On November 18, 2023, the School of Mathematical Sciences at Sunway University celebrated the Sunway IFoA Awards Ceremony, recognising outstanding achievements in actuarial science. Among the distinguished recipients was Matthew Liu Man Hin, a standout student whose accolades and contributions speak to his exceptional journey.

Matthew's evening highlight was receiving the prestigious Sir Edward Johnston Prize, a symbol of excellence in actuarial studies established by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA). This acknowledgement underscores Matthew's dedication and exceptional aptitude for applying actuarial principles. In addition to this honour, Matthew was awarded the China South-East Asia Scholarship, a testament to his outstanding performance, covering the IFoA admission fee, a reduced membership subscription for the first year, and exemption fees for up to six subjects.

The recognition continued with Matthew being presented with two Book Awards, recognising his remarkable achievement of securing all six IFoA exemptions and passing two IFoA exams (CB3 and CP2) before his upcoming graduation in February 2024. This achievement sets the stage for Matthew to graduate with eight IFoA papers, propelling his actuarial career forward.

Adding to his list of honours, Matthew received the Exemption Excellence Award, a fitting acknowledgement for securing all six IFoA exemptions during his three-year tenure at Sunway University. This achievement is a testament to his diligence and proficiency in mastering the complexities of actuarial science.

During the awards ceremony, Matthew took a moment to express gratitude to Sunway University for its pivotal role in shaping his actuarial journey. He extended appreciation to his subject lecturers for their guidance in technical skills and for building the confidence needed to navigate the intricate world of actuarial science. Special acknowledgement was reserved for Ms Sophia Ch’ng, the in-house actuary at Sunway University, whose dedication and support played a crucial role in Matthew's success in the Actuarial Practice Course.

Beyond academic achievements, Matthew emerged as a prominent leader in the actuarial student community. Serving as the President of Sunway Actuarial & Financial Excellence (SAFE) and the President of the Malaysian Actuarial Student Association (MASA), he demonstrated a commitment to fostering a supportive environment for fellow students interested in actuarial science.

Matthew's contributions extended to mentorship, as he served as a mentor in the school’s Peer Assisted Learning Session (PALS) for five different IFoA-related subjects. This role showcased his mastery of the subject matter and highlighted his willingness to support peers in their academic journeys.

His commitment to the actuarial profession transcended university boundaries. Matthew regularly volunteered at events organised by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) and the Actuarial Society of Malaysia (ASM), actively contributing to the broader actuarial community. This engagement demonstrated his passion for the field and expanded his network, providing valuable insights and connections crucial in the professional world.

Matthew has embarked on the next chapter of his journey as an Actuarial Valuation Executive at Generali Malaysia, a multinational life insurance company based in Milan, Italy. This position marks the beginning of a promising career, and the skills acquired during his time at Sunway University will undoubtedly serve as a solid foundation.

Matthew Liu Man Hin's journey at Sunway University is a remarkable narrative of academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. His achievements, both within and beyond the classroom, serve as an inspiration to current and future students in the field of actuarial science. As an alumnus, Matthew is set to continue making significant contributions to the actuarial profession and the broader community.

The Sunway IFoA Awards Ceremony not only celebrated a moment in time but also marked the beginning of a legacy—one that Matthew Liu Man Hin is undoubtedly destined for.