Inside story: Pei (Grace) Guan, FIA

Where are you based?
Beijing, China.

What volunteer role(s) do you do for the IfoA?
I am the IFoA CPD co-ordinator in Beijing and the mentor for the actuarial students at the University of International Business and Economics and the Central University of Finance and Economics. I am also a committee member of the IFoA China Technical Member Interest Group.

How long have you been volunteering?
I have volunteered as an actuarial mentor since 2014, when the IFoA set up its first overseas office in Beijing, China.

What’s involved in your role(s)?
As a CPD co-ordinator, I help the IFoA Beijing office organise CPD member events. As the committee member of the IFoA China Technical Member Interest Group, I am now working with other volunteer FIAs to provide a platform for actuaries from all practice areas to be able to discuss issues. 

What motivates you to volunteer for the IFoA?
I enjoy the work I do, which aims to promote the profile of the IFoA, actuarial science and education, and the profession in East Asia.

What have you/do you hope to achieve in your volunteer role?
I want to help more people understand the value of actuarial science, not only for the insurance industry, but also for the whole business world and society. I also hope that the IFoA will become a more influential professional body in this region.

What new skills or knowledge do you think you have developed?
Being an IFoA volunteer allows me to make the most of my executive skills, innovation and leadership. The voluntary work also allows me to hear cutting-edge knowledge and trends first-hand.

Has this assisted your lifelong learning?
It has expanded my outlook and tapped into my potential.

Do you think volunteering has helped you in your day job?
Yes, I was one of the initiators and the key corporate contact in the cooperation between the Sunshine Insurance Group and the IFoA. The alliance helped to promote the Sunshine Insurance Group’s brand, and this formed part of my day-to-day job.

Have there been any memorable moments?
In September 2016, when Sunshine Insurance Group became first partner of the IFoA in China, and when I qualified as an FIA in 2011.

How do you balance your day job and your volunteer role?
My voluntary work is part of my day job – I don’t feel I need to work extra.

How do you relax away from the office?
Stay with my family and kids.

What would you say to others considering a volunteer role?
If you want to meet great people and become a greater person, join us!

Who is your role model – in life or in business?
My friend Coco Feng, who qualified as an FIA in five years and became a really good role model for me.

What was your earliest dream job?
Believe it or not, an actuary!

What word best describes you?
Majordomo: I am used to taking care of everyone in every aspect of my work and life.

Do you prefer a staycation or holiday abroad?
Either, as long as I’m staying with my family.

What would you consider to be the most brilliant moment of your career to date?
As an actuary, I am future-oriented. Instead of looking back for the ‘most’, I look forward to the ‘next’.