Women-in-Reinsurance (WiRE) unveiled its first mentoring initiative – “Mentoring on the Move”, a speed coaching and networking session sponsored by Aon Benfield Asia, with 12 senior executives serving as Mentors to reinsurance practitioners seeking career guidance and inspiration.

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The event attracted 36 participants from 20 insurance/reinsurance companies who were divided into small groups and given 15 minutes to discuss a career issue or challenge with a Mentor, before moving on to the next Mentor. In total, each participant had the opportunity to speak with six different Mentors for career advice on six core themes – Career Progression & Leadership; Building a Professional Network; Personal Branding; Building Confidence; Mentoring Skills; and Managing Teams. There was also an Open Forum for free exchange of questions on any career topic of their choice.

Following the speed mentoring sessions, participants and mentors were able to unwind and network over drinks and light refreshments.

Commenting on this initiative, Ms Mary Perry, Convenor of the WiRE said, “Mentoring on the Move fosters interactive discussions, allowing participants the chance to get up close and personal with senior industry experts, and openly ask real questions and receive genuine advice and fresh insights, with real practical tips to inspire them to attain their career aspirations”.

Women in Reinsurance (WiRE) Singapore recently hosted a discussion between Dame Inga Beale of Lloyd’s and Ms Jayne Plunkett of Swiss Re, focusing on three key themes – their career experiences, views on the future opportunities and leadership needs in the insurance industry and diversity as a business imperative.

The Singapore Reinsurers’ Association (SRA) has launched a new Women in Reinsurance (WiRE) Sub-Committee to offer support to women in the reinsurance industry and actively encourage them to develop their careers to the utmost potential.

An affiliate of the Sydney Chapter of WiRE, the Singapore Chapter operates as a Sub-Committee of the SRA but with its own charter and slate of members drawn from various SRA member companies. WiRE’s Convenor and Singapore leader is Ms Mary Perry of IAG Re, Singapore. 

Expressing her gratitude to SRA for its support of WiRE at the launch reception, Ms Perry noted that the industry recognised the big impact of having a diverse workforce at all levels, and WiRE, while targeted at women, would welcome men’s participation in its activities as well. 

“WiRE is here to inspire and support women in the reinsurance industry through networking, knowledge-sharing and mentoring activities, through which we aim to recognise and celebrate the achievements and contribution that professional women make to the reinsurance industry,” she said.

The first activity in WiRE’s agenda was the recent Dive In Festival, a diversity and inclusion initiative of Inclusion@Lloyd’s that was held from 27-29 September in 16 cities worldwide, one of which was Singapore. WiRE hosted a discussion where three Singapore businesswomen shared the experience of their entrepreneurial journeys. 

SRA Chairman, Mr Alain Flandrin, said: “The Association has over the past two years been actively reaching out to its market constituents by launching various new activities. Hence, we had no hesitation when approached to support the WiRE initiative. Women represent half the workforce in our industry, with many already in senior management and executive roles. We believe WiRE’s programmes will complement the SRA’s wider industry outreach goals, and help draw greater interest in the reinsurance industry as a career of choice.”