Coffee, Code, and Culture.
Three months in, and already shipping to production. Hongwei may be new to AMS, but she’s already making her mark. From deploying updates to learning the ins and outs of insurance, she brings curiosity, energy, and just the right amount of caffeine. We caught up with her to hear about her first few months, what surprised her, and what’s keeping her inspired.
Welcome! How’s it all going so far?
Really well! It’s gone by quickly, but at the same time, it feels like I’ve been here longer.
What’s something you’re proud of already?
Deploying my first piece of work! With support from my teammate Sheila, I helped update some standard insurance benefits and version codes. It also involved adjusting client communications like anniversary letters. Going through the full cycle, from development to production, was a great experience. It felt like a real milestone.
What’s stood out most to you about AMS?
Definitely the people. I’m the youngest in my team, but I’ve never felt like I had to prove myself. Everyone’s so willing to share knowledge, no matter how long they’ve been here. Some have been with AMS for decades and are still learning and improving. That kind of culture is rare, and it really inspires me.
There’s an energy here that’s hard to describe. It’s positive, collaborative, and it feels like things are still growing. I’ve been calling it a ‘spring feeling.’
You joined from outside the insurance world - how has that been?
Yes! Before AMS, I didn’t know anything about insurance. I didn’t even know what a premium was - I just knew money came out of my account each month for health cover! But now I’ve learned so much: how proposals work, how authorisations happen, even the underwriting process. I’m surprised by how interesting it all is once you see how it fits together.
What helps you stay energised at work?
Hybrid working, for sure. I live a bit far from the office, and long drives drain my energy. Having the option to work from home for 3 days and in for 2 makes a big difference. I enjoy coming into the office and catching up with people face-to-face.
And the coffee machine helps too - I’ve even learned to make a decent flat white!
What are you looking forward to next?
I’m keen to dive deeper into the PAS software program and keep building my knowledge about insurance. It’s a steep learning curve, but I feel supported every step of the way. I’m excited about what’s ahead.
Final question - do you have a favorite saying?
I don’t have a quote or saying, but I try to focus on what’s in front of me, do my best, and not stress about what I can’t control. That mindset helps keep things in perspective.
Welcome to the team, Hongwei. We’re lucky to have you!