MASSA Podcast

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Ever wondered how artificial intelligence and insurance coincide?

Today’s guest is Tony Yuan, a talented actuary who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in computer science. Tony is not only an accomplished actuary but also a visionary technologist with a passion for exploring the limitless possibilities that AI brings us. He brings a unique perspective to the table, having studied the impact of what AI can bring to the actuarial industry. In this episode, we dive into Tony’s time at Concordia University, his current role at TD alongside writing a master’s in computer science, and his vision for the future of actuaries and AI.

Relax, and enjoy the episode!

Curious about what led Jill Harper to a career in the Actuarial Software field ?   

Join us in this episode as she shares her experience studying Mathematics & Biology and her journey towards becoming a programmer for actuarial software and an actuary. As she elaborates on her current role as a Programming leader and actuary at Moody’s Analytics, gain insights on what she enjoys and finds most challenging in her industry. Jill also highlights the valuable skills she has gained from volunteering. She ends off the episode by offering valuable career advice to our listeners.   

Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!

Want to know more about higher education in Actuarial Mathematics?

In this episode, we invite Sebastien Jessup to walk us through his journey from the moment he learned about the actuarial profession and decided to study actuarial mathematics as an undergraduate student, to now being a PhD candidate in that same field. Sébastien discusses his experience on both the academic side and the corporate field of actuarial science, explains how he found his calling in teaching and research, and gives advice to students who are interested in this path. Moreover, he goes on to explain the topic of his thesis and the methods used in his research in property and casualty insurance.

If you have further questions about post-graduate studies in actuarial mathematics, feel free to contact Sébastien at [email protected].

Ever wondered the difference between Pure Mathematics and Pure & Applied Mathematics?

In this episode, our guest speaker Sara Silva walks us through her career path studying mathematics during her undergraduate degree and Big Data analytics during her masters. Currently working at an insurance firm in Portugal, Sara discusses what it was like to take on a masters and writing a thesis during the pandemic. She also shares insight on learning programming languages, a tool that felt incredibly new to her when starting her graduate studies. Sara’s time in university serves as a reminder to us all that we can surprise ourselves with what we are capable of. Enjoy the relaxed conversation!

Welcome listeners to our first episode of the 2022 fall semester! We are happy to welcome Myriam Boucher-Pinard onto the show to talk about her academic background at Concordia University. Students might know Myriam from her time at the Student Success Center as a tutor. Others might recognize her as an active user on the Concordia Math discord where she answers questions regarding class material or gives sound advice on pursuing higher education and reaching out to professors.

In this episode, we discuss Myriam’s time at Concordia double majoring in Psychology and Pure & Applied Mathematics. We primarily focus on Myriam’s decision to double major and how she is putting her studies to use in her research study alongside Ildiko Pelczer, assistant professor at Concordia University.

Debating whether to pursue a career in academia or in the industry?

In this episode, Dr. Yang Lu covers some core topics of his research in insurance and finance such as the broken-heart syndrome, goes over how a researcher gathers ideas and funding to write papers, and discusses the freedom professors have in choosing their research interests. Moreover, he dives deeper into specific papers, shares some anecdotes on how they came into being, and continues by describing what distinguished the academic world from the industry for him. To conclude, Professor Lu gives out some advice to students with an interest in research. You don’t want to miss out!

Ever dreamed of starting your own firm?

After occupying many roles over the years in the investment and actuarial industry, Carmen Racy launched her own currency risk advisory firm. In this episode, she explains what her day-to-day consists of, how her actuarial experience assisted her in starting a business, and what she got out of obtaining an MBA. Along the way, she demystifies some of the financial jargon, such as “hedge funds” and “currency risk”, and discusses her time at Concordia. To conclude, she gives out advice to students who may want to pursue a similar path. Prepare to learn!

“Are we moving fast enough for that? No.” (24:26)

In this episode, our guest speaker André Choquet, current Chair of the Climate Change and Sustainability committee of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA), details his journey in the actuarial and investment industries and explains how it led him to make responsible investing his mission. He goes on to explain his views that whether to making changes faster or not “really depends on what kind of future you want” (24:02) and outlines how responsible investments can be set up to generate profits in a sustainable way. To conclude the episode, Mr. Choquet discusses the speed at which new regulations are coming into play, gives us some hope with new programs implemented in universities and actuarial exams, and provides insightful advice for future professionals. Be sure to give it a listen!

Here are some links to sources discussed in the podcast:

- Criticism of actuaries in early 2000s by the proponent of Financial Economics: see https://www.soa.org/globalassets/assets/library/newsletters/pension-forum/2003/january/pfn-2003-vol14-iss2-bader-gold-a.pdf

- Learn about David Suzuki: see https://davidsuzuki.org/

- Ontario legislation that required pension plan to include in their SIPP a statement about ESG factors: see http://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/en/pensions/legislative/Pages/sipp.aspx

- How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need by Bill Gates: see https://www.amazon.ca/How-Avoid-Climate-Disaster-Breakthroughs/dp/0735280444

- Climate Change and Sustainability Resources of the CIA: see https://www.cia-ica.ca/ccsc-resources

- Russel Investments Brochure on Responsible Investing: see https://russellinvestments.com/-/media/files/us/institutions/brochures/responsible-investing.pdf?la=en&hash=EB6D67C7346B54BD580A617AF7A20C13941EB803

- Article on AXA’s CEO’s statement: see https://www.greenbiz.com/article/axa-4c-warming-makes-world-uninsurable

- Article “Independent Senator Rosa Galvez introduces bill to align Canadian financial sector with climate commitments”: see https://rosagalvez.ca/en/media/press-releases/press-releases/cafa-introduction/

- OSFI documentation on FRFI climate risk management: see https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/Eng/fi-if/in-ai/Pages/clrsk-mgm_let.aspx

- Four papers from the International Actuarial Association on climate issues: see https://www.actuaries.org/iaa/IAA/Publications/Papers/Climate_Issues/IAA/Publications/Climate_Issues.aspx?hkey=12b3d553-9ca0-4c64-85c2-b3df3b4faa3e