On July 2, 2025, the Faculty of Science at Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC), held the fourth installment of the “OIC: Be Smart First Jobber” program. The event took place at Wittayawipas 1 Hall, Faculty of Science, and was the first time this initiative has been held in Thailand’s northeastern region. Over 300 participants, including students, faculty, staff, and the general public, attended the event.
The ceremony was presided over by Assistant Professor Dr. Angkana Boonyued, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, and Mr. Chuchart Pramoolpol, Secretary-General of the OIC. The program was designed to prepare students for future careers by introducing them to the role of insurance in financial and risk management.
The initiative addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in the expanding insurance industry and provides students in the Northeast with crucial information about career pathways in insurance, a sector that requires strong backgrounds in mathematics and statistics.
Dr. Angkana noted that Khon Kaen University, as a leading institution in the region with over 50,000 students and staff, has maintained its commitment since its founding in 1964 to producing high-quality graduates. She emphasized that the OIC’s decision to partner with KKU demonstrates confidence in the capabilities of its students and the university’s readiness to serve as a bridge between academia and industry, particularly in areas that require specialized technical knowledge.
Mr. Chuchart highlighted the strong growth of the insurance industry, noting that in the first quarter of the year, life insurance grew by over 5% and general insurance by approximately 3.8%, both outpacing the country’s GDP growth rate. The sector now holds more than 4.5 trillion baht in investment assets and employs nearly 50,000 individuals, along with over 500,000 agents and brokers. He explained that this growth is driving a continuous demand for professionals with expertise in actuarial science, mathematics, and statistics—disciplines critical to risk assessment and product design. Hosting the event at Khon Kaen University marks a key effort to expose regional students to new and emerging career possibilities in this field.
The program featured a variety of engaging activities. “Be Experience” offered career talks with industry professionals and young insurance representatives. “Be Prepared” included lectures on personal financial planning, savings, investment, and risk management through insurance—from early employment to retirement. “Be Inspired” provided students the opportunity to meet and interact with thought leaders from both local and international contexts. “Be Competitive” gave students a chance to test their knowledge of insurance concepts, with prizes totaling more than 10,000 baht. A Job Fair, co-hosted by the OIC and more than 25 insurance companies, offered career opportunities and practical industry insights.
The “OIC: Be Smart First Jobber” initiative, now in its fourth year, has been held nine times across Bangkok, surrounding provinces, and other regions. More than 30,000 students and faculty have participated in in-person and online sessions. The program aims to foster financial literacy and raise awareness of risk management through insurance among young people entering the workforce.
This event highlights the Faculty of Science’s commitment to equipping students with the skills needed for employment in the insurance industry, where specialized knowledge in mathematics and statistics remains in high demand.
