My typical day is to verify and evaluate existing risks through a risk workshop with the risk owners. Identify potential risks impacting strategic, operational and project risks. Provide advisory on non-progressing risks and maintain open communication and rapport with the management across the business.

The driving force that motivates me in my daily tasks is the value that it provides to the organisation or the person himself. The value could be in a form of:

• informed decision-making which could result in revenue, or

• Holistic management of risks across the organisation

• personal improvement to be self-aware of the potential implications of personal or collective actions in achieving the intended results.

One of the challenging elements of the function is the ability to react and respond in a vast changing and dynamic logistic landscape relating to any emerging risks arising from external factors.

Assisting in managing risks across the business has always been my passion. But I thought that passion is not enough, especially in terms of best practices and approaches in the embedding and implementation of risks.

I learned about IRM and its certification through testimonies and recommendations. I decided that IRM International Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management is suitable for my needs in achieving my goals.

The course is informative and practical which expanded my knowledge about risk management.

The topic that stood out is “strategy and risk appetite”. A practical guide on how to define the risk appetite, tolerance and capacity against the organisation’s strategy in achieving its objectives.

I would say go for the qualification to learn more about practical guidance and best practices on risk management implementation. Most especially, go for the qualification to boost your credentials and become a valuable asset to your respective organisation.

The course is packed with significant fundamentals of risk management which vary from principles and practical applications of risk management.

I enrolled during the peak of the pandemic having in mind that I would have plenty of time to study due to the work from home. I never realised that a lot of things would happen during my exam preparations. To mention:  I got hospitalised (August)  for ten days due to an eye problem which requires ample time for recovery; I have to prepare for Risk Awareness Month (October)  for my previous company which required a lot of preparation, planning and communication for the whole month events; my wife, two  daughters and myself got COVID-19 (December) which also required quarantine at home for several days. During these days I had difficulty finding time to study and focus.

To those aspiring individuals who are interested to take the course, the following are my lessons learnt and advice.

• Create a study plan that is practical and applicable to you. If you are a beginner and want to get in-depth with the course two hours a day could suffice until the examination day, otherwise, a thirty  minute focused study can do if you have family and work obligations, like cooking, driving kids to school, etc.

• Ask for help from your loved ones in times when you want to study as per your plan.

• Participate in study groups organised by your batch mates as they can give clarifications on your confusion about certain topics.

• Share and give guidance on your areas of expertise during group discussions.

• Never give up learning and continue on your life’s goal and mission.