09 Dec 2025
On the afternoon of 26 November, the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), together with actuarial professionals from the industry, visited Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) for a themed exchange session titled “Face-to-Face with Industry Leaders: Explore the Actuarial World with IFoA”.
Jointly organised by IFoA and the School of Mathematics and Physics (SMP) at XJTLU, the event welcomed Mr Toby Sun, IFoA Regional Manager for Greater China, and Ms Echo Ji, Business Relationship Manager for Greater China. Distinguished alumni and industry experts, including Mr Yize Wang (Assistant Manager, AIA Financial Actuarial Service Centre) and Ms Nayan Wang (Pricing Lead, PICC Property & Casualty, Suzhou Branch), were invited to engage with students and share insights on academic development and career planning.
From “Actuarial Student” to “Professional Actuary”: Alumni Perspectives
Mr Yize Wang, an Actuarial Science alumnus from the Class of 2012, opened the sharing session by recounting his academic journey from XJTLU to the University of Liverpool and subsequently to Bayes Business School, City, University of London. He outlined the key transitions in his development from student to professional actuary and discussed the core responsibilities of actuarial teams in life insurance companies and consulting firms. Drawing on his practical experience in IFRS 17 implementation, actuarial model development and automation, liability valuation, and data governance, he highlighted the importance of strong mathematical foundations, rigorous logical thinking, effective communication skills, and cross-team collaboration. He encouraged students to plan early for both professional examinations and internships, and to build hands-on project experience during their studies.
From “Abacus” to “Chessboard”: Diverse Career Pathways in Actuarial Practice
Speaking from a dual perspective in non-life actuarial work and frontline business operations, Ms Nayan Wang shared her experience in motor insurance pricing optimisation, customer-segmentation projects, and the implementation of tiered pricing systems. Using the metaphor of moving “from the abacus to the chessboard”, she illustrated that actuaries must not only carry out accurate cost and risk calculations, but also develop strategic insight into product structures, customer profiles, and market competition. She encouraged students to “break out of their circles”, deepening their business understanding while maintaining professional competency, and to position themselves as bridge-builders between technical analysis and business decision-making.
Understanding IFoA Qualifications and XJTLU’s Exemption Pathways
Ms Echo Ji provided a structured overview of IFoA’s history, global membership, and qualification routes. She explained the key roles actuaries play across insurance, pensions, risk management, and investment sectors, and introduced typical professional development pathways integrating university exemptions with IFoA examinations. She also outlined the exemptions available to XJTLU students based on the University’s accreditation status, offering practical guidance for planning a pathway from academic study to international professional qualification and career development.
Dialogue on the Future of Actuarial Science
During the Q&A session, students actively raised questions on topics such as planning for actuarial exams and internships, and the new skillsets needed for actuaries in the era of artificial intelligence. Guest speakers shared their views and experiences, extending the discussion to emerging industry trends and essential workplace competencies. Students commented that the event provided them with a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of actuarial roles, industry dynamics, and professional qualification systems, helping them better chart their academic and career pathways.
Strengthening University–Industry Collaboration in Actuarial Education
This exchange event represents an important initiative by the School of Mathematics and Physics to deepen collaboration with international professional bodies and industry partners in actuarial education. Moving forward, the School will continue to work closely with IFoA, alumni, and industry experts to explore opportunities for thematic talks, career workshops, and practical training projects, supporting the development of actuarial professionals with global vision and strong applied capabilities.
By Xin Xu
Edited by Qinru Liu
09 Dec 2025