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Interviews

Actuary of the future: Poovan Kumar Balaeswaran

Open-access content Thursday 26th February 2015 — updated 5.13pm, Wednesday 29th April 2020

Poovan Kumar Balaeswaran of EY – life actuarial

AOTF-Poovan-Balaeswaran 2

Employer and area of work EY - life actuarial.

How would your best friend describe you? Sincere and funny.

What motivates you? I am motivated when I am surrounded by a good and supportive team.

What would be your personal motto? Do you not know that, in a race, all the runners run but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

Name five dream companions to be stuck on a desert island with? Jean-Francois Arnaud, MOF Patissier 2000, because he is an amazing baker. John Cleese, for being one of my favourite actors. The late Elvis Presley, as I still love listening to his songs. Steven Gerrard, a truly inspirational leader would be needed to survive on the desert island. Finally, Lee Chong Wei, the former world number one badminton player and a national hero in Malaysia.

What's your most 'actuarial' habit? I like writing VBA codes when I am bored.

Favourite Excel function? SUMIFS.

How do you relax away from the office? I enjoy playing a game of football and doing a bit of baking. On weekends, I coach at a local football club.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently? One of my friends thought a roll of bin bags was a great birthday present. I was rather amused.

Alternative career choice? A pastry chef.

What song best describes your work ethic? You'll never walk alone.

Greatest risk you have ever taken? I had to eat at a road-side stall in Malaysia that was infested with flies and rats just because there were no other options available.

If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet? Bobby Moore, captain of England's 1966 World Cup winning team.

If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you, and why? Chris Rock - because he is funny and never stops talking.

If you could be anyone else, who would it be? Nobody. I'm happy being me.

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