The Pan-Asia Risk and Insurance Management Association (PARIMA) concludes its Next-Gen Risk Takers Challenge Taipei edition, naming Charmaine Marie Villa as the winner of the speaking competition. Villa, operations risk manager at St. Luke’s Medical Center, secures the top spot following a competitive selection process and a final round of live presentations. The challenge provides emerging risk professionals with a platform to share insights and experiences with a live audience. Finalists are given 15 minutes to present their speech, followed by a Q&A session with a panel of judges that tests their technical knowledge, clarity, and critical thinking under pressure. Joining Villa in the final are Michelle H. Yang, senior specialist at Qisda Corporation, and Ryan Chiang, assistant manager at Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Commenting on her win, Villa says: “This is a very meaningful experience for me, and at the same time, this is a reflection of what my team believes in. We have the mindset that risk management is not something that we deliver, but it is something that we build with people.” The initiative is supported by title sponsor QBE Asia, as part of a shared commitment to developing the next generation of risk talent in the region. Cynthia Huang, head of Taiwan and Greater China desk at QBE Asia, says: “It is encouraging to see the depth of talent and passion among emerging risk professionals in Taiwan. Through the challenge, participants are not only sharpening their technical knowledge but also developing the communication and leadership skills critical to the future of the profession.” The Taipei event is part of a wider 2026 series for the Next-Gen Risk Takers Challenge, with upcoming editions scheduled for Manila, Philippines (21 May); Penang, Malaysia (6 August); and Beijing, China (17 September). Winners from each edition receive a subsidised trip and the opportunity to speak at the PARIMA Conference in Singapore, which takes place from 14 to 15 October 2026. PARIMA is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing the risk management profession across Asia-Pacific. The association represents more than 2,600 members from over 1,300 companies.
