Actuarial Studies Degree Course at the Best University in Malaysia
Actuarial science is the discipline that applies mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk in the insurance and finance industries. It includes a number of interrelating subjects, including probability, mathematics, statistics, finance, economics, and computer programming. Historically, actuarial science used deterministic models in the construction of tables and premiums.
Actuarial Science is gaining popularity in Malaysia for students who are good in Maths to pursue. This pathway leads to an
- "I attended EduSpiral's Education Fair at KInta Riverfront after my SPM exam in December and obtained great information there. Although Asia Pacific University is famous for IT but I found out that they have a solid accounting programme and I can get a UK degree. I got a scholarship as well from APU."
Julian Hum, from SMK St. Michael Institution, Ipoh studying Business at Asia Pacific University.
excellent career with high salary should one complete all the professional papers to become a professional actuaries in Malaysia.
Actuaries build and use mathematical models based on statistical data to calculate the appropriate amount of premiums to charge policyholders. This will require projections of how events will unfold in the future. In calculating the right amount of premiums, the actuary will need to project how large potential claims will be and when they will occur.
Such projections are incorporated into the models to calculate the premium required. At the same time, judgement, business
acumen and experience are required to understand and logically interpret the results of the model before finally coming up with a solution to the problem. Actuarial science is a combination of science and art!
Calculation of premiums is only one of the many contributions of actuaries to insurance companies.
In addition to pricing decisions, actuaries are involved in designing insurance products, formulating investment strategies, determining reserves to be set up to meet future claims and recommending distribution of profits to shareholders after taking into account the insurance company’s future obligation to policyholders.
Actuaries also estimate the amount of future claims by analysing past data or experience to assign probabilities to events such as death, sickness, disability, loss of property or even loss of business profits.
Actuaries provide solutions to today’s insurance and financial problems that properly take into account the financial impact of future events. With the actuaries’ expert knowledge in financial matters, they are often key advisors to the Board of Directors.
There are only a few universities in Malaysia offering the degree in Actuarial Science. It is important for students not only to obtain the best actuarial science education but to get the necessary communication skills in English to succeed.
As you will work in multinational companies, banks, financial institutions, insurance, etc., you will need to have a strong command of the English language to succeed in your job.
One university that students can consider is Asia Pacific University, famous for IT
- Lecture theatre at Asia Pacific University
courses and excellent for accounting and business as well.
With an international environment and exposure to students from over 90 countries, students can improve their communication skills and build a global network.
Students need to choose the best university or college in Malaysia to study Actuarial Science so that they can gain the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the competitive world of actuaries.
Graduates from Asia Pacific University will receive a dual award, one from APU and the other from Staffordshire University, UK
Am I suited to Study Actuarial Science?
Not all people are suited to study actuarial science as it is a very challenging course and requires a long time to become a
- After I finished my SPM, I felt confused about my further study. Because of Eduspiral, I am able to pursue my studies at Asia Pacific University. Eduspiral, was so patient to answer all my questions and even brought me to visit the university when I went to KL alone. Jeremy Lee, APU scholarship student
professional actuaries. Students after SPM or UEC with As in Maths and Add Maths can consider a career in actuary.
Actuarial Science is a very comprehensive course in the way that it covers Mathematics, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Models, Computer Programming and Risk Management. As such, a high aptitude in Mathematics is highly required.
Degree students will also learn Calculus, Statistics, Probability, and Financial Mathematics. With this fundamental Mathematical knowledge graduates will be able to solve complex actuarial problems.
Being an actuary also requires you to master several computer programming languages such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Visual Basic, Microsoft Visual FoxPro, and most importantly, Prophet – an actuarial software designed to crunch a large database. If you do not enjoy learning programming languages or writing codes, actuarial science would not be the career for you.
Actuaries are professionals who like to solve complex problems. There are many factors impacting an actuarial solution that even one assumption is inaccurate, it would affect the whole solution and result.
Consequently, actuaries employ the actuarial control cycle – a problem-solving approach that applies equally well to the most broad and the focused actuarial problems. It is a model of actuarial practice in a wide range of fields and provides common
- Asia Pacific University's new ultra-modern campus strategically located in Bukit Jalil is set to be ready end 2015
grounding for all candidates.
Through the control cycle, all actuarial work is categorized into three main functions:
- Define the problem
- Design the solution
- Monitor the results
Because of their ability to analyse and solve complex problems, actuaries command a very high salary. In fact, it is one of the highest paid professions.
The Best Actuarial Science degree course at Asia Pacific University (APU)
After Foundation, students will enter the BSc. (Hons) in Actuarial Studies at APU. Uniquely at APU, graduates will receive dual
- EduSpiral gets to know our students personally in order to be able to advise on which course & university is the best such as these 2 students after a visit of Asia Pacific University
degrees, one from APU and the other from Staffordshire University, UK.
Since its inception in the early 1900s, Staffordshire University has evolved into one of the country’s most dynamic, progressive and forward-thinking learning institutions.
A modern, fast-paced, vocationally-led University with 100 year’s experience of pioneering higher education within the creative, technological and scientific industries. Students can opt to transfer to Staffordshire University for the final 2 years or final year of studies for a UK experience.
The actuarial science degree programme at Asia Pacific University (APU) is specifically designed to provide:
- The necessary knowledge and skills to provide advice to institutions like insurance or reinsurance companies, pensions funds and financial and investment institutions. The skills acquired by actuaries are not confined to the financial sector but are also transferable to any organisation that has to deal with risk and make financial sense of the future.
- Opportunities to adapt to Insurance-related industries by providing them with assignments to mimic the actual decision making process and broad-based information pertaining to the industries.
- Opportunities to develop their skills to solve a problem and model a solution using specialized statistical and actuarial methods.
What do Actuaries work as in Malaysia?
The main roles of actuaries in insurance companies are to calculate the premium for the insurance products, and determine
- I am so glad that my mother found EduSpiral online. I used to be quiet and not able to communicate well in English. Now, I am more confident and speak a lot in English because of the great university environment.
Zhi Kang, Business at Asia Pacific University
whether the insurance company is financially solvent. In contrast, the roles of actuaries in the finance industry are in the field of risk management and assets liabilities management. They help in assessing all possible risks and manage them before the problems surface.
Actuaries are often required to work overtime in some aggressive companies, especially when they are to meet deadlines. As such, life of an actuary can be thrilling or stressful, depending on how you perceive it.
There are two main areas in the Actuarial Department of an insurance company, which are the:
- Pricing Team
- Valuation Team
However, there has been an emerging Assets and Liabilities Management Team in some insurance companies recently. But we will only focus on the Pricing and Valuation Teams for this moment.
The Pricing team’s tasks are more challenging and exciting because the demand of an insurance product can change because of the forces of the market. So the pricing projects are always different and novel. The pricing actuaries price the products and negotiate with the marketing department to see if the price is acceptable by the market.
To give you a better idea, the price of the product is the insurance premium that your parents pay. The pricing actuarial executives and marketing executives then go along to modify the assumptions made (e.g. assumption on mortality rate) to adjust the price until the both parties are satisfied with the price proposed.
The process can be a little bit long, but if you are the kind of person who likes to take on new challenges each day, we are sure you will have fun in it!
On the other hand, the Valuation Team’s tasks are more tedious because they are doing the monitoring work. They monitor the
- Being in Sabah made it difficult for me to survey the universities in Peninsula. I found EduSpiral online and they provided detailed information & helped me with my application. They even took me around the university for a tour when I went to visit.
Xavier Phang, Software Engineering at Asia Pacific University
results of the insurance products which are already in the market to evaluate their performances and justify the assumptions made. If they notice any poor performance products, they will look into the assumptions and devise better ones.
This monitoring process is continual because actuarial solutions are shaped by the ongoing external forces of the market, such as government policies, foreign trade policies, the business environment and the global economy. In addition, the Valuation Team needs to prepare a monthly report to the government regulator.
In a nutshell, actuaries are problem solvers, in tune with what is happening in business through their interpretation of statistical data and knowledge of social and economic systems. They combine good business sense with safeguarding the public's financial interests, upholding the highest professional standards.
Actuaries play an important role in the Malaysian society. The unique skills of actuaries are behind many high-level strategic decisions made by large companies and governments, and can have a positive impact on legislation, businesses and individuals.
Actuaries are excellent risk managers. They work in the specialist areas of insurance, pensions, benefits, healthcare, investments and banking, or for any large organization where risk management plays an important role, or for a consultancy advising on all sorts of different projects.
Therefore, actuaries play very important roles in the insurance and finance industries in Malaysia. They include life insurance companies, general insurance companies, and reinsurance companies.
- A life insurance company is an insurance company that sells life and annuity insurance products that pay a designatedbeneficiary a sum of money upon the occurrence of the insured individual's or individuals' death or other event, such as terminal illness or critical illness.
- EduSpiral assists students from application to accommodation visit and checking into the hostel. Vincent Chow from Ipoh checking into his APU accommodation
- A general insurance company is an insurance company that sells general insurance or non-life insurance policies, including automobile and homeowners’ policies. The policies provide payments depending on the loss from a particular financial event. General insurance typically comprises any insurance that is not determined to be life insurance.
- A reinsurance company is a company that insures insurance companies’ insurance policies to minimize the insurers’ risk by transferring it to the reinsurer.
What you will study in the BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Studies at Asia Pacific University (APU)
APU BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Studies is a 3 years degree programme of full-time study. This programme is designed not only to
- "EduSpiral provided a lot of research and insights into actuarial science to help me choose my university."
Chee Wey, scholarship student at Asia Pacific University
provide students with knowledge and skills to enter the actuarial profession but also prepare them for the professional examinations that will lead them to a qualified actuary.
During their undergraduate studies, students can attempt the examinations conducted by professional bodies such as Society of Actuaries (SOA) or Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) and upon graduation, they can embark on careers as an actuarial assistant.
In APU, students will also receive credits for all the 3 Validated by Educational Experience (VEE) papers from SOA as long as they receive a minimum mark of 70% in the APU equivalent papers.
While working, they continue to sit and pass the remaining professional exams, eventually becoming qualified actuaries in their chosen specialisation in various areas such as Corporate Finance and Enterprise Risk management, Individual Life and Annuities, Group and health Insurance, Retirement Benefits, Quantitative Finance and Investment, and General Insurance.
Our graduates will also acquire the essential leadership qualities, work in teams, communication skills, problem solving abilities, critical thinking, as well as entrepreneurial and managerial skills that will enable them to face the challenging and exciting world today.
Actuaries usually work primarily for the insurance industry. They are also highly sought after by other sectors such as private corporations, banks, financial institutions and investment firms, brokerages and even government department such as Bank Negara also requires actuaries in risk management and financial consulting services.
Year 1 Subjects for the BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Studies at Asia Pacific University
The first year programme comprises modules from the areas of finance,
- Asia Pacific University (APU) achieves excellence in the SETARA 2011 Ratings with a Tier 5 ranking
economics and mathematics. The objective of the first year is to equip students with the basic tools of mathematical, financial, accounting and economic analysis which will be required for the modules to follow at Level 2
Statistical Investigation module forms the basis for later statistics options. Linear Algebra, Calculus, Discrete Mathematics, Probability Models and Statistical Inference are introductory level courses designed to prepare students for using mathematics & statistics in other contexts.
Economics will provide students with a better understanding of the Business Environment. Financial Accounting skills and the core principles underlying financial theory will be introduced in this level which will be enhanced in the higher level.
Business & Communication Skills will further equip students with the communication skills required to cope with academic demands of degree level study in all disciplines.
Modules
- Business and Communication Skills
- Computer lab at Asia Pacific University (APU)
- Business Economics
- Calculus
- Discrete Mathematics
- Financial Accounting
- Introduction to Visual Programming
- Linear Algebra
- Probability Models
- Statistical Inference
- Statistical Investigation
- Three (3) MQA modules applicable only to Malaysian students
MQA Modules
- Bahasa Melayu (Malay Language)
- Pengajian Malaysia (Malaysian Studies)
- Pendidikan Moral (Moral Studies); or Pendidikan Islam (Islamic Studies)
Year 2 Subjects for the BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Studies at Asia Pacific University
This level looks at applications of mathematics and statistics in the Financial & insurance sectors.
- 1st Runner Up in the 2014 Chartered Institute of Management Accounting (CIMA) GLOBAL Business Challenge Malaysia - Ali Atiq, Nikita Arabel Pironti, Kasimova Shafia and Veeresh Roy Joggesser, who are all third year BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance students from Asia Pacific University (APU)
The modules offered will cover techniques for the analysis of results from experiments and surveys where students will be doing modules like Regression Analysis, Time Series & Forecasting, Life Contingencies as well as Linear Programming.
Modules such as Financial Mathematics, Financial Planning & Control, Financial Statement Analysis and Financial management will allow students to explore finance in greater depths, both at the planning and management aspect.
The Financial Economics module will introduce students to the necessary skills to
construct asset liability models and to value financial derivatives whereas Life Contingencies module will provide students with a grounding in the mathematical techniques which can be used to model and value cashflows dependent on death, survival, or other uncertain risks.
Ethics & Corporate Governance will also be taught in this level to provide
- Students from the Asia Pacific University (APU) ranked Tier 5 or Excellent by SETARA 2011 and graduates will receive a dual degree, one from APU and the other from Staffordshire University, UK
students with relevant knowledge, skills and professional judgment in which companies are directed and controlled.
Students may opt to undergo an optional period of practical training of about 3 months after the second level of study, which would enable students to experience the culture and ethos of a working environment and formal employment.
Students will benefit from seeing how the skills and knowledge acquired are applied in a practical setting.
Modules
- Calculus II
- Ethics and Corporate Governance
- Financial Economics
- Financial Management
- Financial Mathematics
- Financial Planning and Control
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Life Contingencies
- Linear Programming
- Regression Analysis
- Research Methods
- Time Series and Forecasting
Year 3 Subjects for the BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Studies at Asia Pacific University
Corporate Finance, Risk Theory, Financial Derivatives, Macroeconomics Policy &
- Asia Pacific University library
Financial Markets, and Portfolio Management modules will further enhance the knowledge of an individual to plan, manage, and analyze the financial and monetary aspects and performance of business enterprises, banking institutions or other organisations.
Insurance Practice and Survival Analysis modules introduce students to a wide range of concepts and terminologies in insurance providing students with basic skills of calculating various insurance related items. Introduction to Stochastic Process will introduce students to a range of stochastic process which are used as modeling tools in diverse fields of applications.
Students will also carry out an individually researched project and their own investigations into areas related to investment, finance, commerce or insurance.
Modules
- Corporate Finance
- Inside the spacious and well planned campus of Asia Pacific University
- Financial Derivatives
- Insurance Practice
- Introduction to Stochastic Process
- Investigation in Actuarial Studies
- Macroeconomics Policy and Financial Markets
- Pension Planning
- Portfolio Management
- Project in Actuarial Studies
- Risk Theory
- Survival Analysis
Why Staffordshire University
Staffordshire University is truly committed to building a worldwide dynamic learning community. The University's learning
- Dr. Parmjit Singh, CEO of APU, as the Pro-Chancellor of Staffordshire University and Executive Director of Asia Pacific University (APU) & APIIT Welcoming Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh to Staffordshire University, UK
community is global and students represent over 75 nations worldwide.
Since 1914, Staffordshire University has offered vocationally inspired education relevant for the age. Back then their focus was on mining and ceramics. Now the university is delivering everything from Computer Games Design to Forensic Science.
As well as being involved in many international collaborative research projects, Staffordshire University is committed to delivering high quality education through its many international partnerships.
Staffordshire University has over 17,000 students that make up a dynamic and vibrant community at their campuses in the United Kingdom.
Staffordshire University has a long and proud history of providing high quality, progressive and inclusive higher education for people from across Staffordshire, the region, the UK and the rest of the world.
Staffordshire University has a reputation for producing graduates with the knowledge, skills and ability to make their mark in the world.
Some facts about Staffordshire University are:
- APU's new ultra-modern University Campus located within Technology Park Malaysia (TPM) set to be ready in early 2015.
Staffordshire University’s strong focus on employability was underlined in the UK Sunday Times newspaper’s 2010 University League Tables, in which it was recognized as a leading UK university for achieving graduate employment.
One of the first universities in the world to offer computing degrees back in the 1960s, Staffordshire maintains a strong reputation for excellence and innovation in teaching technology based subjects.
The University’s Computing, Computer Games Design, Network Security, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic and Automotive Engineering awards are all highly respected by employers globally.
Staffordshire’s Accounting and Finance, Business Studies, Economics, Management and Marketing degrees have all been designed to provide a truly international perspective. This is a real benefit for students wishing to pursue a career in Business or Commerce.
The University’s learning community is truly global. At any one time, in excess of 17,000 students from over 75 countries are studying in Great Britain, by distance learning, or on Staffordshire University quality-accredited courses internationally.
APU Programmes are subjected to extensively External Quality Assurance processes by Staffordshire University, who also
- I whatsapped EduSpiral and got the information I needed about the university and course. He then arranged for me and my mother to meet up with APU counselors and to tour the campus as well.
Li Jian, IT at Asia Pacific University
award the Undergraduate Degrees. This ensures that our programmes are benchmarked against international standards.
In addition, APU's solid relationship with Staffordshire University is among the strongest and most successful foreign collaborations in Malaysia, and is particularly notable in their strong shared mission of producing highly employable graduates.
Staffordshire University Rankings
- Staffordshire University is ranked 71st by the Guardian's University guide 2015: league table for computer science and information systems
- Staffordshire University is ranked 40 by the Guardian's University guide 2015: league table for accounting & finance
- Staffordshire University's Ranking in the Complete University Guide University Subject Tables 2015 for accounting & finance is 21
- Staffordshire University's Ranking in the Complete University Guide University Subject Tables 2015 for computer science is 74
Financial Aid at Asia Pacific University (APU)
Scholarships, PTPN Loan and MARA Loan are available. For details, please contact EduSpiral Consultant Services.
A wide range of affordable hostel accommodation is provided. Free bus shuttles are provided to and from APU and the hostel as well as the Bukit Jalil LRT station.
- Muhammad Anis Ur Rehman, Manager, Student Services at Asia Pacific University and APIIT presenting an appreciation gift to Lonnie from EduSpiral Consultant Services
Scholarships at APIIT range from 30% to 100% depending on the students' results in SPM, STPM, UEC, O-Levels, or the A-Levels. Sports Scholarships are also available for State and National Players.
Special scholarships are available for students from East Malaysia - Sabah and Sarawak, to assist them to achieve their educational goals.
APIIT and Asia Pacific University staff will advise and assist students in applying for the PTPN and MARA loans. MARA Loans are only available for bumi students.
Students interested to register at APU may go to this link.
“Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) works closely with EduSpiral Consultant Services in assisting a smooth transfer into our programmes for students from all over Malaysia.
Students who have joined APIIT through EduSpiral are very happy with their services and have found their online advise insightful and valuable. EduSpiral also provides guided tours to our campus and provides students with an in-depth view of the careers in IT, Business, Accounting, Banking and Finance and Engineering enabling them to make sound decisions.”
Muhammad Anis Ur Rehman
Manager, Student Services
Manager, Student Services
EduSpiral Consultant Services- Your Personal Online Education Advisor
Established since 2009, EduSpiral Consultant Services helps provide information and counselling
- A campus tour with professional advise helps EduSpiral's students to make a better decision. Pic - Some of our clients touring Asia Pacific University
on courses and private universities in Malaysia. EduSpiral Consultant Services also represents Northampton University, UK, MDIS Singapore and Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
EduSpiral Consultant Services represents the best colleges and universities in Malaysia offering a wide range of choices for students to choose from. These colleges and universities offer value for money in the quality of education and excellent facilities that you get.
These universities and colleges are chosen by EduSpiral because they represent the best in their fields in Malaysia and affordable. EduSpiral provides in-depth information and counseling on their courses so that students are able to make the right choice.
If you are still not sure what to study, please contact us and we will send you a free EduSpiral Career Assessment Form.
Please contact us for more details.
- Whatsapp: +601111408838
- Wechat/Line: EduSpiral88
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/eduspiral
- Foursquare: www.foursquare.com/eduspiral
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/eduspiral
- Follow EduSpiral: www.twitter.com/eduspiral
- Be my friend: www.facebook.com/eduspiral1
- Like EduSpiral: www.facebook.com/eduspiralcs
- Message me: info@eduspiral.com
- Website: www.eduspiral.com
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave your comments and questions