As a customer-centric insurance provider that provides innovative solutions for personal and business needs, AXA Hong Kong strives to empower its customers to live a better life. This entails using technologies that provide convenient and more personalised services and experiences.
For example, AXA has digitised its document-handling processes to allow customers to benefit from better engagement processes and simpler transaction procedures. The insurance provider also leverages artificial intelligence-powered chatbots to enhance interactions with customers. “We continuously focus on improving customer experiences and business efficiencies,” says Tony Wo, senior manager, learning and culture, human resources, AXA Hong Kong.
As the main sponsor of the second Classified Post Hackathon, Wo believes AXA will be in a prime position to see first-hand solutions that hackathon participants develop to overcome the real-world challenges set by the organisers. Working in teams of three to five, Hong Kong undergraduate students, or graduates with a maximum of two years’ experience, will have 24 hours to build apps, tools and innovative solutions for use in the media and insurance industries. “We can pick up ideas to better shape the insurance industry moving forward,” notes Wo, adding that, providing there are no issues involving sensitive data, AXA is open to sharing the outcomes and discoveries that result from the hackathon.
Wo stresses that it is too early to say whether any findings could be developed for commercial applications. Even though the insurance industry is a complex and heavily regulated business sector, it has experienced technology-influenced disruption and rapid digitalisation over the last few years. But in spite of innovative ideas emerging from the industry, Wo thinks that groundbreaking ideas could lead to an increase in impactful efficiencies. Such innovations could provide benefits for customers, he says. “The hackathon could be the event where one of those breakthroughs is made,” Wo says.
Alongside the technical and creative benefits of taking part in the hackathon, Wo believes that participants will have an opportunity to sharpen their planning, risk taking, communication skills, and persuasiveness. There are no right or wrong solutions to the hackathon insurance or media challenges, so participants will need to demonstrate their tenacity by sticking with their chosen methods.
While Wo acknowledges that participants will need to spend most of their time concentrating on developing their solutions, they should still find time to talk to the many experienced business professionals attending and supporting the event. “Talking to different professionals will definitely be helpful,” says Wo adding that asking the right questions will be the key to gaining the most from any conversation. The concept of networking leadership, a business buzz phrase for interacting and bridging relationships with individuals who have different experiences, skill sets, industry sectors and professions, is important to keep in mind, he says.
As the main sponsor of the Classified Post Hackathon, Wo says the concept of solving challenges and finding new solutions aligns with AXA’s culture that staff should be bold and not afraid to try new things. With its adoption of a technology-driven and agile driven work environment, Wo says AXA has established its own Design and Experience Studio to allow employees to learn about design thinking and prototyping. “We have been running internal ideas competitions which provide employees with a platform to pitch their ideas to senior management, and, in some cases, execute them,” says Wo.
