ARIF Asnawi Leong, Executive Officer of Actuary Division under Insurans Islam TAIB Holdings Sdn Bhd has recently successfully completed the examination required under the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (UK) to be eligible as an associate member and becoming the first actuary in Brunei.

Through learn@AP, Arif gained a better understanding on how actuary works and helped him to better prepare for his exams.

A strong local actuarial profession in Brunei will reduce the country's reliance on actuarial consultants from other countries, as well as further the growth and sustainability of the Bruneian financial system which is also in line with the goals and objectives set out in Brunei Vision 2035.

Arif started working for Insurans Islam TAIB in 2015 and over a period of less than two years, he has managed to complete all his associate level actuarial exams.

Arif in an interview expressed, I am very happy to know that I have finished the exams required for becoming the first associate in Brunei. I am currently in a process of getting fellowship.

Arif has an MSc in Actuarial Management and a BSc in Actuarial Science from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland.

In 1972, Heriot-Watt established a Department of Actuarial Mathematics & Statistics, becoming the first university in the UK to teach an Actuarial Degree course in the UK.
Arif also holds a Diploma in Actuarial Techniques and a Certificate in Finance and Investment from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.

Touching on the challenges that he faced, Arif explained To be able to finish the exams, I took a Degree in Actuarial Science and Masters in Actuarial Management.

After my studies, I have to work while studying in order to finish up the remaining exams.
He continued, I can see there is lot of opportunity in the market right now.
In Brunei, we are only about 10 members right now who register in the Institute of Faculty of Actuaries. Those who are interested in this professional qualification, must never give up and keep trying.

He also expressed his gratitude to Insurans Islam TAIB Holdings Sdn Bhd and subsidiaries for believing him and giving endless support.

Without their guidance, I won't be where I am now. he added.

Of Arif's success, Nicholas Yeo, Chief of learn@AP said, Arif's achievement is unparalleled in Brunei.

He is extremely dedicated and truly passionate to become an actuary. His pioneering work will become the example for young Bruneians to succeed in the actuarial profession.

Nicholas is an actuary running learn@AP, the foremost professional actuarial education and training provider in Southeast Asia.

Arif is a huge asset to Insurans Islam TAIB Holdings Sdn Bhd and to Brunei, added Nicholas.
The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) is the UK's only chartered professional body dedicated to educating, developing and regulating actuaries based both in the UK and internationally.

Actuaries are highly regarded professionals; actuaries are problem solvers and strategic thinkers with a deep understanding of financial systems.
In Takaful, actuaries play a major role in product development, pricing, reserving, capital management, surplus distribution, retakaful as well as providing overall advice to Takaful companies.