Description: In this third issue of International News in 2022, we feature a contribution by SCOR, a leading reinsurer, highlighting the Actuarial Awards that SCOR presents annually, since 1996, to the best academic work in actuarial science, with annual prizes in several countries throughout the world. We also feature an article by Jessica Leong, FCAS, on barriers that Asian women must overcome to become leaders. Jessica recounts her own experience and how in overcoming some challenges she became the first Asian president of the Casualty Actuarial Society.

Description: A typical course has some "hard" parts. These "hard" parts are the places where weaker students begin to fail, lose interest, and give up. The paper introduces a metric by which to evaluate each course topic. High metric values indicate "hard parts" of courses. The paper recommends spending more course time on hard parts and less course time on easy parts. The paper also recommends using disclosure: Tell students - this part of the course is "hard" and they may feel uncomfortable which is why more time is being spent on it." This approach to hard parts works! Failure rates are significantly reduced, while retention, satisfaction, and student scores improve.

Description: In this webcast, we will speak with actuarial leaders who developed their personal brand over several years to better understand just how powerful having a personal brand can be in actuarial work.

Description: The 2023 Professionalism in Practice Course will study, discuss and explore the professionalism practice, code of conduct and application of the actuarial profession. Our speakers are seasoned presenters from mainland China. Experts will cover several issues encountered in daily actuarial working environments. Content will include business cases and interactive discussions, which aim to enrich the practical learning experience of attendees. Audience attendance will be limited in order to provide an interactive, collaborative learning experience. Early registration is highly recommended to secure a seat.

Description: The Society of Actuaries (SOA) Board of Directors voted at their June 11-12, 2022 meeting to approve a transition extension for certain Fellow of the SOA (FSA) candidates. The extension applies to Fellowship candidates who attained the ASA designation by July 1, 2018. These candidates are exempt from passing the Predictive Analytics exam if they complete all requirements for FSA (including the Fellowship Admissions Course) prior to the new deadline of January 1, 2024.

Description: The article discusses the use of the keyword strategy in teaching. The literature with a negative view of keywords is reviewed and responded to by advocating keywords with multiple meanings supplemented with relevant instructional guidance. Numerous examples are presented from the SOA preliminary exams. Additionally, advanced use of keywords to problems not having them are presented.

Description: The Society of Actuaries announced the six actuarial candidates named as SOA James C. Hickman Scholars. The Hickman Scholars Program provides stipends to doctoral candidates working on actuarial research and education, with this year being the first to include international candidates.

Description: How do Professionalism and the Actuarial Standards of Practice apply as the way we work and tools we use continue to change? Business is conducted via social media and messaging and Generative AI allows for additional scenarios, analysis and oversight. Join us for an interactive session to go deeper into these topics including case studies, polls and a panel discussion.

Description: Learn how modernization of data, models, and technology are influencing workflows. This webcast will address how workflows are changing in response to new regulatory requirements and the impacts the changes have on modeling and end-to-end future state operating models. Industry leading actuaries will discuss: How team collaboration can increase quality and speed of reporting to internal and external stakeholders How to strengthen controls and compliance frameworks across finance and actuarial departments How to modernize actuarial input/output for strategic analysis and insights How to attract and retain top talent by improving opportunities for actuaries There will also be dedicated time to ask questions of those who have made the transition.

Description: Study, discuss and explore the professionalism practice, code of conduct and application of the actuarial profession. Hear from seasoned presenters from mainland China as they cover several issues encountered in daily actuarial working environments through business cases and interactive discussions.