Meet Chris Chan, CPCU, Are, VP, Senior Treaty Underwriter, Asia Pacific Specialty Reinsurance
What is your backstory? Tell us about your path to Sompo International.
In my final university year, my school career advisor recommended that I consider a position with Aon as they were looking for a non-actuarial graduate to join their analytics team. It was their first time doing so (and also the last) as they wanted to diversify the team. I applied for the role, despite not knowing exactly what reinsurance was, as I was impressed by the comprehensive trainings programme. More importantly, I liked that the role was a good balance between analytical works and client interactions. Being an accounting graduate, I can still recall vividly that I was fanatically googling for reinsurance jargons days before my job interview.
During my time in Aon, I transitioned from analytics to broking and I also left Singapore for Hong Kong to transact China business.
Eventually my curiosity towards underwriting brought me back to Singapore 8 years ago to join Sompo International (then Endurance) as a Specialty Underwriter. I have to say that I still enjoy what I am doing very much.
Give us three words to describe Sompo International.
I’m very tempted to say Promise, Trust, Protect but my version will be Diversity, Innovative and Visionary.
Think back to your college graduation day. What is one thing you would tell yourself then?
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Be proactive.
What would you do for a career if you weren’t doing this?
I enjoyed being a part time private tutor when I was in university. The experience not only deepened my understanding of different coursework, but the joy I derived from watching my students improve and grow scholastically was incredibly satisfying. I believe I would have become a teacher if otherwise.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us.
I love Chihuahuas and I have 2 of them – Bee Chan and Bobo Chan.