FWD Life Insurance (FWD Philippines) has announced that registration for its annual FWD SpringboardX Student Challenge is now open until September 30, 2023.
Launched in 2021, the FWD SpringboardX Student Challenge invites tertiary students to form teams of up to five individuals to come up with new, innovative, and impactful solutions for real-life business challenges. Students who participate in the program will learn how to upgrade their skillsets through mentorship programs with the FWD senior management team, while also expanding their network by meeting like-minded professionals and other participating students.
The FWD SpringboardX Student Challenge seeks to inspire three things from student participants: innovation, impact, and ideas. The program prompts students to present a new perspective on how insurance services should be delivered and perceived to cater to the preferences, behaviors, and demands of the younger generation.
“To build the best future for all of us, we must be able to empower the next generation,” explains FWD President and CEO Antonio Manuel “Jumbing” De Rosas. “With the SpringboardX Student Challenge, we’re enabling them to tap into their entrepreneurial spirit and help them become their own agents of positive change for our communities by solving real-world problems. This helps FWD to continue changing the way people feel about insurance and support nation-building for everyone.”
How it works
The SpringboardX Student Challenge calls for entries from all tertiary students (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD), across 10 FWD markets in Asia including the Philippines, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Five teams among the participants with the best ideas will be selected and mentored for the final pitch on October 23 to 27 to stand a chance to win cash prizes. Winning ideas may also be developed, produced, and rolled out by FWD.
Last year, three student representatives from the University of the Philippines-Diliman bagged the 2nd place among all representatives from other Asian markets. “Team Ulteamates’’ Veronica Julio, Alexandra Pates, and Chelsea Dy recognized the financial constraints often faced by Filipino Gen-Zs and created a tech-based plan that is fit for the target.
Their “Adulting Starter Pack” included affordable monthly premiums, maximized accessibility through popular e-wallets and e-commerce platforms, and enabled group purchases for up to four individuals, reinforcing the idea that the journey is better taken together. Team Ulteamates member, Chelsea Dy further explains, “Our plan encapsulates our dedication to crafting a solution that resonates with the distinct needs, aspirations, and apprehensions of young Filipinos as they embark on this exciting phase of life.”
Veronica Julio says that their experience working on the FWD SpringboardX Student Challenge opened their eyes to aspects of insurance that they never expected to learn about. “We were able to apply our marketing and technical skills and knowledge to a real-life case, which helped us better understand what we were taught. The warm support we received from the FWD Philippines Community upon entering the finals was also very rewarding. Overall, the SpringboardX Student Challenge was very worthwhile and gratifying!”
Be like Team Ulteamates and get a chance to win up to USD3,000! Registration for the FWD SpringboardX Student Challenge is open until September 30, 2023.