The Actuaries Insitute says it remains focused on providing insight on future trends as it reflects on its 125th anniversary.

Institute President Annette King asserts that in "the age of the actuary", the organisation's role in interpreting data has never been more vital.

"Our relevance continues to increase as artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science change the world we live in," Ms King said.

"Actuaries will be there to harness, integrate and question that data; to ensure it is used wisely and well –and for good."

Ms King says the value of actuaries as independent and data-driven groups has proven to be fundamental as a policy driver in several industries, including insurance.

"Actuaries' rigorous skills work in public policy because we combine them with a tradition of independence and an ethical framework that has always been built on a sense of equity," she said.

The institute, which began with 17 members in 1897, now boasts 5500 across the world, with about half under the age of 35 and 25% working in Asia.

Ms King, who is the institute's eighth female head, praised the efforts of organisation members, saying that "wherever you stand in this profession, you stand on the shoulders of giants".

"The presidents, councillors, volunteers, and countless others who led a profession that continues to help shape Australia," she said.

"We are who we are today because of their work and their traditions of excellence, integrity, curiosity, innovation –and courage."