As part of its ongoing development, the IUMI Executive Committee took the decision to actively encourage younger members to join the Technical Committees and Forums as “junior member”. This has proved a great success and we are delighted to have junior members sitting on a number of our committees to watch, listen and – more importantly – make valuable contributions to the ongoing work on their chosen committee.

In this edition we catch-up with Jackie Lan who is a Senior Underwriter, Hull and Liability, Marine at QBE Insurance in Singapore. Jackie has recently joined our Ocean Hull Committee as a Junior Member.

You’ve recently been elected to the IUMI Ocean Hull Committee – why did you put yourself forward for this role and what has been your experience so far?

I’m honoured to have been elected to the IUMI Ocean Hull Committee in 2024. I put myself forward because I’m passionate about marine insurance and its evolving landscape. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of best practices, tackle emerging challenges and collaborate with industry leaders on issues that impact the future of the marine sector. I hope my experience and perspective could contribute to shaping the future of marine insurance.

So far, my experience has been both engaging and rewarding. IUMI provides a platform for high-level discussions on key issues facing the industry. It's been invaluable to exchange ideas with industry leaders who bring diverse perspectives from across the globe. One of the most rewarding aspects has been the opportunity to address complex challenges together and work on solutions that benefit the broader marine insurance community. Overall, it’s been a great learning experience and I look forward to contributing more in the years ahead.

What is your day job and what do you find most fascinating as a marine hull underwriter?

My role is far from mundane! I find myself sitting at the crossroads of risk management, maritime logistics, and complex financial analysis. From reviewing claims to assessing potential risks, this job requires a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of global shipping, and the ability to anticipate the potential risks and their financial implications.

My MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator) personality type is ENFJ, and as a “J” personality, I feel comfortable having planned a daily routine. Here’s how my typical working day shapes up:

Morning: As a morning person, I enjoy the quiet office bathed in the light of the just-risen sun. Before the crowd comes in, I usually clear my emails, work on my to-do list for the day and prepare materials for meetings and discussions. By mid-morning it is time for more analytical tasks such as assessing risks and applying the appropriate terms and conditions. This process usually involves extensive collaboration with the product underwriting team, distribution team, claims department and external parties like surveyors or technical experts.

Midday: My afternoons are often reserved for negotiations. It could be over the phone, during lunch or over a cup of coffee. Negotiation is very important to find a balance between competitiveness and profitability, ensuring the coverage we provide is comprehensive and sustainable.

Late afternoon: I will catch up on market news every day as the maritime industry is so dynamic. Changes in global trade, environmental regulations, or advancements in shipbuilding technology can all impact the types of risks we face as underwriters. Staying informed helps me stay prepared to navigate the ever-evolving world of marine insurance.

Of course, not every day can go as planned. There are many unexpected events and surprises along the way where at times we need to make quick responses. It’s these little excitements that complete the day.

What I find most fascinating about being a marine hull underwriter is the combination of high-level risk management with an intricate understanding of global maritime dynamics. It’s a role that requires predicting and evaluating risks that are shaped by a unique mix of geopolitical events, technological advances, environmental changes and human factors - all while balancing the financial realities of the insurance world.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

The best piece of advice I’ve received is: "Your career is a marathon, not a sprint."

This advice taught me the importance of patience, perseverance and the need to pace myself to avoid burnout. Achieving success in your career requires a strong foundation, consistent effort and being adaptable to changing circumstances. It’s about making steady progress, learning from experiences and not getting discouraged by slow growth or detours.

This mindset has helped me approach challenges with resilience and given me the confidence to make thoughtful decisions rather than rushing to check boxes. Ultimately, it is about playing the long game and trusting that with time, effort and learning, everything will fall into place.

What do you like to do away from the office?

I am definitely a work-hard-play-hard person. I enjoy a mix of activities that help me unwind and recharge when I am away from the office. I’m a big fan of outdoor adventures —whether it’s hiking, skating, or even just spending time with nature. The only problem is that the weather in Singapore is always too hot! So, I often travel to winter destinations across the hemispheres to experience some cold weather. My favourite winter sport is snowboarding. It is always exhilarating to carve down a mountain, feel the rush of the cold air and get lost in the flow of the ride. I find snowboarding very similar to underwriting as one needs to embrace the challenge, adapt to the conditions and always keep improving.