SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Hippo Insurance (Hippo Wealth) and the UNSW Business School have announced a significant deepening of their strategic partnership, marking a new chapter in their collaborative efforts. Building on a successful initial partnership established in 2024, which yielded notable achievements in Australia’s integrated insurance and claims services sector, the renewed agreement for 2025 signifies a profound advancement in their joint commitment to cultivating insurtech talent and fostering industry innovation.
UNSW Business School, recognized globally as a premier institution for business education, is renowned for its academic excellence and substantial industry influence. The School boasts an extensive network of industry partners, including global leaders such as Microsoft.
Hippo Insurance’s inclusion as the sole insurance partner of the UNSW Business School not only underscores its prominent standing and impact within Australia’s insurance and claims services landscape but also injects fresh vitality into the School’s academic research, curriculum development, and practical student engagement initiatives.
Part One: Jeffrey’s Address – Passion, Practicality, and Industry Insight
Jeffrey, Founder and Chief Insurance Advisor at Hippo Insurance, delivered a compelling address to UNSW students titled “Pursuing Passion and Mentorship Guidance,” sharing his professional journey and aspirations for the next generation of financial talent.
1. Passion Drives Career Growth
“In the financial industry, opportunities always favor those who are both professional and passionate,” Jeffrey stated, resonating deeply with the audience. He elaborated on his ‘3E’ principle: Entertain (maintain interest), Educate (continuous learning), and Empower (practical application).
Jeffrey emphasized that “Do what you love, love what you do” is crucial for career success. He shared his personal story, detailing his journey from a humble student in a small Chinese village to his current position through relentless effort.
“True motivation comes from passion. This holds true in the financial industry—if you are passionate about your work, you will proactively learn and push your boundaries.”
2. The Value of Mentorship: Guiding Direction, Opening Doors to Opportunity
Jeffrey highlighted the critical importance of finding an excellent mentor. He recalled:
“Early in my career, a manager saw potential in me that I hadn’t recognized myself. He not only instilled confidence but also provided pivotal opportunities in subsequent roles. A good mentor helps you identify blind spots, guides your direction, and can even open new doors for you.”
He encouraged Business School students to actively seek industry mentors and maintain an open mind, as “opportunities often favor those who step forward and dare to seize them.”
3. Gratitude and Giving Back: A Virtuous Cycle in the Industry Ecosystem
Jeffrey concluded his speech by emphasizing, “Always be grateful.” He stressed the importance of remembering the support from colleagues, the guidance from mentors, and the trust from clients.
“In the financial industry, networks and trust are intangible assets. When you practice gratitude, others will be more willing to invest in your growth.”
His address not only inspired the students but also reinforced the core philosophy of the Hippo Insurance-UNSW Business School collaboration: fostering the next generation of financial leaders through practical experience, continuous learning, and profound industry insights.
Part Two: UNSW Business School Representative’s Address – Deep Integration of Academia and Practice
A representative from the UNSW Business School detailed the specifics of the collaboration during the event, emphasizing the critical importance of synergy between academic institutions and industry leaders.
1. Insurtech: Industry Transformation and Talent Demand
As the digital wave sweeps across the globe, Australia’s integrated insurance and claims sector is undergoing unprecedented transformation. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain are reshaping the industry landscape, creating a significant demand for interdisciplinary talent proficient in both technology and business acumen.
UNSW Business School’s representative noted:
“Our partnership with Hippo Insurance is precisely designed to expose students to the forefront of industry trends, enabling them to apply classroom knowledge to real-world business scenarios. This not only enhances their employability but also supplies the industry with highly capable new talent.”
2. Career Accelerator Program: A Core Platform for Cultivating Future Financial Leaders
Central to this collaboration, the Career Accelerator Future Work Program (COMM5044) will offer students the following opportunities:
•Practical Projects: Collaborate with the Hippo Insurance team to solve real business challenges in the Australian insurance sector.
•Skill Enhancement: Strengthen problem-solving, critical thinking, and consulting abilities to adapt to the rapidly evolving industry demands.
•Industry Networking: Connect with FinTech experts and corporate executives to expand professional networks.
The UNSW Business School representative specifically highlighted:
“This program is more than just an internship; it’s an accelerated growth initiative. Students will work as true industry consultants, proposing actionable solutions and continuously refining them under the guidance of mentors.”
3. Long-Term Value of University-Enterprise Collaboration
The partnership between UNSW Business School and Hippo Insurance extends beyond short-term projects, aiming to build a long-term talent ecosystem. Through various formats such as industry lectures, corporate visits, and case studies, students will continuously engage with the latest industry developments, while companies can identify potential talent.
“We believe that education should not be confined to the classroom. Collaborating with innovative enterprises like Hippo Insurance allows academic research to align more closely with practical needs, truly driving industry progress.”
Part Three: Collaboration Outlook – Shaping the Future of Insurtech
The collaboration between Hippo Insurance and UNSW Business School is more than just a resource integration between an enterprise and a university; it represents an innovative “education + industry” model. In the future, both parties plan to deepen their cooperation in the following areas:
•Research Innovation: Jointly conduct research projects to drive technological breakthroughs in the industry.
•Global Expansion: Leverage UNSW Business School’s international network to promote this collaborative model to more regions, fostering global financial talent.
•Social Responsibility: Through financial literacy education, help more users understand wealth management, fulfilling the mission of “technology for good.”
” Hand in Hand, Defining the Future”
Jeffrey, Founder of Hippo Insurance, and the vision of UNSW Business School collectively paint a blueprint of “education empowering industry, and industry giving back to education.” In the digital age, such university-enterprise collaborations not only provide a growth platform for students but also inject strong momentum into the future development of the insurtech industry. As Jeffrey stated, “Success is not accidental; it is a combination of passion, perseverance, and correct guidance.” The partnership between UNSW Business School and Hippo Insurance aims to help more young people find this passion and flourish in the industry. Moving forward, both parties will continue to work hand in hand, jointly defining a new era of insurtech.
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Author Profile: Jeffrey Liu, JP, is the founder and principal adviser of Hippo Insurance (aka: Hippo Wealth), with a deep expertise in wealth protection. His extensive experience includes roles in the wealth management divisions of Westpac, ANZ, and a local multi-family office. As the host of “Riches Talk,” a podcast dedicated to cultivating personal and business growth, Jeffrey has established himself as a thought leader in developing life riches. His insights have been featured on SBS, The Australian, and Channel 7. Notably, he was a semi-finalist on Australia’s Got Talent in 2010. Learn more at http://www.hippoinsurance.com.au
