EXECUTIVE PROFILES
WOMEN IN REINSURANCE
MEET OUR PEERS SERIES
As we slowly adapt to living in this new normal, WiRE aims to help you connect with your peers in the industry as you get to learn about their life and experiences and foster new friendships along the way.
MARCH 2022
MONICA TAN
LH Underwriter and Actuary, Allianz SE Reinsurance Branch Asia Pacific
What do you like to do during your free time?
I’m a big fan of Chinese traditional cultures. During my real personal time, I’d like to write Chinese Calligraphy or listen to traditional folk musical or Crosstalk.
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What would you be if you were not working in this industry?
Being a teacher has always been my dream since I was young. I really like to see the innocent smiling faces of the small kids. I would especially like to support education in remote mountainous areas.
What will you do if you strike a lottery?
I would like to be able to travel around the world… first to travel all over China, and then to travel through the Seven Wonders of the World. I’d like to see the vast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, to feel the majestic Yellow River Hukou, and to travel across China’s rivers north and south following the footsteps of predecessors.
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What activities you can’t do?
I don’t want to try extreme sports like Bungee jumping or sky diving. Although I’m not afraid of heights, after staying in the industry for a long time, I’m an extreme Risk Aversion type, and not willing to fight for excitement.
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What do you like to do during your free time?
I really enjoy yoga; pilates and more recently kickboxing!
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Favourite place/food
My favourite cuisine is Vietnamese and I am looking forward to the next time I am able to travel out to Ho Chi Minh again for the vibrant life and cuisine that is available out there.
Describe your best work-related trip
Trip to Bangkok, where we met with a partner for after work drinks in a rooftop bar! It was incredible - I really got to know my colleagues and have a lot of fun along the way.
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What career advice would you give to your younger self?
Energy is a finite resource, invest it wisely and with balance. Conduct work with intention and purpose, and eliminate as much as possible the things that do not add value.
MAUREEN TAN
Head of APAC Customer Focus
Customer & Distribution Manager, Singapore, Zurich Insurance
SABRINA ABDULLAH
Senior Broker
Marine & Energy,
Asia Pacific,
Aon
What do you like to do during your free time?
During my free time, you’ll find me at the beach, hiking, or café hopping and exploring new aesthetic cafes
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What are you most afraid of?
Birds! The worst thing someone could do is to bring me to Jurong Bird Park.
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Best vacation you ever took and why?
Greece, love the seas and it helps that Greek food is one of my favourites.
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Do you have any special skills/hobbies?
I love languages so I’ve learned 6 languages – French, Spanish, Japanese, Russian, on top of the current English and Malay.
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If you had to choose a different career, what would it be?
​A detective! My childhood dream was always to join the FBI and solve mysteries/crimes. This is also why I love Escape Rooms.
What do you like to do during your free time?
Catching up with the latest movies, plays and concerts in town.
I also love working out. I enjoy attending classes in the gym, lifting weights and is also a spin addict.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Reality TVs! 1000-lbs Sisters is the best (keeps my morale really high) and some of the 90 day Fiancé and spinoffs. Netflix has some good ones too- Indian Matchmaking, Bling Empire and Love is Blind etc.
If you had to choose a different career, what would it be?
Probably something that requires me to be constantly on the go as I realise that I like to move around a lot. Is hiking professionally a thing?
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Must watch movie
Personal recommendations as a woman, for women would definitely be Midsommar(???), Gillian Armstrong and Greta Gerwig’s Little Women, and Raise the Red Lantern
