On 5 November 2022, Nicholas received the Book Award given by the School of Mathematical Sciences, Sunway University during the Sunway IFoA Awards Ceremony. The Book Award is to recognise students' efforts in securing all 6 IFoA exemptions as well as passing 1 IFoA exam (e.g., CB3 exam) before graduation.

In his Book Award speech, Nicholas encouraged his graduating juniors to keep up the momentum by starting to study for the next exam immediately after graduation. As it is challenging to juggle between studying for exams and work expectations, a sense of urgency is needed to keep up the momentum to study and pass the professional exams.

Nicholas expressed his gratitude to Sunway University which not only prepared him with adequate skills to assimilate into the actuarial industry, but the university has also given him the confidence and knowledge needed to continue his journey to qualify as an actuary. By passing 1 IFoA Exam and obtaining 6 IFoA exemptions, Nicholas could plan and accelerate his actuarial pathway.

In addition to the Book Award, Nicholas Cheong was also awarded the prestigious Sir Edward Johnston Prize, and the China and South-East Asia Scholarship affiliated with the IFoA. He also graduated with first-class honours in BAS with a perfect 4.00 CGPA and was named the recipient of the Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah Scholastic Award. For his achievements, Nicholas was selected as the Valedictorian at the Sunway University Convocation on 7 July 2022.

On top of his academic excellence, Nicholas Cheong was actively involved in co-curricular activities, especially in the Sunway Actuarial & Financial Excellence (SAFE), a student club which is affiliated with the school’s actuarial programme. He also served as a mentor for various subjects in the school’s Peer-Assisted Learning Programme.

Currently, Nicholas has CB1, CB2, CB3, CM1, CM2, CS1, CS2, CP2 and CP3 under his belt and is pending the CP1 exam to qualify as an Associate of the IFoA. He is working as an Actuarial Analyst at Nicholas Actuarial Solutions, an actuarial consultancy firm founded by the School's in-house actuary, Nicholas Yeo.

Congratulations to Nicholas on his outstanding achievements. His continued support and contribution as an alumnus for several school events are greatly appreciated by the School and the University. May he achieve the best in his future endeavours.