Actuality 2023

For the new Actuarial students at Macquarie this year, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to ASSOC! We have always been a student society that strives to provide career events and social opportunities for our members so they can flourish and make the most out of their university experience. To the returning members I hope you have enjoyed your summer break while it lasted because you are about to embark on your next year of Actuarial Studies, and as you must have heard from your friends from the grades above, it is definitely not going to get easier.

This year ASSOC has a record number of events being planned and we are really excited to introduce some new initiatives whilst also re-running our traditional events that have always worked very well in the past Our bright team of directors and members of the committee are keen to meet you all at these events!

There is a plethora of amazing content in this magazine ranging from sweet study spots, memes and upcoming events so sit back, relax and enjoy some of the short yet informative reads They are definitely going to be the last Actuarial related readings that you will enjoy for a good while

Royce Zeng

w e l c o m e TO THE NEW AND TO THE FAMILIAR, WELCOME TO THE FAMILY OF ASSOC

Upcoming Events EDITOR'S NOTE

I am thrilled to present the latest edition of our publication, ASSOC’s 2023 Actuality Magazine! Packed with informative and engaging content, our Cabinet of talented individuals have worked hard to bring you a diverse range of stories. I would like to take this opportunity to thank last year's M&M director, Ethan Kwok, for his continued support and for making M&M such a fun experience. My goal is to continue the culture this year!

I hope to provide you with a wellrounded reading experience that will leave you feeling informed and inspired to join us at ASSOC events

I hope you enjoy this edition and I look forward to meeting you all! All the best young actuaries :)

PRESIDENT'S FAREWELL

Greetings dear readers,

Welcome to the start of your journeys with ASSOC! Going against the stereotype, I’ll have to be honest and say it really doesn’t seem like yesterday when I was in your shoes That was three years and an entire pandemic ago But if I cast my mind back far enough, I can just about conjure up some visceral feelings I held back then as I was rummaging around the ASSOC tote bag or slapping on my name tag as I shook hands and pretended to be an extrovert – whatever “new year new me” first-year mantra I had going on I remember a sense of excitement, a sense of enthusiasm towards the prospect of joining a community of diverse and unique people. Hopefully you’re all just as keen on this fresh start that is commencing university.

ASSOC is one of the most interesting societies at MQ to join, with perhaps the most events, most sponsors and best team out of all student groups. I believe I can voice controversial takes now that I’m retired from the business (but if not then that was purely hypothetical). In any case, your lifetime membership will give access all the fun that’s detailed in further pages

After wrapping up my time with the society I thought hard about the role it genui the dynamics of students’ live personally, ASSOC: gave me a soci other actuarial students to suffer to built up my professional network wi actuaries in the field, built my unde career pathways and most importan something else to focus on during th weeks of content. In essence, if actuarial student at MQ, join ASSOC other experience offered across th that is more tailored to your intere future.

Sincerely, President, 2022

TREASURER'SREPORT

In 2022, ASSOC showcased a sound financial position with an overall profit of $2,246. This figure was strongly supported by the $8,722 pre-paid deposit for ASSOC ball from the 2020-21 financial year. Disregarding this deposit, ASSOC showcased an overall loss of $6,476. This loss was well anticipated by the committee with the commencement of larger scale events such as camp and ball following the alleviation of COVID-19 restrictions. Despite this loss, ASSOC is confidently on the road to recovery in the coming financial year.

The generous support of our sponsors continues to be a pillar in ASSOC’s financial health with our sponsorship income increasing by 10.6%, from $13,200 in 2021 to $14,600 in 2022. 2023 continues to welcome additional sponsors, whilst maintaining all current relationships with existing sponsors.

The first half of 2022 saw a steep increase in expenditure due to the introduction of orientation camp as well as the commencement of traditional camp. This subsided in the second half of the year, largely due to our biggest event being pre-paid from 2021. Our strong financial position in 2021 meant there was very minimal requirement for fundraising, although ASSOC still managed $352 from our team’s fundraising efforts. Due to this, we expect to increase the focus on fundraising in 2023, specifically for our annual ball. The introduction of orientation camp ultimately revealed a poor financial outcome for the event in 2022, leading this year’s cabinet to discontinue the running of this event, however, traditional camp and ball are expected to continue.

In the coming year, ASSOC expects membership income to increase assuming consistent engagement from previous years This will be supported by consistent efforts by the executive team in organising O-week and the buddy program, as well as the social team in organising the annual Meet-n-Greet

I would like to finish my report by extending my gratitude to the 2022 treasurer, James Chen, for efficiently utilising our budget to sanction exceptional events, and leading ASSOC to an ultimate profit in 2022 Our team is currently working extremely hard to ensure strong financial health for ASSOC in the coming 2023 financial year, and we ultimately expect to showcase outstanding financial performance

ROYCE ZENG - PRESIDENT

What is your role in Cabinet?

My role is to ensure that ASSOC stays true to its purpose of providing social, academic and career events for actuarial students

What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet?

To maximise student and sponsor engagement with the society. ASSOC is very well known for its career events but I would also love to see greater engagement in our social events

Fun Fact!

Ate 3 Subway footlongs in 17 minutes

GEORGIA MCNAMARAINTERNAL VICE PRESIDENT

What is your role in Cabinet?

Maintain ASSOC’s relationship with MQU and oversee internal programs/organisations

What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet?

I want to facilitate a strong bond both within this years cabinet and between cab and MQU I also want to make this year as enjoyable as it can be for the team! Fun Fact!

I have a twin brother

M E E T T H E C A

AFRAH CHOORAPULAKKALEXTERNAL VICE PRESIDENT

What is your role in Cabinet?

My role is to maintain ASSOC’s relationship with sponsors by making sure that our sponsors are happy :)

What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet?

I hope to improve sponsor engagement with the society so that our sponsors, ASSOC and our members can make the most out of our events

Fun Fact!

I’ve learnt 6 languages (not fluent in all of them though )

ARYA ADHIKARI- TREASURER

What is your role in Cabinet?

I’m the treasurer! Need money? Come to me :)

What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet?

I hope to give all our events enough funding to make them amazing whilst making sure ASSOC doesn’t go broke Fun Fact!

I grew up in a village!

KEVIN LU - SECRETARY

What is your role in Cabinet?

Secretary! Manage the administration of the society and help with the society’s professional correspondence

What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet?

Continue to grow the reach of ASSOC Bring people in ASSOC closer together

Fun Fact!

I put milk before cereal ��

ANITA PHAM - HR DIRECTOR

What is your role in Cabinet?

HR Director! My role is to ensure a well-bonded and loving ASSOC society, within the committee, and between the cabinet

What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet?

A big family, where everyone can have fun, make life-long friends And maybe a few love interests within the committee? Welcome to ASSOC, basically a blind date site Fun Fact!

I hate coffee HATE

B I N E T 2 0 2

3

ZAHRA ZABUL - MEDIA AND MARKETING DIRECTOR

What is your role in Cabinet?

As the media and marketing director, I take charge of the videography and photography of events I maintain our social media presence and do lots of editing!

What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet?

I want to test my skills and ensure ASSOC members come to our exciting events!

Fun Fact!

I am becoming a Personal Trainer

MELODY ZHANGCHAIRPERSON

What is your role in Cabinet?

Chairperson! My role is to support and advise the Cabinet in 2023 :)

What do you hope to achieve during your time in the Cabinet?

Better engagement and a close community! I also hope to continue improving the variety and quality of ASSOC’s events

Fun Fact!

One of my big life goals is to sky dive, even though I’m terrified of heights :/

M E E T T H E C A B I N E T 2 0 2

VANESSA NGO - SOCIAL DIRECTOR

What is your role in Cabinet?

I’m one of the two Social Directors! My role is to ensure all social events run smoothly and everyone is having an epic time :))

What do you hope to achieve as part of Cabinet?

I hope to create a fun, exciting and welcoming environment for all ASSOC membe i life experience

Fun Fact!

I’ve moved around schools ��

WESLEY CHAN - SOCIAL DIRECTOR

What is your role in Cabinet?

My role is Social Director That means I direct all things social

What do you hope to achieve as part of Cabinet?

Most people are aware of ASSOC’s amazing career events I hope to also make them aware of ASSOC’s incredible social events

Fun Fact!

I am the world’s biggest Roger Federer fan

NIDHI SAHAI - CAREERS DIRECTOR

What is your role in Cabinet?

My role is to help young professionals find ttheir way around future and present career prospects through careers events!

What do you hope to achieve as part of Cabinet?

I hope to make students feel more comfortable as they navigate their way through the processes of searching for jobs Fun Fact!

I can name any song off Midnights after listening to it for 1 second

CRYSTAL DENG - CAREERS DIRECTOR

What is your role in Cabinet?

My role as the careers director is to organise careers events

What do you hope to achieve as part of Cabinet?

I hope to make the careers events interesting and increase student participation in ASSOC Fun Fact!

I am obsessed with Taylor Swift, especially her folklore and evermore albums and Lana Del Rey (ofc)

RASHMIN CHITALE - IT DIRECTOR

What is your role in Cabinet?

Just as the name suggests, I provide tech support

What do you hope to achieve as part of Cabinet?

To fulfil my tech support duties and make sure everyone has fun at our events

Fun Fact!

I like bucket hats !

ERIK VILJAMAA- SPORTS DIRECTOR

What is your role in Cabinet?

Sports director My role is to run sport events that will get people into sports/exercise, and create more top g’s

What do you hope to achieve as part of Cabinet?

^ Fun Fact! Can levitate

ASSOC’s annual Buddy Program is coming up again this year in semester 1! This is an excellent opportunity for all 1st year Actuarial students to make new friends, learn more about ASSOC and have fun!

In the ASSOC Buddy Program a handful of 1st year students are grouped together under the guidance of 2-3 buddy leaders From weeks 2-7 of semester 1 each team collectively completes weekly challenges that are to be submitted to the buddy program panel by the buddy leaders. The panel will score each submission based on a predetermined rating system and will update the leaderboard each week The team with the highest score at the end of the program will receive a MAJOR prize (TBD)!

While the buddy leaders pilot each weekly challenge for the team, their main role is helping their buddies navigate their way through ASSOC and uni Buddy leaders are there to answer any questions buddies may have and ensure their team is updated on upcoming events and opportunities. Buddies are encouraged to seek guidance from their leaders as they transition into university life and leaders will use their experience to advise them accordingly

This program is highly recommended for all first years and allows all who join to maximise their experience as an Actuarial student!

x p l a i n e d

BUDDY PROGRAM Georgia McNamara

GO TO SPOTS IN MQU

Mygotospotslisthavedifferentpurposes,someareforwhenyouwanttogetintothe actuarialgrind,othertimesenjoygroupstudyorjustsomewheretorelaxfromthegrind.

Study Relax

18 Wally’s Walk (MUSE) - Group Study (Rating:7.5/10)

18WW is a great group study area with colourful furniture! It’s also the place to go if you have any uni related questions with serviceconnect

1 Central Courtyard (CC) - Group Study (Rating:8/10)

Level 1 or 2 are great places for group study because the area is quite new but beware because the spaces fill up very quickly during the uni semester However, CC is amazing for food variety, with a wide range ofchoicesfromHSPtoMexicantoBaguettes. My recommendations for food are Little Asia (Asiancuisine)andTasteBaguette.

Library-Personal/Groupstudy(Rating:8/10)

Level 3 and 4 are great for group study because there are round tables that facilitate study as well as self study areas Personally I enjoy the self study areas especially when I am close to exams and wanttofocuswithoutdistractions

14 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Avenue (SCO)Personal/GroupStudy

Moveable tables and a convenient location so you can hang out with friends or study rightbeforeyouractuarial/statisticslectures

25 WW (Arts Building Cafe or Arts Building Garden - Not sure if students are allowed on thebalcony)-Relax(Rating:7/10)

I really enjoy the arts building because it’s incredibly modern and exciting, with an outdoortabletennistable.Ispendmostofmy time on the day of exams in this spot to chill outandpreparementallyforexams.

Macquarie Lake (Behind 1CC) - Relax (Rating 8/10)

A picturesque spot right behind Central Courtyard, the view from here is beautiful especially on when there is good weather This is one of my favourite spots for when I want a location to rest and relieve stress by myself

Note:Thislistisfrommypersonalexperiences, I am sure that there is a wider range of spots that I have never experienced. If you come acrossanyspotsthatyouthinkdeservetobe on this list (Shoot me a message on Messenger)becauseIamkeentoexplore!

Happyexploring!:3

ANIME RELEASES

Solo leveling

The hero in this series gains immense and nearly boundless strength through his adventures, and we will get to see him just tear through everything around him!!

HIGHLY ANTICIPATED

Jujutsu Kaisen

Rumoured to be the most explosive, violent and action filled arc that we will get to see. Sooooo keen!

Swordsmith Village Arc

Attack on titan

The Final Season Part 2 is coming!!!!! - the conclusion to the epic story of humanity's fight for survival against Titans

Blue Lock

Now if you ’ re a huge soccer fan, anime fan (WEEB), or even if you just hopped aboard the World Cup hype train like I did, you’ll want to catch this one.

EXCITED TO MEET THE NEXT HARISHA! Watch crazy sword fights, see Tanjiro battle demons and search for a cure for Nezuko

Demon Slayer

Welcome to ASSOC's yearly dose of the internet

We are all little nerds, aren't we? Maths nerds Gaming nerds K-culture nerds Weebs But we all unite here today at ASSOC, and share one thing in common: our fondness towards the epitome of comedy visualisation: meme. This year Actuality, we present you our newest, finest, meanest meme collection:

MEMES Anita

Anita Phan

Meet and Greet is the perfect opportunity to start your uni life with a BANG Here you will get to meet your new cohort and participate in various fun activities that are designed to help you form potentially lif friendships There will also be free foo drinks so don’t mis

what the job really entails, then this event is the place to be!

ASSOC is hosting our annual FREE BBQ, where we invite actuaries from PwC (a BIG 4), to come and share their working and learning experience This event will be a golden opportunity to ask all your burning questions about the profession and how to ace your degree

UPCO

fellow first year students studying actuary at UNSW What could be more exciting than an opportunity to make inter-uni friends?

uaries Institute to get all your questions wered The session will discuss career gression, different career pathways, uarial exam tips and a day in the life of an uary Don’t miss this perfect opportunity to learn more about your degree

presentations from different firms and a networking session which will give y introduction about the company an opportunities they offer If you want to more about company culture, vacat programs, graduate programs or c progression, this is the event to ge answers from industry professio

challenges in order to win cash and prizes (up to $100 )

MING

NTS

flex your skills or kee first time, come alon all-levels sports even There will be more sport events throughout th year like futsal, volleybal and even gym day. S keep a look out

test your skills at the Excel Challenge and find out just how skilled you are by competing with your peers!

A p p l i c a t i o n s o p e n i n F e b r u a r y 2 0 . v i s i t f i n i t y . c o m . a u # l o v e a c t u a r y

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