to join us in Malaysia, a country that boasts a rapidly growing community of qualified actuarial talent. During the reception, I had the privilege of explaining what the ISC stands for and our mission to foster a supportive and connected international actuarial community. It was especially heartening to meet several members who had moved from the Americas to Asia, allowing us to reconnect with familiar faces while also welcoming new members into the fold.
Asian Actuarial Conference in Hong Kong
A few months later, I had the pleasure of attending the Asian Actuarial Conference in Hong Kong, which included another Society of Actuaries reception. As the first physical conference since last one held in 2018, the conference set a new record with 1,200 registrants, showcasing the ever-increasing interest and participation in actuarial discussions in the region. This event was an excellent opportunity to engage with a diverse group of professionals, including the president and members of various actuarial societies.
The reception allowed us to further our mission of promoting networking within the actuarial community. It was a space where ideas were exchanged, professional relationships were strengthened and new connections were made. The high attendance and positive feedback from participants underscored the importance of such events in fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among actuaries.
Impromptu Meetups
With many of us working at global companies or in various cities around the globe, when traveling for work/personal reasons, I found it a good initiative to try to connect (or reconnect) with actuaries on the ground.
Many of these meet ups happen with those who have worked together virtually (especially for new relationships formed during the COVID-19 years). I would encourage every member to make an effort in this aspect and you will find the outcome quite rewarding. While at it, please also don't hesitate to share your experiences on the ISC LinkedIn page to share with the crowd.
Looking Forward in 2025
As new chair of the ISC, I reassure you that the section remains committed to enhance networking opportunities for our members. We plan to build on the successes of the past year by organizing more events, with an in-person focus, and by exploring new ways to connect and engage with our members.
Another highlight of the year was our collaboration with International Committee of SOA and other actuarial societies. These partnerships allowed us to extend our reach and provide more diverse networking opportunities for our members. We hope to reinforce these partnerships and increase knowledge sharing across societies.
We recognize the importance of feedback from our members. We are continually seeking input on how we can improve our networking activities and better serve the needs of our international community. Whether through surveys, direct feedback, or informal discussions, we value the insights and suggestions of our members.
Statements of fact and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and are not necessarily those of the Society of Actuaries, the editors, or the respective authors’ employers.
Maria Zou, FSA, FCIA, is senior product manager and vice president at Swiss Re. She can be reached at maria_zou@swissre.com.