Desmond graduated from Sunway University’s BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Studies programme in March 2018. He then embarked on a journey to becoming an actuary when he joined RHB Insurance Berhad as an Actuarial Executive. His main responsibility was assisting the Appointed Actuary in overseeing the company’s reserve adequacy, along with fulfilling other valuation requirements to ensure the company is regulatory compliant. Fast forward 4 years later, he attained the title of Associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society (ACAS) and has been promoted to the Actuarial Assistant Manager role shortly after.

Despite being able to complete a few preliminary exams before graduation, attempts to sit for the remaining professional papers were not easy for Desmond. The major challenges for actuary students were to maintain adequate time management and self-discipline. Whenever exam season arrived, Desmond had to sacrifice evenings after work to study. The amount of time spent with friends and families was greatly reduced during the weekends too. However, the key to overcoming these obstacles was to prepare early, such that one would not be overloaded, as a large number of tasks spread across for days.

Perhaps the most important of all was to maintain an optimal study behaviour and routine, where actuary students would eventually be able to improve their study style and pace that best suited them after a few attempts. Practice makes perfect. While Desmond was still studying for fellowship professional papers, going through multiple exam cycles helped him to identify what worked well. Furthermore, being presented with attractive rewards after completing each difficult milestone was also a major contributing factor for Desmond to proceed and excel in his studies.

Actuaries are highly respected because they can solve problems analytically, logically, efficiently, and effectively. To stay competitive within the community, one needs to go through a fairly steep learning curve. The difficulty will only continue to increase when actuaries were required to master unique knowledge and concepts within a stipulated time. Desmond advises students not to be afraid of seeking help on academic or work-related matters - be it conducting discussions with peers, seeking clarifications from lecturers, or even learning from colleagues at work. Collective effort outshines individual attempts. It is also important to do “fist pumps” to encourage oneself to move forward, as uncertainties and challenges will only be more difficult to handle as we move up the ladder. Remember, that progress takes place outside the comfort zone. Failures will be encountered inevitably, and the best way forward is to embrace them optimistically.

Desmond strongly believes his achievements to date are strongly correlated to the foundation that was set up at the start of the race. Sunway University has provided a fantastic environment for him to prepare for this career. The academic and non-academic foundations built up through knowledge transfers from professional lecturers are paramount for him to be relevant in the industry.

To his pleasant surprise, the BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Studies programme continued to develop in the right direction after he graduated. Students are now better equipped with essential skills such as programming and spreadsheet knowledge to be industry ready. In addition, the inclusion of real-world practical projects helped students to get a better understanding of what to be expected when they join this profession.

As Desmond moved on to a different phase in life, he recalled the memorable and fun times in university with peers and lecturers. From engaging in lectures to participating in various competitions and sports tournaments, those fragments of memories are invaluable. For him, it was not merely about getting good grades and certificates to enter the workforce, but also to develop his personality and skills to be a better person contributing to society.

As Colin Powell rightly said, "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure."

Reminiscing the actuarial journey to this day, Desmond continues to resonate with these words and treat this as one of the motivations to strive forward and achieve greater heights. He believes his achievements are the best way to express his gratitude to everyone that has supported him all along.