SDST3954 Current Topics in Actuarial Science (6 credits) Academic Year 2026
Offering Department SCDS (Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science) Quota ---
Course Co-ordinator Prof S Hui, SCDS (Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science) < stevhui33@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Prof S Hui,Statistics & Actuarial Science)
(Prof S Lam,Statistics & Actuarial Science)
Course Objectives This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed in the actuarial workplace. It also introduces the latest actuarial practices and regulations like Hong Kong insurance regulations, International Financial Reporting Standard 17 (IFRS 17) and Hong Kong Risk-Based Capital (HKRBC).
Course Contents & Topics This course provides a comprehensive overview of advanced practical actuarial topics, with a particular focus on the application of International Financial Reporting Standard 17 (IFRS 17) and the Hong Kong Risk-Based Capital (HKRBC) regime. In addition to these technical areas, the course offers a foundational introduction to the regulatory landscape of Hong Kong's financial services industry. Students will explore the roles of key regulators and industry bodies, understand the relevant guidelines and professional standards, and examine emerging trends shaping the insurance market. The course is structured into seven modules:
Module 1: Regulatory Framework of Hong Kong's Financial Services
Module 2: Financial Industry Bodies and Their Functions
Module 3: Regulatory Guidelines and Professional Standards
Module 4: Risk Management Responsibilities for Actuaries
Module 5: Reinsurance and Captive Insurance
Module 6: Emerging Trends and Industry Developments
Module 7: Applied Actuarial Techniques - Demonstration and Experiential Learning
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 have a basic understanding regarding Actuarial Control Cycle from A to Z for Life Insurance and General Insurance
CLO 2 possess some experience regarding fundamental actuarial practice through practical project
CLO 3 possess basic understanding of the legal system in Hong Kong
CLO 4 possess fundamental knowledge in certain core legal aspects such as the law of contract and the law of tort
CLO 5 possess fundamental knowledge of the law of insurance
CLO 6 conduct elementary legal researches when facing with legal problems
CLO 7 understand the basic elements of a routine judgment, the matrix of the facts and the law involved
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in SDST3901, or already enrolled in this course; and
For BSc(Actuarial Science) students only.
Only for students admitted in 2025 and thereafter.
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2U000C00 Course not offered under any Major/Minor/Professional core
2026 BSc in Actuarial Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 BSc in Actuarial Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2026 BSc in Actuarial Science < PLO 2,4,5,6 >
2025 BSc in Actuarial Science < PLO 2,4,5,6 >
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y        1st sem    Examination Dec     
Offer in 2027 - 2028 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrate thorough mastery at an advanced level of extensive knowledge and skills required for attaining all the course learning outcomes. Show strong analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, with evidence of original thought, and ability to apply knowledge to a wide range of complex, familiar and unfamiliar situations. Apply highly effective organizational and presentational skills.
B Demonstrate substantial command of a broad range of knowledge and skills required for attaining at least most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to familiar and some unfamiliar situations. Apply effective organizational and presentational skills.
C Demonstrate general but incomplete command of knowledge and skills required for attaining most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to most familiar situations. Apply moderately effective organizational and presentational skills.
D Demonstrate partial but limited command of knowledge and skills required for attaining some of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some coherent and logical thinking, but with limited analytical and critical abilities. Show limited ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Apply limited or barely effective organizational and presentational skills.
Fail Demonstrate little or no evidence of command of knowledge and skills required for attaining the course learning outcomes. Lack of analytical and critical abilities, logical and coherent thinking. Show very little or no ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Organization and presentational skills are minimally effective or ineffective.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Lectures 36.0
Tutorials 12.0
Reading / Self study 100.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments Coursework (Practical Project and Presentation) 35.0 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Examination Open Book Examination, One 2-hour examination 50.0 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Test In-Class Discussions and Participation 15.0 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 Recommended readings include, but are not limited to, the following resources:
Primary Text:
- ASHK Certificate Examination - Core Paper Study Guide
Key Guidelines:
- Guideline 3 - Guideline on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing
- Guideline 4 - Fit and Proper Criteria
- Guideline 17 - Reinsurance
- Guideline 21 - Enterprise Risk Management
ASHK Resources:
- Professional Conduct Code (2025)
- Professional Standards and Actuarial Guidance Notes (AGNs)
Course Website http://moodle.hku.hk
Additional Course Information NIL