Sir Edward Johnston Prize

Chris Thang Wei Han

Current job position: Actuarial Analyst

Current employer: Reinsurance Group of America, Inc

Has the SEJ award made a positive impact in your life and if yes, how?

The SEJ award did give me the motivation to keep moving forward pursuing my actuarial exam, especially during working life it could be more challenging. It also makes me feel the effort I made in university does pay off. Additionally, the cash award reduces the burden of IFoA membership and exemption fees, particularly in my earlier career stage. I’ll keep up all those good work!

Do you have any advice or inspirational quote that you would like to share with the students?

The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow. Don’t give up.

Joshua Ong

Most recent employer: GIC

Most recent position: Investment Services Analyst

Currently pursuing Master's in Business Analytics at UCL

Has the SEJ award made a positive impact in your life and if yes, how?

The SEJ is a differentiator on my educational profile and has opened doors for me. The rigors of an actuarial education equip you with many of the skills you need for today's workplace, whatever your role.

Do you have any advice or inspirational quote that you would like to share with the students?

Keep at it, it pays off in many unexpected ways.

Tan Jin Yuan (Jayen)

Current job position & Current employer: Student at NTU, pursuing Master's in Financial Engineering (MFE)

Has the SEJ award made a positive impact in your life and if yes, how?

The SEJ award served as a validation of my continual effort in striving for the best and to persevere when the going gets tough. It recognises all the hard work put in and sacrifices made to prepare myself for a fruitful and successful career as an Actuary. In the future, this would be a source of motivation that I will fall back on when I feel like giving up.

Do you have any advice or inspirational quote that you would like to share with the students?

Apprehension is much more important than memorisation! Always strive to seek an intuitive understanding of the course material, especially for difficult concepts, and do not just regurgitate in exams! This will not only improve your proficiency in the materials, especially when working in the industry in the future but also make learning much more enjoyable and purposeful.

Wendy Wong

Current Job Position: IFRS17 Associate Technical Consultant

Current Employer: SAS Institute Malaysia

Has the SEJ Award made a positive impact in your life, and if yes, how?

Yes, it does. The SEJ Award is a form of recognition that motivates me to continue the pursuance of excellence in both my actuarial exams and career.

Do you have any advice or inspirational quote that you would like to share with the students?

Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.

Yap Jen Ming

Current job position: Financial & Insurance Risk, Manager

Current employer: Aviva-Singlife (Singapore)

Has the SEJ award made a positive impact in your life and if yes, how?

The single most impactful benefit of receiving the SEJ award is that it significantly improved my chances of securing a great job offer.

Being recognised by IFoA as among the top actuarial prospects definitely helped to promote my dedication and effort as a goal-oriented candidate.

It was also the first time in my life that I have ever taken a flight when the SEJ award was presented in Hong Kong!  Networking dinner with the IFoA President at the exclusive Hong Kong Club was also a great experience!

Yvon Teo

Current job position: Senior Actuarial Executive

Current employer: MSIG Holdings (Asia) Pte Ltd

Has the SEJ award made a positive impact in your life and if yes, how?

It gave me the confidence to continue pursuing an actuarial career even after graduation.

Do you have any advice or inspirational quote that you would like to share with the students?

• Stay hungry for knowledge and you will eventually find your passion.
• Strive to create a positive impact in life.
• Examinations are part of learning, we learn during examinations too!