Celebrating ESEA Identities at iCAN’s “Changing Seasons” Event
Last Thursday, in partnership with Allianz, iCAN hosted an inspiring evening dedicated to exploring East and South-East Asian (ESEA) identities through generations and migration. The event, titled "Changing Seasons: ESEA Identities Through Generations and Migration", provided a platform for thought-provoking discussions, personal stories, and a celebration of cultural heritage within the insurance industry.
A Deep Dive into ESEA Identity in 2024
The evening’s focus was on understanding what it means to be from an ESEA background in today’s world, particularly in 2024. We explored how experiences have evolved across generations and how migration between the ESEA region and the UK has shifted over time.
The conversation ranged from professional challenges to personal triumphs, with insights from our brilliant panelists: Ray Roberts, Andrew Corbin-Turner, Hanna Kam, Aqmar Batrisyia Zakaria, Armand van Hien, and Marcus Li. Each shared their unique experiences, with enriching dialogue that resonated with the attendees.
Key Insights from the Event
1.Safety and Belonging
One of the key takeaways was the importance of feeling safe and a sense of belonging in different contexts. This feeling varies depending on the environment and the communities we engage with. It’s a reminder of the fluid nature of identity, particularly for those navigating multiple cultures.
2. Overcoming Barriers in Professional Life
Many of our speakers reflected on how traditional Asian values, such as respect and humility, can sometimes be a double-edged sword in professional settings. Ray Roberts spoke candidly about how he initially distanced himself from his heritage but later embraced it as a source of strength. His journey highlighted the challenge of being truly bilingual and finding pride in one’s cultural identity.
The panel also discussed how confidence plays a key role in progression, especially in workplaces that don’t always acknowledge or celebrate cultural differences.
3.Breaking Self-Imposed Barriers
Armand van Hien encouraged attendees to reflect on the barriers they might be creating for themselves. He emphasised the importance of recognising these self-imposed limitations and the need to break them down to achieve personal and professional growth.
4.The Role of Visible Role Models and Data
Hanna Kam spoke about the critical role of visible role models in the workplace. She pointed out that representation matters, and using data to understand where talent lies can help identify and promote diverse individuals. Hanna’s takeaway was clear: diversity of thought is not just important but essential for building successful, dynamic teams.
5. Food as a Cultural Anchor
Finally, the conversation touched on the cultural significance of food and how it acts as a bridge to heritage and identity. Food plays a key role in linking generations and keeping cultural traditions alive, creating memories and connections that span families and communities.
A Night of Reflection and Connection
The evening was a reminder of how much we can learn from each other’s stories and experiences. From embracing our cultural identities to navigating the challenges of professional life, our panellists shared powerful messages that left a lasting impact on everyone in the room.
Looking Ahead
We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors, Allianz, and all the attendees who made the event such a success. Special thanks to Laura Paterson ACII for her support in bringing the event to life, and to our fantastic panellists for their thought-provoking contributions.
As we continue to celebrate and support the ESEA community, events like this are essential in creating understanding, building connections, and driving meaningful change in the insurance industry.
If you’re interested in joining our future events and becoming part of the iCAN community, stay connected with us for more updates.
About iCAN
The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network (iCAN) is a leading organisation committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the insurance sector. Established in 2017, iCAN has been instrumental in spotlighting cultural awareness, fostering talent, and championing diversity within the industry.