Some people say that for Jasper, exams are a piece of cake. At the age of 27, he already had the CFA charter and the FSA designation to his name. However, not many people know that he also claims to hold the record for being the ASP’s biggest exam fee contributor, having already sat for 26 ASP exams (aside from 14 SOA exams, 12 LOMA exams and 3 CFA exams).  But hey, who’s counting? 

Actually, Jasper didn’t have it easy in life, but he did have his share of blessings.  He is the eldest of three brothers, and he describes his childhood as “austere, but fulfilling”.  He got decent grades and like most actuaries enjoyed a fair share of success in math and science competitions, which is how he helped out around the house (winnings from the Battle of the Brains and the Weakest Link went to his family).

At age 16, he had already settled for the most economical choice in education, having been accepted to take Computer Engineering at UP Diliman.  However, God had other plans for him and he was granted a full scholarship at De La Salle University for topping the entrance exam in 1996.  He enjoyed his life as a Lasallian, which he described as bumpy, treacherous, difficult and altogether well-rounded.  This was also the time where he found his true love in the sport of hockey.  Yes, he still likes to pivot, deke and shoot, but what he really means is that this is where he met his wife-to-be.  In fact, he spent the first five months after graduation in 1999 winning her over, which he still remembers as the best full-time job he ever had.

While he was still in university, Jasper took an internship with Citibank, and “accidentally” joined Nippon Life as a Financial Planner.  Nippon Life was so new back then, that he actually became the top performer in the Makati branch on his first month and had a congratulatory lunch with the president, just by selling a couple of ordinary life policies.  However, realizing that the actuarial profession was his true calling, he joined PhilamCare in 2000, SunLife in 2002 and then AXA in 2005.

Even then, he was already very driven to succeed.  The family had been going through difficult times financially and it was particularly stressful to manage.  This environment taught him to never be complacent in anything, but to always do one’s best with whatever one has been given.

While Jasper was taking his actuarial exams, he didn’t feel at ease with the seasonal hardship and uncertainty of the process.  In order to “smooth” out the effort and gains of studying, he joined the M.S. Computational Finance program at age 21 in the Graduate School of Business of De La Salle University, where he again topped the entrance exam and graduated with top honors (his first time).  During his coursework, he crystallized his career goals to be Manager by age 24, AVP by age 27 and VP by age 29.  He attributes his occasional favorable exam results to the discipline he gained while taking these year-round night classes.  He is also an advocate of scheduling half-day study leaves in the office, claiming that it has many advantages, including great lighting, ergonomic seating, climate control, access to resources and a very large shortage of other “fun” things to do.

So how does the latest chapter of the story end?  In November 2007, Jasper took the biggest challenge of his life.  He married Trixie Lee in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by family and friends.  And in December, he took his final ASP exam.  After many years of perseverance, it was actually a decision to start a family that would complete his journey.  He was also blessed with several important assignments and has been appointed VP and Chief Actuary of AXA.  To top it all off, he is also going to be a dad! He and his wife Trixie are expecting their first bundle of joy this December.

So how would Jasper Cheng, FSA FASP CFA FLMI ACS AFSI, like to be called?  Well, he is actually proud to be known as Jasper Hendrik Tan Cheng, obedient son, supportive brother, loving husband, responsible father, and pastor of his family.