1:05pm - 1:55pm
Plenary one: Actuaries and AI - Building Skills for the Future
As artificial intelligence transforms the actuarial landscape, this opening plenary explores how young actuaries can adapt and thrive in an AI-enhanced profession. The session will identify essential skills actuaries should develop to work effectively with AI systems with real-world case studies. Join us to equip yourself with the knowledge and perspective needed to navigate the evolving intersection of actuarial science and artificial intelligence.
Plenary one speaker
Jon Shen, AI Practice Executive - Strategy & Governance, Suncorp
Jon is a Data Science Actuary who has designed and delivered successful AI initiatives across all areas of insurance and banking, including pricing, customer personalisation, claims operations, web and mobile app development, and intelligent automation. He believes actuaries have an integral role in managing the responsible use of AI in society. Jon has actively participated in all aspects of the Actuaries Institute’s data science strategy. He advocated for the inclusion of data science in the education program, wrote content for the Data Science Principles and Data Science Applications courses, and served as the independent examiner of these subjects. He has also contributed to public policy submissions on AI regulation in Australia, and is a regular speaker in data conferences and podcasts. Jon is currently an AI Practice Executive at SunCorp. In 2022, Jon was recognised as one of the Top 10 Analytics Leaders in Australia.
2:00pm - 2:40pm
Plenary two: Emerging Risks and Social Factors - Adapting Actuarial Practice
This two-part plenary examines critical emerging trends reshaping actuarial work. Firstly we will hear from Vicki Mullen, Finity, focusing on how motor and home electrification is transforming risk profiles, claims patterns, and pricing models and what that means for actuarial work. We’ll then hear from Fei Huang, UNSW, who will present new evidence on socio-economic longevity gaps in Australia using administrative datasets, and explore their implications for retirement income policy and product design. We will discuss how these disparities impact fairness, sustainability, and innovation in superannuation, annuities, and retirement income products, offering actionable insights for policymakers, funds, and practitioners. Together, these presentations will highlight how actuaries must evolve their methodologies to address both technological disruption and social complexity in modern risk assessment.
Plenary two
Speakers
Vicki Mullen, Senior Consultant, Finity Consulting
Vicki is a Senior Consultant with Finity Consulting providing services for clients in regulatory affairs, climate disclosures and strategic reviews. Vicki holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Laws degree. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has 30 years’ experience in public policy and financial services. She has worked for a large Australian insurer and a global reinsurer. She has held senior roles with the Insurance Council of Australia, the Financial Services Council and the Actuaries Institute. Vicki also worked for nearly three years as an Ombudsman with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. In her earlier career, she worked extensively within government, including roles with the High Court of Australia, the NSW Parliament, the NSW Cabinet Office and a senior Minister. Vicki has made numerous public presentations, including in 2017 at a UNDP Climate Risk seminar in Samoa and at a COP23 Climate Action Partnership Event in Fiji. In 2023 and 2024, she was the lead reviewer for the Independent Review of the Australian Carbon Industry Code of Conduct.
Dr. Fei Huang, Associate Professor, School of Risk and Actuarial Studies at UNSW Sydney
Dr. Fei Huang is an Associate Professor in the School of Risk and Actuarial Studies at UNSW Sydney. Her research focuses on responsible AI and data-driven decision-making in insurance, superannuation, and risk management. She has published extensively in top-tier actuarial journals. A central aim of her work is to ensure that insurance and retirement income products remain equitable, affordable, and sustainable in the face of advancing AI and a changing climate. Her projects have been funded by the Australian Research Council and the Society of Actuaries. Fei’s contributions have been recognised through prestigious research and teaching awards, including the ABDC Award for Innovation and Excellence in Research and the Actuaries Institute’s Volunteer of the Year Award. She is a columnist for Actuaries Digital, writing the Responsible Data Science series.
2:40pm - 3:40pm
Afternoon tea and Networking Activity
During afternoon tea there will be dynamic networking opportunities available. More details to come!
3:40pm – 4:30pm
Plenary 3: Building Your Professional Identity
Join us for an inspiring session that explores the critical importance of personal branding for young actuaries in today's competitive and interconnected professional landscape. The conversation will cover essential networking skills, from building meaningful professional relationships to leveraging industry events and professional organizations for career advancement. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to elevate your professional visibility, this session will provide actionable insights on how to build and maintain a strong personal brand that opens doors, creates opportunities, and positions you for long-term success in the actuarial profession.
Plenary three speaker
Naomi Edwards, Chair of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
Naomi Edwards is a highly regarded professional company director. She has chaired listed ASX companies, industry super funds, and not-for-profits. Naomi is the Chair of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). An actuary by training, with an executive background in the financial services industry, Naomi has an Australia-wide reputation in the financial services industry, having advised on many major life insurance and funds management acquisitions in Australia and New Zealand. She is a former partner of Deloitte, where she ran the Australian Financial Services Industry Group. Naomi also has a strong reputation in the responsible investing industry, having sat on the Boards of two ASX listed industry leaders – Australian Ethical Investment and Hunter Hall. Naomi’s financial analysis and accounting skills are complemented by a strong commercial focus. She contributes strong risk assessment skills to a Board as well as insights into long term strategy in times of uncertainty, particularly in regard to mergers and acquisitions. Naomi has a first class honours degree in mathematics from the University of Canterbury.
4:30pm – 5:00pm
Plenary 4: Charting Your Path
This engaging panel discussion brings together experienced actuaries from diverse career backgrounds to explore the many pathways available in and beyond the actuarial profession. Panellists will share insights on building essential leadership skills early in your careers. Whether you're interested in climbing the corporate ladder, exploring entrepreneurial ventures, or pivoting to adjacent fields, this session will provide practical advice on career development strategies, networking approaches, and the mindset shifts needed to thrive in today's dynamic professional landscape.
Plenary four
Speakers
Alissa Holz, Senior Vice President, Chief Executive Officer, RGA Australia and New Zealand
Alissa Holz is Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, RGA Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), for RGA Reinsurance Australia. Appointed to the role of CEO in April 2025, she has overall responsibility for the management of RGA’s operations in ANZ, including strategy, client engagement and financial results. With over 25 years of experience in the life insurance industry, Alissa brings a wealth of client experience and depth of market knowledge to her role with a proven track record of leadership within RGA. Alissa joined RGA in 2006 and has held a number of roles across both Australian and Asian markets. She served as the Head of Business Development, ANZ, from 2018 to 2024, helped lead the growth of Asian markets in her role as Chief Pricing Actuary for Asian Markets from 2012 to 2018, and in 2024 was named Deputy CEO for New Zealand and Australia. Alissa received her Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Mathematics from the Queensland University of Technology, is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia (FIAA) and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD).
Ramona Meyricke, Principal, Taylor Fry
Ramona is Chair of the Institute’s Climate and Sustainability Working Group and a Principal at Taylor Fry. She has worked for over 15 years in actuarial consulting, risk management and research roles, across the superannuation/pensions, insurance, and government sectors. Her work centres on understanding and managing climate risk to build resilience for business and communities. Ramona partners with government and a range of corporate clients to identify, measure and manage climate risk, build resilience and capture opportunities arising from climate change and the net-zero transition.
Register now at early bird rates
Save on early bird registration, closing at 5pm Thursday 6 November! Choose to attend in Sydney, at watch parties in Brisbane or Melbourne or virtually.
