Heriot-Watt and FWD Takaful partnership to empower talent in Actuarial Science and Data Science

• Provide students with skills, experiences to excel in actuarial & data science
• Partnership contributes to the growth and innovation of takaful industry as well

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and FWD Takaful Bhd signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) at the university's Malaysian campus yesterday, valued at US$220,000 (RM1 million), including a scholarship, for its students in Actuarial Science and Statistical Data Science for the Takaful industry and beyond.

The MoA was signed by Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, Provost and CEO of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, and Wan Ahmad Najib Wan Ahmad Lotfi, Chief Distribution Officer of FWD Takaful. Also present were Sharon Dorairaj, Chief Human Resources Officer of FWD Takaful and Janice Yew, Chief Operating Officer and Registrar of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia.

Mushtak said, “FWD Takaful has been our long standing partner. This collaboration further deepens our partnership and aligns with Heriot-Watt University Malaysia’s goal of delivering purposeful education and ensuring equal opportunities for our students. It represents a major investment in the future of the actuarial and data science fields, providing students with the essential skills and experiences to excel in these industries.”

Wan Ahmad said, “Our partnership with Heriot-Watt University Malaysia reflects our dedication to investing in education and creating opportunities for young talent to excel. We believe that this collaboration will not only enhance the skills and employability of students but also contribute to the growth and innovation of the takaful industry. We have four Heriot-Watt University scholars to date, with three currently doing their internship with us.”

The agreement is set to benefit several students in the actuarial science and statistical data science disciplines, providing them with opportunities for skills development. The partnership will include the following:

Go Global Programme opportunity to study in the UK

• This initiative offers a prize for two Actuarial Science or Statistical Data Science students to gain global exposure by studying for one semester in Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh campus through the University's Go Global, inter-campus transfer programme. The funding covers tuition fees and living expenses for the semester.

Scholarships for Actuarial Science or Statistical Data Science

• This scholarship programme supports four students from Foundation to Degree level, covering full tuition fees and living costs at RM1,200 per month for nine months annually, over four years of study.