Tatjana Schindler attended our first Cargo Masterclass to be held in Singapore – this is what she said:
As the first Masterclass Cargo Insurance held in Asia, the event in Singapore in April brought together 20 participants from 12 countries for four intensive days of technical learning, discussion and international exchange. The group included both young professionals and experienced practitioners from underwriting, claims and the client side. I had the privilege of attending as a participant from Switzerland, supported by the first IUMI bursary covering the course fee.
The Masterclass covered a wide range of highly relevant topics, including international programmes, cargo coverage fundamentals and extensions, sustainability, as well as more recent challenges such as war risks and sanctions. While some sessions, such as loss prevention and contracts of carriage, were more technical in nature, they provided valuable context for the broader picture. Other topics, including the peer review of standard and non-standard clauses, were closely connected to my daily work as an underwriter.
It was also particularly interesting to gain perspectives from other disciplines, such as actuaries discussing risk accumulation and their role within the business, offering insights that are often less visible in everyday underwriting and highlighting the importance of close collaboration. The sessions were complemented by practical case studies, illustrative claims examples and real-life cases, effectively bridging theory with its application in daily business.
Another highlight was the highly interactive format of the programme, with plenty of room for discussions and questions. Beyond the classroom sessions, the visit to the Singapore Maritime Gallery offered interesting insights into Singapore’s rich maritime heritage. The programme also created many opportunities to connect with fellow participants, presenters and IUMI members during breaks, lunches, a special dinner and a cocktail reception. For me, this was one of the most valuable parts of the programme. It was very interesting to connect with professionals from different markets, companies and countries and to exchange perspectives. Even in areas where I was already familiar with the subject matter, it was highly beneficial to see how similar topics are approached across different jurisdictions and market environments.
Given the limited availability of internationally focused training in marine cargo insurance, the Masterclass fills an important gap by providing in-depth and highly relevant insights in a short time. With five years of underwriting experience, I was initially unsure whether to join, but I am very glad I did as the experience was valuable at every stage.
All in all, I am very grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the Cargo Insurance Masterclass through the IUMI bursary. I would like to thank IUMI, the speakers and all fellow participants for this great experience, which not only expanded my technical knowledge but also provided new perspectives and motivation for my continuing journey in the marine insurance industry.
More information on the IUMI Masterclass series, including the bursary, is available from https://iumi.com/category/learning/masterclass/
