Dung Le’s proposed insurance solution would protect perishable-food importers against shipping delays at ports
A Boston University student has been chosen as one of three finalists in AM Best’s 2027 Student Challenge, a competition that invites undergraduate and graduate students to develop innovative solutions to risk management and insurance challenges.
Dung Le, who is also goes by Edison Le, was selected for his proposed insurance risk transfer structure designed to protect importers of perishable foods against delays occurring after shipments arrive at ports.
Le’s proposal uses four layers of shared risk, with insurance payments triggered automatically based on verified port dwell times and the remaining shelf life of each shipment. The proposed structure is intended to address the financial risks associated with delays that can reduce the marketable life of imported perishable goods.
Boston University Student Among Three Finalists
Le is competing against other students from Macquarie University and St. Mary’s University, who proposed parametric insurance solutions.
The other finalists proposals are as follows:
- Yeyoung An, Macquarie University: Proposed parametric insurance that would automatically reimburse verified attendees when an event experiences a significant delay, interruption or loss of scheduled programming.
- Abdullah Mohammad Mahi, Montserrat Virgilio Bernal and Dilly Ogunrinde, St. Mary’s University: Proposed a parametric insurance policy that would pay data centers a predetermined amount when specified combinations of extreme heat, water shortages and electrical grid stress occur.
All three proposals incorporate predefined triggers designed to provide payments when specified conditions are met.
Finalists to Receive Industry Recognition and Professional Feedback
Each finalist will receive a financial prize, an academic medal and trophy, and an opportunity to work with an AM Best professional who will provide feedback on the development of the proposed insurance solution.
Finalists will also be interviewed by AM Best TV, featured in Best’s Review magazine and recognized through AM Best’s social media channels.
Beginning December 7, 2026, recorded presentations explaining each finalist’s proposal will be posted on the AM Best Student Challenge website, where insurance industry executives will have an opportunity to view the presentations and vote electronically.
The winner will be announced in Best’s Review on February 1, 2027.
AM Best Competition Encourages New Insurance Industry Talent
“We appreciate all of the students who participated in AM Best’s 2027 Student Challenge,” said Lee McDonald, AM Best senior vice president. “Every idea we received showed insight and innovation about an insurance industry opportunity. The challenge served as a catalyst for students to develop real-world ideas—and get feedback from AM Best experts, gain recognition for their efforts and expand their resumes with an insurance-specific project.”
The annual student challenge is among AM Best’s initiatives aimed at supporting the development of future insurance industry professionals. The company also offers an analytical development program for individuals pursuing careers in insurance analysis.
