Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by ZenithSkirmisher

I am a ressiting student at Imperial

ZenithSkirmisher — Mon, 18 May 2026 23:40:55 +0800

Final-year MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering (Imperial College London) student here — currently on a resit year after a disrupted first attempt, and set to graduate in September 2026.

I’ve fully paid my tuition (~£42k), but my university has confirmed they will refund it in full if I secure a sponsorship, scholarship, or partial tuition funding arrangement.

I’m actively looking for organisations (especially in insurance, takaful, risk, or finance, or just some MY companies) open to sponsorship in exchange for a service commitment, or any leads on scholarships/grants still accepting applications.

Would really appreciate any advice, referrals, or contacts — happy to share more details or discuss how I can contribute.

Hence, can I ask for guidance in sourcing for a scholarship , whether it be from 3rd parties or from the Malaysian Goverment? Previously I went thru the biasiswa website, but unfortunately there does not seem to be any over there that suit my case that will also allow me to recoup my tiuition fee fully.

I am also happy to attach my ioffer letter, if that helps. looking forward to hearing back from the lowyat people.

Is it possible for even feasible to request for a bonded tuition fee sponsorship with the MY companies, such as banks , e commerce , coporations , in exchange for working with the company for 3-4 years, perhaops at a standard fresh grad or lower than usual salary?

Bellow is a letter I have been sending out to many companies so far , or rather an example:

Dear TNB,
Tenaga Nasional Berhad (“TNB”) is Malaysia’s national electricity utility and a critical infrastructure provider, driving the country’s energy transition while ensuring secure, affordable power for millions of customers. TNB’s Sustainability Pathway 2050 and Energy Transition Plan set out a clear ambition to decarbonise the power system through renewable energy, the Grid of the Future and electrification, supported by initiatives like the Transition Finance Framework to align capital with that strategy. Managing the risks around this transformation — across regulation, markets, technology, climate and cyber — is where a rigorous, quantitative risk approach is essential. I am writing to propose a postgraduate tuition sponsorship arrangement, with a two-year service commitment within TNB’s Risk Management function or a closely aligned quantitative analytics role.
My name is Lee Yuan Zhi. I am a Malaysian Master’s candidate in Risk Management & Financial Engineering (RMFE) at Imperial College Business School, London, expecting to complete my degree in September 2026. I hold a First Class Honours undergraduate degree and grew up in Subang Jaya, Selangor. I am reaching out to you specifically because your role as Chief Risk Officer — and your background in Governance, Risk and Control across TNB’s largest division — places you at the centre of how TNB manages risk and resilience across the entire electricity value chain.
Why TNB Specifically
TNB’s Board Risk Committee and Statement on Risk Management and Internal Control show a mature enterprise risk management framework, aligned with ISO 31000:2018, covering strategic, operational, project, financial, regulatory and climate-related risks. The Group strategic risk profile is regularly reviewed at Board and management committees, while operational risk profiles are developed at divisional level, reflecting a structured “top‑down and bottom‑up” risk approach. At the same time, TNB is using data and AI to modernise operations — from advanced grid analytics to AI‑enabled distribution management systems and digitalisation to support the growth of data centres and bi‑directional energy flows.
This combination — a serious ERM framework plus a data‑driven digital agenda in a systemically important utility — is precisely where RMFE training can add practical value: energy transition scenario analysis, financial and operational risk modelling, and quantitative support for Board‑level risk decisions.
Quantitative Risk & Energy Transition
TNB’s Energy Transition Plan and Sustainability Pathway 2050 focus on three pillars: transitioning power generation to cleaner sources, enabling a Grid of the Future, and facilitating customer participation in the transition through digitalisation and electrification. These strategic shifts introduce new risk dimensions: renewable intermittency, project execution risk on large capex, evolving market and regulatory frameworks, and climate‑related physical and transition risks.
My RMFE training covers stochastic modelling, scenario analysis, and risk measurement (including VaR/Expected Shortfall), implemented in Python. I can support TNB’s risk function by:
Building scenario and stress‑testing tools to quantify the impact of different energy transition pathways on TNB’s financials and risk profile (e.g. varying RE penetration, fuel prices, carbon pricing, and demand from data centres and EVs).
Supporting climate and transition risk analysis by linking physical and policy scenarios to asset, project and portfolio‑level risk metrics.
Contributing to the quantification and monitoring of risk limits and risk appetite metrics that align with TNB’s strategic and sustainability objectives.
Data, AI & Grid Analytics
TNB is already using data to revolutionise Malaysia’s electricity sector, employing analytics to manage supply, maintain grids and improve reliability. The adoption of AI‑enabled tools like Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS) — providing predictive analytics, real‑time network visibility and control over bi‑directional flows — shows that TNB is moving rapidly towards an intelligent grid platform. These initiatives require quantitative skills to design, test and interpret models, and to translate outputs into practical risk and operational insights.
My RMFE background equips me to:
Work with data and AI teams to develop and validate predictive models for load, outages and asset health, focusing on model robustness and risk implications.
Help design risk metrics and dashboards that sit on top of digital grid tools, turning raw analytics into decision‑ready information for management and the Board.
Support integration of operational analytics into the ERM framework so that grid and asset data feed directly into TNB’s risk monitoring and reporting.
How RMFE Training Maps to TNB’s Needs


Skill Area
What I Can Do
Applicable TNB Function
Scenario & stress testing
Build transition and financial risk scenarios; simulate impacts on revenue, costs, capex and leverage
Group Risk Management / Strategic Planning — ET Plan, capital planning
Climate & transition risk
Link climate/transition scenarios to asset and portfolio risk metrics; support climate risk disclosures
Risk, Sustainability & Finance — climate risk, TCFD-style analysis
Grid & operational analytics
Work with data/AI teams on predictive models for load, asset health, outages; interpret risk impact
Distribution / Grid of the Future / Data & AI teams
Financial risk measurement
Model market and credit risks; VaR/ES; support risk appetite metrics and reporting
Group Risk / Treasury / Finance
Python & quantitative tools
Build Python-based analytics, backtesting and reporting pipelines
Any team needing data-driven decision tools
HRD Corp Cost-Offset Angle
As one of Malaysia’s largest employers, TNB is a registered employer under the Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB) Act 2001 and contributes HRD Corp levies at 1% of monthly wages. Under HRD Corp schemes such as Skim Bantuan Latihan (SBL), eligible training expenses can be claimed against accumulated levy balances, subject to HRD Corp guidelines and internal policies. I understand that whether and how TNB chooses to use HRD Corp is entirely a decision for your HR and finance teams; I mention it only as a possible way to partially offset the net cost of any sponsorship.
The Sponsorship Arrangement
I have paid my Imperial College London tuition fees for the RMFE programme in full — approximately £42,200 (around RM225,000 at current exchange rates). I am writing to explore whether TNB would consider a formal sponsorship arrangement covering this amount, in exchange for a minimum two‑year service commitment in a quantitative role within Risk Management or a related analytics function.
Imperial’s sponsored-student process is straightforward:
TNB issues a funding letter on company letterhead confirming the sponsorship.
I submit that letter to Imperial’s Tuition Fees team at tuition.fees@imperial.ac.uk.
Imperial invoices TNB directly.
Once payment is received, Imperial refunds the fee amount to my original payment account.
Your HR or finance colleagues can confirm the mechanics directly with Imperial. In return, I would enter into a standard employment agreement with TNB that includes a minimum service period and appropriate clawback terms.
What I Am Asking For
This is a resit year of the RMFE programme. My first attempt was disrupted, and I chose to resit and complete the degree rather than exit without it. I prefer to state this openly, with context, instead of having it surface later without explanation. I am fully prepared to demonstrate my training through any technical assessment TNB considers appropriate — for example, an energy transition scenario task, a risk modelling exercise, or a Python-based analytics implementation using representative data.
I would be happy to provide my CV, First Class Honours undergraduate degree certificate, Imperial College PGT Unconditional Offer Letter, and academic transcripts on request.
Thank you sincerely for your time. A national utility that is simultaneously managing systemic reliability and leading Malaysia’s energy transition is exactly the kind of organisation I hope to serve. I would rather make this case directly and honestly than not make it at all.
Yours sincerely,

Hence, is sending such emails to other companies, by doing research before producing letters tailored to each company to seek for such a sponsorship , a viable approach to rcoup my tuition fee from this university? Should I also try this approach for toehr companies like those in SG HK China Taiwan and etc , even if Im Malaysian?

I have also thought of wanting to email the UK and Euro side of companies to ask for such funding, althougb after I did my research it is apparently better to simply apply for jobs as none of the Uk and Euro companies offer close to what I am seeking .

I am a ressiting student at Imperial

ZenithSkirmisher — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:16:50 +0800

4 across 3 vs 5+1

ZenithSkirmisher — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:04:41 +0800

As per the subject.

I am a student of the RMFE by imperial.

Previously, as I am an international student , I was given permission by uni to sit for 4 exams across 3 days , with 2 exams on the second week .

Now , due to many things happening , I have 5 exams back to back ,with 1 optional occuring either on Monday or Tuesday of the 5 exams btb. And then a weekend break before 1 last paper , most likely occuring on Monday.

If , ( ignore the optional resit as it is very easy), the 4 exams across the 3 days occur on the first week of the 5 btb, and then another 1 more not from this occur in the second week , most likely on the Monday, which do you think will be the easier arrangement , 4 across 3 or 5 btb before 1 final paper?

I have asked many others , namely 8 people. They all said that (8 of them) 4 across 3 should be doable , but whether which one is easier or harder is up to debate.

I have asked many sis CHATGPT peepelxoty Gemini etc , they all said that it is 4 across 3 , although sometimes it says it is 5+1, truly which one is easier ?

Should I buy a new ipad pro?

ZenithSkirmisher — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 19:24:25 +0800

I bought an ipad pro in 2019, since 3 years have passed I plan to sell mine and get a new one.

Is the latest iPad pro worth the RM 6k I'm prepared to invest in? Is the M2 chipset worth the hype?

CIMB ASEAN scholarship

ZenithSkirmisher — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 11:25:08 +0800

As per title

I am creating this thread for peeps who would like to apply for the CIMB ASEAN scholarship

I am an offer holder for one of ICL's master programs, I wish for all prospective applicants to convene so that we may assist each other besides sharing relevant info

Also, it would be good if each of us shares our stats, I will start first:

Current/previous university and course: Heriot-Watt University Malaysia , Actuarial Science

Degree class: first class

Working experience: Petronas + Shopee internship

Prospective course: Risk management and Financial Engineering

GRE/GMAT : Will take in next year's April

IELTS: band 7.5

Other unis I applied: LSE & NTU

Got accepted into Imperial

ZenithSkirmisher — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 08:01:44 +0800

I received a congratulatory email from Imperial last Wednesday. Am wanting to ask as to when will I receive the official offer letter on the Imperial Gateway website?

Also, am wanting to know as to if CIMB wants anyone seeking to pursue a master's in financial engineering and risk management degree at Imperial business school

Anyone taken the GMAT before ?

ZenithSkirmisher — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 16:29:29 +0800

As per title.

I am currently seeking to apply to ICL on scoring as 780+ on my GMAT. May I know if there are any resources/ paid tutoring services available in MY?

I need someone to give feedbacks on the analytical writing part of the assessment especially.

Need help with my neural network project

ZenithSkirmisher — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 17:02:49 +0800

Hello, I know this might not be the appropriate place to ask this but can someone help me with my neural network code, the outputs are either all the same for all samples or all will converge to the same number when num of outputs=1.

I think there's something wrong with the backprop but I cant figure out what, can anyone advise ?

This is the link to the jupyternotebook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W5pJt4mbwn...iew?usp=sharing

Need help with my neural network project

ZenithSkirmisher — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 17:02:00 +0800

LSE Msc finance and econs vs Imperial MSc fe

ZenithSkirmisher — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 13:42:41 +0800

As per title.

Have applied to both unis, do advice.

I just want a job in london

First class actuarial graduate from heriot watt University Malaysia, am seeking to be analyst at goldman sachs in the uk!

Imperial msc risk management worth it?

ZenithSkirmisher — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 03:53:58 +0800

Hello! I would like to study financial engineering at imperial college london in the future

Is it worth it to invest RM 300000 into this msc ????

ICMS

ZenithSkirmisher — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 19:21:33 +0800

Hello! Has anyone heard of this student organization called ICMS?

I have some questions about their recruitment process

Masters in data sci at UM

ZenithSkirmisher — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 18:03:06 +0800

Hello! So I am currently a final year BSc Actuarial Science student who is expected to graduate with a first class hons degree

In the future I might be pursuing my postgrad studies in data sci at UM. My question is , is the application process as competitive as the process for undergrad programs at IPTA unis ?

Weather app project - Is it helpful?

ZenithSkirmisher — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 22:30:17 +0800

Will a weather app convince the recruiters that one has a degree of coding ability?

I plan to create a full fledged weather app using Python along with employing data produced by the Malaysian Meteorology Bureau through using their API service which they provide to the general public. I also plan to endow my app with an user friendly interface via using the C++ programing language . If I were to succeed in creating such an app , will it be helpful in netting me a data analyst job in the future if I were to apply to companies such as KPMG along with my Bsc Actuarial Science degree qualification I got from Heriot Watt University Malaysia?

Your help is much appreciated, thank you in advance!

Just got PCE and CEILI license,how to sell policys

ZenithSkirmisher — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 23:06:43 +0800

Hello everyone!

As per the title, previously I sat for the PCIL exam at the Malaysian Insurance Institute and got my PCE and CEILI certificate. I want to inquire as to how does one sell insurance policies in addition to building their customer network? I heard that unlike other products for example cars , foods and drinks insurance agents have it harder as they cant really allow their prospects to experience first hand the benefits of buying an insurance policy hence they cant instill the impulse or the urgency to buy an insurance policy. Not to mention that people tend to reject offers from insurance agents as the general public thinks that insurance agents are essentially conmen wanting to rip money off people by selling policies and getting their commission.

I also heard that agents need to rely on cold calls and rejections are very commonly made by the leads the company gives you . How should one tailor their pitch? And how does one start off so that the customer is willing to consider spending their time to listen to your sales pitch and decide whether or not to buy the policies you recommended?

And also, should one build a database using a software like excel?

Employability of data scientists

ZenithSkirmisher — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 22:59:12 +0800

Hi! I am an Actuarial Science student who is considering data scientist as a career. Do data scientist graduates these days find themselves employable? Also, what is the employability prospect of data scientists in the future?

Thanks in advance to any sensei who answers my question!

I want to obtain a class D license

ZenithSkirmisher — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 22:06:05 +0800

As per title

Previously I obtained a class DA PDL but I am now wanting to earn a class D license instead as i feel that it is more versatile and useful

My question is, does one need to pass the L license test again before attending the driving lessons pertaining to class D ?

Masters degree with bsc actuarial science

ZenithSkirmisher — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 21:52:40 +0800

As per title

I am wanting to know what masters programme can I pursue once I graduate from HWUM with a (hopefully) first class honours degree in bsc Actuarial Science? Can I pursue engineering as a graduate student as I have taken science subjects(physics and chemistry) at A level?

Rounding of figures financial mathematics

ZenithSkirmisher — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 20:07:17 +0800

As per title

So for this question I calculated the discount factor per year to be 0.8836 and decided to write my answer as 0.883600 as the question requires me to write it in 6 dcp

But my lecturer said that it is wrong to do so and that the correct form should be 0.8836

Why is that? Can anyone enlighten me on this?

Heriott Watt or Macquarie for Actuarial science?

ZenithSkirmisher — Mon, 02 Sep 2019 16:00:43 +0800

As per title

I previously got offered a place at Heriot Watt university's actuarial science program at their Malaysia campus, however today I received an offer letter from Macquarie university for their bachelor in actuarial studies

I am rather hesitant in my choice as while Macquarie university has a better rep for their actuarial science program, heriot watt boasts cheaper tuition fees ( about 90000 compared to Macquarie's 240000)

My question is, should I go to Macquarie university for of their higher ranking and better prestige in both their program and the uni itself or should I just opt for heriot watt? Another thing I am worried about is that Macquarie only offers an ordinary bachelors degree while Heriot Watt offers a Bsc honours degree for their actuarial science program. Is your degree classification (honours or no honours) along with which uni you graduated from a topic of concern among employers nowadays for actuarial graduates?