As if on queue with the holidays, I received one of the best gifts this season-- my diploma.
Well, it didn't arrive falling from a chimney or wrapped in colorful paper, but I got it after going through sixteen months of work and play at the Asian Institute of Management.
It feels great, especially during our graduation, where everybody from the first 16-month MBA program was just on an emotional high. I clearly felt the jubilation as I triumphantly walked up the stage, shook hands with Prof. Ricky Lim and Mr. Francis Estrada, walked off bursting with pride, diploma in hand. It was my way of saying, "Take that AIM! I did it! I survived the cases, the CP, the WACs, the BS." The challenge was presented and I prevailed.
Now, I walk away from AIM as a young MBA graduate, and I should be looking for a new, different challenge. But I'll put that on hold for now. I'll relish the holidays with one special present-- not under our Christmas tree, but hanging framed on my wall.
A Young MBA Graduate, Finally
AIM Blog Goes on Holiday Break
As an international educational institution, AIM celebrates the different festivities of various nations and religions. In line with this, we are officially going to observe a Christmas break from December 22 to January 2, 2008. Thus, the AIM blog will resume fresh posting of news, events and happenings starting on January 5, 2008.
We hope that you and your family celebrate this season with joy and peace! Happy Holidays!
Insights for 2009 from the AIM Professors
Before the year 2008 ends, we interviewed two respected AIM faculty members. Washington Sycip Graduate School of Business' Associate Dean Ricky Lim and Professor Federico Macaranas, 2008 Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Awardee for Community and Humanitarian Service generously shared their insights and inspirations for the new year ahead.
What would you consider AIM milestones in 2008?
Professor Lim: For this year, I consider the MBA-16 program as the major milestone of the Institute. With the shortened period, the faculty streamlined the program into what is essential. On the student's side, they were able to finish their MBA much earlier, giving them shorter time to recover their educational investment.
What do you think is the role of AIM in helping people cope with the economic crisis?
Professor Lim: The Master in Business Administration (MBA), Master in Management (MM) and Master in Development Management (MDM) prepare students for complex and volatile environment, with limited resources to work with. They get to develop "Adversity Quotient", making them resilient and able to cope with unclear problems and solutions. They learn to address the problems on hand and not easily panic as they come.
Professor Macaranas: The role of AIM is making people understand the roots of the crisis and the solutions at the global and national level so individuals can manage things within their control.
What do you think is the extent of the financial crisis in Asia, particularly in the Philippines?
Professor Lim: Quoting from an AIM alumnus, as a result of the Asian Crisis last 1997, many of our financial institutions and banks did not play so much on foreign derivatives. Therefore, this means that the Philippines will not be severely affected by the financial crisis, unlike the developed countries who are experiencing a recession.
Professor Macaranas: Asia is the saving grace of the crisis. China and India are growing at least 5% rate, even at the time when developed countries, particularly the U.S., Europe and Japan, are in a recession.
The Philippines is not as exposed to financial links like Hong Kong and Singapore. However, some of our local banks are linked to the different assets underlying many financial papers issued in the West.
What are your suggestions on how we can best cope with the crisis?
Professor Lim: People should be on thrift mode and cut down on consumer spending. This will help everyone face the 4-5 year bleak economic forecast. Little things like turning the aircon off and postponing unnecessary buying can help.
Professor Macaranas:
1) Both public and private sectors should have a clear appreciation of each other's roles. Confidence in financial system must be bolstered by the appropriate government bodies and the private sector must be transparent about their exposures. We have to have good knowledge of these exposures. It's already too late if it's already in the newspapers. Government has to make sure that monetary authorities are on guard.
2) On the short term, government must continue with the non-protectionist trade and investment policies, but must make sure it keeps to a long-term strengthening of productivity of agriculture industry and services.
3) Individual firms must watch how new markets may flourish amidst the recession and look at growth opportunities in the sunrise industry such as BPO's, environmental technologies, biofuels, short haul tourism, food and agriculture and mining to serve the markets of China and India.
What "mantra" or positive saying would you like to imprint on people's minds during this trying times?
Professor Lim: LEARN TO LEARN. You have to learn new skills, new language, learn to cook. Just get into the process of learning new things, and re-inventing yourself.
Professor Macaranas: REMAIN COMPETITIVE. If you can, look for opportunities despite down times, look out for promising things to do.
Fernando Zobel's Speech at the AIM MBA Graduation
BUSINESS SCHOOLS’ ROLE IN DEVELOPING GOOD VALUES
President Francis Estrada
Dean Victoria Licuanan
Faculty of AIM
Graduating Students, Families, Ladies and Gentlemen
Good morning.
I am honored to be part of this important occasion and I thank Francis Estrada for inviting me to address you today. In truth, I initially hesitated to accept his invitation. It seemed a daunting task to offer inspiration and encouragement to new MBA graduates at a time when there seems to be a dearth of good news all over the world. I wondered what insights I could offer during this period of extreme challenge and uncertainty.
But then again, I also realized that this is an opportunity to personally reflect on the events that have transpired over the past months. I have always had great respect and admiration for AIM as a learning institution, for the fine work it has done to help shape management thinking in Asia and for the many excellent graduates it has formed for many Asian businesses. I decided that addressing you at a time of gloom and doom could be a unique moment to re-examine our mental frameworks and models of engagement as we pursue the challenges ahead of us. Global business has shifted so dramatically. Our minds are frantically trying to catch up with changing realities and no one has fully figured these out yet. Thus, this is a possible learning moment for all of us in the midst of this raging crisis. The lessons we derive can help shape our business models, our individual behavior, and moral consciousness, as we pursue our professional goals and build careers within this global business environment.
The world you are entering today is so different from the one past AIM graduates entered, even as recently as a couple of years ago. The era of deregulation in the nineties brought down barriers, opened economies, allowed much freer movement of goods, services, and human capital at a pace never conceived before. It ushered a globalized world of greater interdependence and connectedness.
Globalization has been a tremendous creative force in business. As we all know, it has expanded, deepened, and shaped markets for all sorts of businesses. It has created jobs and new enterprises as goods and services flowed freely across borders and as human capital migrated to parts of the world that offered the best of opportunities. Our own overseas workers are one of the clearest examples of this trend. Globalization has given rise to new global industries in the offshoring and outsourcing space which have helped the Philippines and India in such a significant and unique way, accelerating economic growth and prosperity and giving hope to so many of our youth . Globalization has made competition in cost, quality, efficiency, and innovation so compelling that consumers as well as producers have gained. It has mobilized financial investments, intellectual capabilities, information resources, and most of all, good old sheer human effort in order to create wealth from meeting the needs of the world’s customers wherever they are. We have seen in many ways how the free market model within this global order has spurred material and social progress in varying degrees all over the world.
However, the scale, severity and depth of the ongoing financial crisis, which seems to have emerged almost unexpectedly, have highlighted the risks of this interconnected world, putting the predominantly Western-ascribed free market model under greater scrutiny. When venerable financial institutions in the US and Europe collapse, when companies that served as symbols and icons of the free markets resort to government relief, when increasing government intervention is required to stem further corporate failures, the world has to re-examine the underlying business philosophies that have pervaded much of the Western world.
The unprecedented failures we have seen in global financial markets signal a breakdown within this highly deregulated system and requires our governing bodies, at the very minimum, to reassess the policy and regulatory frameworks that shape the structure and conduct of industries.
However, over and beyond the policy frameworks and checks and balances that can be put in place by regulatory agencies, we do also need to question, in a very fundamental way, the corporate governance structure employed by the participants of this free market system. Some very pointed questions are being asked today about the roles of boards and executive management. This comes to light as companies today are seen to be highly driven by the relentless pursuit of double-digit profit growth quarter by quarter, as we see many examples of CEOs replaced in an instant for not meeting targets successively, and as compensation structures and incentive schemes disproportionately reward executives even in the midst of financial failures. This apparent disconnect completely undermines the foundation of governance and the confidence in boards and executive management who are mandated to preserve and enhance value for its stakeholders.
It begs the question whether the pressure of free market competition, with rewards tied mainly to profits, revenues, and stock price performance, has put people in too great a pressure to break basic rules of conduct or push them to take on far more risk than is fundamentally tolerable.
While the free market economy certainly is not a perfect system, I share the belief that its flaws have stemmed less from its design and more from the actions and motivations of its human participants. At the heart of this are the values and business ethics that shape its behavior. These are the components that build trust to ensure markets continue to function as they should. Trust leads investors to place their hard-earned savings in financial institutions and enterprises, guides corporate boards to act responsibly and motivates professional managers to lead their organizations to perform even when not being observed and measured.
Alan Greenspan puts it right when he was questioned by the US Congress at the onset of the financial crisis. He believed that the ideology of the free market model worked well and efficiently and produced much prosperity over the past 40 years, but he also assumed that he could trust institutions first and foremost, to protect its stakeholders. Trust has become an extremely valuable commodity in these difficult times as it has been severely diminished, and in so many cases destroyed, by the global crisis. We have seen the devastating impact when banks were suddenly unwilling to lend to one another. Trust is the public good that depends so much on responsible private behavior. We have witnessed, in just a few months the kind of value destruction and breakdown in trust that can take place when individuals and institutions in this open global free market system are allowed to behave irresponsibly.
To restore this rare commodity of trust into markets and institutions is a challenge to all of us. Businesses and its leaders, in particular, must help shape new values and moral concerns before they can hope to shape the rules of the market. Over an unbridled pursuit of wealth or profit, a greater sense of “balanced capitalism” must pervade, where businesses find equilibrium in fulfilling its profit-seeking nature and simultaneously create a positive social and developmental impact. Businesses are now increasingly regarded as having an implicit social contract with society and now, more than ever, they need to take into account the social impact of board room decisions and business activities beyond achieving profit metrics.
I do feel that Asian companies, and in particular, family-led Asian companies, can provide some interesting examples in this regard. The reality of doing business in a developing economy, where social inequity pervades glaringly, has sensitized Asian companies to many matters that most Western companies probably take for granted. We cannot single-mindedly pursue our narrow corporate prosperity in the midst of so much mass poverty and disadvantage without putting at risk our fundamental social contract to even exist and much less prosper. And we also realize that corporate growth anchored solely on serving the needs of the small sliver of the wealthy in emerging markets is unlikely to be robust or sustainable.
New models of “balanced capitalism” or what Bill Gates has often referred to as “Creative Capitalism” is not brand-new, but it is gaining ground and is happening faster and more visibly today than ever before. Real-world examples are providing a steady stream of learning opportunities. This certainly is not about changing capitalism, which has worked wonders for billions of people and will continue to do so, but rather seeks to harness capitalism in ways that speed progress, that get more enterprises to work with business models that reduce inequity, address social needs, and uplift lives.
In our own experience within the Ayala group, we are increasingly discovering how each of our businesses can adapt business models appropriate to the needs of a much broader segment of the population, including low-income sectors. For example, our companies involved in water distribution, telecom and banking services, are finding out that the needs of low-income families can be the foundation of profitable businesses. In the course of delivering services to these low-income sectors, new models of engaging communities to solve business problems are also developing. Our experiences validate the platform of “social entrepreneurship” where it makes strategic business sense to create a social good by tapping non-traditional markets in financially viable ways. These experiences have proven to be financially and socially rewarding for us, as out of it came the opportunity to uplift and make a significant difference in other people’s lives. Perhaps, operating in an emerging market setting puts a natural check and a certain degree of sobriety on business behavior. It compels businesses and companies to act in temperance, foster greater consciousness and sensitivity for social issues, and take a larger part in addressing problems within their communities.
I believe that the lessons of this global crisis will continue to move the world increasingly towards an era of more responsible capitalism. This environment in turn also calls for a richer set of education experiences, and business schools have a critical role in developing individuals who are able to identify, understand, and intrinsically integrate values into their decision-making processes. Business schools certainly cannot guarantee that its graduates are magically more ethical managers, but in this diverse landscape it must provide grounding in how to manage the forces at play in this globalized, competitively intense business world to ensure that unethical options do not become either tempting or overwhelming.
I am confident that given the education you have had at the Asian Institute of Management you are all well-positioned and well-equipped with tools to approach the changing and complex business environments which you will someday lead. And while some may think this is not the most auspicious time to be graduating and entering the business world, I would argue that you are well-timed to be in the midst of a dynamic part of the world -- Asia, that is teeming with opportunity for growth and development. With Asia learning its hard lessons of too much leverage and inadequate supervisory functions from its own crisis nearly ten years ago, it remains today a region that is fundamentally solid and well-positioned to take a greater role in global business. India and China, have been a significant part of this, along with the move of ASEAN countries towards greater economic integration and cooperation. Many Indian, Korean and Chinese companies are now considered the “new challengers” of global business. We are witnessing a radical shift in the business landscape and the players that will emerge as the new leaders. They will set a new paradigm in Western business.
Admittedly, as part of an integrated global ecosystem, we will feel some effects of this crisis, but I do feel that the impact will be less severe and the recovery much faster as Asia has gone through its own restructuring and re-balancing.
I do hope that each of you will search for your own answers and look for your own ways to create your own balanced capitalism. As you pursue your own professional goals, I hope you will keep in balance with the needs of your family and community, the promotion of trust and other social goods that will serve others both inside and outside of economic exchanges. It is certainly not a perfect world, but the system of the free markets has succeeded more than it has failed in human history. But it is a system that depends on individual morality and many human virtues of prudence, industry, diligence, foresight, and good judgment. These values ultimately result in increased social capital which is the best lubricant to keep the machines of the free markets moving.
I congratulate all of you and wish you all the best as you pursue your careers and build your lives wherever you choose to be in this globalized world.
AIM Honors the New Graduates of Master in Entrepreneurship (ME)
58 students of the Master in Entrepreneurship (ME) program officially earned their degree in the afternoon of December 14, 2008 at the SGV Hall, AIM Conference Center. These are entrepreneurs who are committed to scale up their businesses in order to effectively compete in the global market.
AIM also cited the graduates with distinction:
Commendable PerformanceGregorio J. Atienza, Executive Managing Director of Alumni Relations vested their entry into AIM's network of business leaders all over the world while AIM President Francis G. Estrada capped the graduation rites.
Justin Matthew B. Austria
Superior Performance
Tommanny Tan
Josefina Ebao-Zabate
John C. Sy
Cecile C. Recio
The students shared their experiences and lessons from the AIM experience:
Jaime Bautista, Filipino
What can you say about your whole AIM experience?
It was life changing. The people I’ve met and the lessons learned have made me more optimistic towards my future.
Thing/s you’ll miss the most in AIM, and in the Philippines (for foreign students).
I’ll miss the people in class and the advice of the gurus that both informed and inspired.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in AIM?
That being an entrepreneur is both about being creative and iconoclastic as well as disciplined. The finance lessons were also really good.
How did your life change at AIM?
It made me understand how to take control of my future via my business.
What is your most memorable AIM experience?
Doing the business plan.
Anj Fereria, Filipino
What can you say about your whole AIM experience?
Amazing.
How did your life change at AIM?
Friends and networks.
What is your most memorable AIM experience?
Entrep Asia, first 20 days of Master in Entrepreneurship.
It's Graduation Day for AIM's MBA Students
After 16 months of hard work and rigorous learning experiences, 94 students "officially" earned their MBA degree from AIM's Washington SyCip Graduate School of Business. Eighty three graduates attended the commencement rites in the morning of December 14, 2008 at the SGV Hall, AIM Conference Center while 11 students are still abroad for their International Student Exchange Program. The students are the first batch of graduates of the 16-month MBA program that used to run for 24 months. The graduates come from the Philippines, India, Indonesia, USA, Vietnam and China.
Dean Victoria S. Licuanan presented the graduates during the event while AIM President Francis G. Estrada awarded them their diplomas. Long-time AIM supporter, Ayala Corporation, was represented during the event by its President and Chief Operating Officer Fernando Zobel de Ayala who delivered the keynote address.
The graduates expressed the significant lessons they learned from AIM:
Pia Senedrin (Filipino)
What can you say about your whole AIM experience?Zandro Sison, Filipino
As they say, it’s really a boot camp where the key learning is not the theoretical but on working with a diverse group of people.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in AIM?
Breeze through life, expecting the unexpected.
How did your life change at AIM?
Drastically, especially my mind set.
Any advice you can give for the following batches of MBA students?
Stay composed and try to pick yourself up when you fall.
What can you say about your whole AIM experience?Shweta Srivastava, Indian
Inebriating, fulfilling and yet chaotic.
Thing/s you’ll miss the most in AIM, and in the Philippines (for foreign students).
The sleepless nights and the intense discussion in the case room; friends and acquaintances.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in AIM?
Learning to play on your strengths; Learning to trust others on your academic welfare.
How did your life change at AIM?
I became more assertive and feisty. I learned to appreciate my strengths and weaknesses as an individual.
What can you say about your whole AIM experience?
Memorable.
Thing/s you’ll miss the most in AIM, and in the Philippines (for foreign students).
Hospitality and natural beauty.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in AIM?
Initiative taking.
How did your life change at AIM?
Have become more assertive, confident and patient.
Savera Malhotra (Indian)
What can you say about your whole AIM experience?Howie Schmidt (American)
Its been great.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in AIM?
Never give up and keep on smiling.
How did your life change at AIM?
I have become more social, carefree and responsible.
What is your most memorable AIM experience?
WAC nights; tiring but fun. Class participation time.
What can you say about your whole AIM experience?Liberto Siahaan, Indonesia
Alot tougher than I though it was going to be
How do you feel to be finally graduating?
I feel like I finally got parolled.
Thing/s you’ll miss the most in AIM, and in the Philippines (for foreign students).
Turning on the meter in the Taxi when the driver "forgets"
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in AIM?
That there is time, and then there is Filipino Time
How did your life change at AIM?
I finally learned what I want to do when I grow up
What can you say about your whole AIM experience?
Every time I look back, the first thing comes into mind is the high pressure from Day 1 until I finished my MRR.
How do you feel to be finally graduating?
Satisfied that finally all those hardwork paid-off.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in AIM?
Self-management.
How did your life change at AIM?
I was a lazy student during my undergraduate. I could not imagine then that I would become so hardworking here. I would say that the AIM experience helped me to defeat myself.
27 Development Workers Graduate from AIM
Twenty seven development workers from India, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines finished their two-week Project Planning, Development and Management Course from AIM’s Center for Development Management. They attended the learning sessions for the period November 10—December 5, 2008 which was capped by a graduation on December 12, 2008. The course has been a popular offering among those involved in development work and covers the whole spectrum of project planning, design, appraisal, implementation and evaluation.
Professor Nihal Amerashinghe, Ph.D. served as the course’s Program Director. Other faculty included Professors Benjie Bagadion, Sol Hernando, Mario Lopez, Bruce Murray, and Arup Maity. Guest speakers from the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank enriched the program’s content.
Practical Project Management Course for Engineers
The Asian Institute of Management and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are joining efforts in developing the “Practical Management for Engineers Course”. Mr. Hiroshi Togo, the Principal Senior Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) started the session by emphasizing that there is a need to develop quality project management skills for engineers, most especially because of the competitive market. In support of this, Mr. Salvador P. Castro has designed a course curriculum based on international project management standards. This event was held this December 12, 2008 at the Yulo Caseroom, AIM Conference Center.
Developing Responsible Tourism Program
Asia and the Pacific region is rapidly growing as a global tourist destination. Given this, there is the need for government, private institutions, and NGOs in the area to focus on integrating a sustainable way to promote their countries' natural and cultural resources, provide jobs for the locals, and reduce the negative environmental impact of development.
Towards this effort, AIM EXCELL, in partnership with Asia Pacific Project invites senior managers in public, private or community-based institutions and NGOs interested in sustainable tourism development to a seminar entitled "Developing Responsible Tourism" on February 16-20, 2009 at the AIM campus in Makati and Clark Special Economic Zone.
For those who are interested to participate in this event, you may contact Yola Genuino or Raul Senedrin at 89.32050 / 892.4011, email: excel@aim.edu,website: www.excel.aim.edu
Dorm Makeover Contest
“Manage your desk before you manage your company.” – Dan Li, MBA 2009, (Room 502)
This sums up the idea behind the AIM students' Dorm Makeover Contest.
Initiated by Oni Brotoseno (Indonesia), Nurkholis Majid(Indonesia) and Moncy Varghese (India), the “Dorm Makeover” contest aims to bring out the creative juices among students by requiring them to fix and beautify their rooms. At the same time, the process instills the discipline of maintaining an orderly room and desk, amidst the heavy demands of their courses. The dorm serves as the students’ home and sanctuary during their whole stay at AIM.
Best dorm room:
1. Room 302 (Sangye Dorji, Charles, & Friends - MBA 2009 Batch 3)
2. Room 306 (Shirleen, Clarence, Maam Luna, Carmie, KT Tan, & Pat - MBA 2009 Batch 3)
Individual desk:
1. Bok Lamayan, Room 404 - MBA 2009 Batch 1
2. Dindo Ofrecio, Room 408 - MBA 2009 Batch 2
3. Jacob Tharian, Room 202 - MBA 2009 Batch 2
Best Video:
1. Room 404 (Bok Lamayan)
2. Room 201 (Gaurav, Bhavik, Anit, Anindya, Utpal, Pradip - MM 2009)
The students also expressed their comments on the walkabout as follows:
“It’s good. They made me clean my desk.” – Sriram Venkatakrishnan MBA 2009 (Room 407)
“Work by day, party by night theme.” – Dindo Ofrecio, MBA 2009 (Room 408)
“Innovative idea.” – Zandro Sison, MBA 2009 (Room 502)
“Good concept.” – Rizwan Khan, MBA 2009 (Room 601)
“We call ourselves the misfits as we all come from different backgrounds/cultures. So, it’s beautiful being together and keeping the room clean.” – Pavaanjeet Singh, MBA 2009 (Room 608)
Students Celebrate Christmas the AIM way
The AIM students joined the local Christmas festivities with a party hosted by the Master in Management Batch 2009. Part of the celebration was a lantern making contest. Students also had fun finding unique gifts and personal accessories in a bazaar especially set up for the occasion, and of course, the December 10 dinner party celebration.
The students expressed their comments about the festivities:
“It feels great to have my first Christmas here in the Philippines.” - Intha Phanouvong, MDM 2009 – Laos
“It’s a different experience for us to celebrate Christmas here in the Philippines. It’s more festive and the spirit starts in advance. The school tonight has a really different ambiance. It’s a good break for students.” - Nirav Shah, MBA 2009 – India
“It’s exciting to celebrate Christmas here in the Philippines because the atmosphere here is great. I like the party tonight: good music, good food, and good atmosphere.” – Cedrick Goujun, ISEP 2009 – France
“The food is good, and I’m not surprised that there’s a good band playing since Filipinos love music.” – Nicolas Lin, ISEP 2009 – France
“Greatest!” - Nikhom Ruamsit, MDM 2009 – Thailand
“I feel happy and interested in this party.” - Nguyen Hong Chien, MDM 2009 – Vietnam
“I’m missing my family, but I’m still glad I can celebrate with friends.” - Navy Chann, MDM 2009 – Cambodia
“Celebrating Christmas in the Philippines has been really great, most especially because my family is here. Unfortunately, we had exams coming up.” - Ryan Francis Gudani, MBA 2009 – Philippines
Policy Center Leads Discussion on Assisting Displaced OFWs
The AIM Policy Center held a discussion forum entitled Handog ng Overseas Filipino Forum 2008: Reintegrating Globally Displaced Workers into the Local Economies” last December 9, 2008 at the SGV Hall. With the number of Overseas Filipino Workers displaced by the financial crisis in the US, Europe, and East Asia growing, the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) is continuously collaborating with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to come up with contingency plans for those directly affected by the crisis. The latest forum was part of these efforts to help those affected to identify opportunities that can help them cope with the crisis.
MM 2009 Supports Student Activity Fund
The students of Master in Management Program led by Gaurav Mehta generously gave financial support to AIM's Student Association. This is an expression of their gratitute to the AIM community and in support to the Career Management Services.
AIM Assists Mongolia's ICT Management Program
AIM-EXCELL empowers 17 participants from Mongolia with strategic IT project management skills, effective approaches to procurement and implementation through its Study Tour and ICT Management Program. The program runs from December 1 to 12, 2008 at the First Philippine Holdings Caseroom.
Mongolia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, with a population density of 2 people per square kilometer. At this stage, the country is still going through an economic transition. Part of this direction is to strengthen its ICT capacity, in order to be competitive in the global market.
AIM's Provincial Testing Centers
Students in the provinces wanting to study in AIM need not travel all the way to Makati to apply and take AIM's Admissions Test. Through partnership that AIM's office established with selected strategic schools, interested student simply visit the following schools for the application and admissions procedure:
1. Ateneo de Zamboanga, Ms. Norma Bacula
2. Ateneo de Davao, Ms. Paulita Sorongon
3. San Carlos University in Cebu City, Ms. Remedios Baculao
4. Divine Word of Legaspi, Mr. Carlos Ante
5. Ateneo de Naga University, Ms. Gina Rosales
For the past three weeks of November, Rey Reyes, AIM's Executive Managing Director of Students Services, Admissions and Registration (SSAR) has visited the partner schools to exchange notes and get updates from them.
For inquiries about admissions to AIM's programs, applicants may contact Oliver Fabricante at (063-2) 892.4011 local 268.
AIM Celebrates its Family Day for the Staff
The AIM community celebrated its Annual Family Day last December 5, 2008. The staff expressed how much they enjoyed this experience.
"It’s nice to spend a day of your work life with your kids. The kids see and learn to appreciate the work environment of their parents." - Jovie Regalado
"It was fun and exciting." - Eric Guerrero
"It’s nice to get to know the family of your co-workers, and feel like your one big AIM family." - Gani Silva
"I hope they do this every year." - Ernie Olavario
" It’s also a family get together. Children meet kids of other employees, as if they’re also family." - Jane Manlapig
"It’s good. You can see them (children) enjoying." -Ambo Ambrosio
" It's an enriching experience for the family." - Grace Reynoso
Alumni Relations Office Holds another Successful Host Family Day for Students of MDM & MBA Batch 3
On the evening of December 5, 2008, Ocean Park Manila, the Alumni Relations Office (ARO) of AIM held a successful Host Family event. In this event, alumni welcomes the students into the big family circle and serve as their mentor during their whole stay at AIM.
Our correspondent Monina Montepiedra interviewed the students to express their expectations about the Host Family experience, and here is what they have said:
" I think that the host family program is necessary and helpful to students. I hope that our mentor can introduce more customs and the real life of Philippines. At the same time, I hope that he can provide me an effective guide for my future career." - Dan Li, China
"It is a very good initiative for us to meet our valuable alumni. It gives us the opportunity to know more about the alumni and their experience. I look forward to knowing about their experience at AIM, and how the Institute has shaped their lives. I also am interested to learn more about the culture and traditions of the Philippines." - John Desa, India
"The event is a very good way to introduce culture to the other students from different countries and also tighten solidarity within the AIM alumni. I am happy to know that there I would have someone in the Philippines to consult if ever we met any difficulties either in studies or personal life during my stay here." - Shirleen Iskandar, Indonesia
"Would like to know about the Philippines and the culture, and require guidance to make the most of my MBA program. The idea is really good to provide overseas students a medium through mentors to learn more about the country, the course, and the real world." - Rajesh Lachhani, India
"Enriching, satisfying, and a good chance to learn more. I do hope to understand the Filipino community more through my mentor, and learn the do's and the don’ts of this society." - M.V. Hari Krishna, India
"The Host Family event is a welcome break from a hectic schedule. Much more valuable, is that I can consult my mentor about my studies here at AIM." - Amiya Kumar, India
CDM Holds 11th Project and Procurement Management Course
29 professional staff of project teams representing India, Bangladesh, China, Laos, Mongolia, Philippines, Vietnam, Timor Leste, South Africa participate in the 11th Project and Procurement Management Course (PPMC). The Program Director for this learning program is Professor Nihal Amerasinghe. While, Professor Sol Hernando leads and facilitates the sessions from December 1-12, 2008 at the Korean Caseroom.
PPMC is intended to broaden and deepen the participant’s ability to design projects and enhance knowledge and skills in the procurement of goods and services for the successful implementation of high impact projects.
CDM joins World Bank and DSWD Forum on Conditional Cash Transfers
AIM’s Center for Development Management (CDM) joined the World Bank and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in organizing a forum on “Protecting the Poor: Conditional Cash Transfers” held last December 4, 2008 8:30-12NN at the SGV Hall of AIM Conference Center Manila.
The forum focused on the global and Philippine experience in developing a program of safety nets for the poor, specifically Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT). CCT aims at reducing poverty in the short term through cash transfers, while at the same time encouraging investments in human capital by making these transfers conditional upon regular school attendance or the regular use of preventive health care services.
Resource persons from government and the World Bank shared their perspectives on CCT and other social safety nets: Secretary Esperanza Cabral of the Department of Social Welfare and Development; Ariel Fiszbein, Chief Economist for Human Development at the World Bank; and Margaret Grosh, Social Protection Specialist and Lead Economist for Human Development at the World Bank. Mr. Alberto Lim of Makati Business Club and Dr. Mahar Mangahas of the Social Weather Station served as the reactors to the presentations. Prof. Ernie Garilao, Executive Director of Team Energy Center moderated the discussions.
More than 200 representatives from various sectors, government agencies, civil society, NGO’s, the private sector, academe and media participated in the event. Participants from Tuguegarao province also participated via the AIM Global Distance Learning Center’s video conferencing facility. Mr. Bert Hoffman, Country Director of the World Bank Office Manila, opened the event. Prof. Nieves Confesor, Associate Dean of the Center for Development Management, closed the event with a very remarkable synthesis and closing remarks.
- Ador Torneo
AIM Launches its Blog Today
We're officially launching the AIM Blog today!
Here's a message from Dr. Eli Santos, the AIM's Executive Managing Director of Marketing, Enrollment Management and Placement:
"For the past few weeks, we have been taking account of the latest events and happenings in the Institute. The blog primarily features an interactive facility where you can view videos, photos and exchange comments and opinions.
Through this blog, we want to establish a way to communicate things that you want to know about AIM, its updated activities and events, and to enable you to keep in touch and establish relationships with your fellow alumni, students, faculty, friends and prospective students anywhere in the world.
We hope that through this blog, we can forge a dynamic forum with you."
European Exchange Students Share their AIM Experience
As they culminate their exchange term, they have shared their AIM experience as follows:
"Great experience. I am very satisified that I chose AIM and that I came to the
Philippines. I really liked the "case" way of learning. It makes you think, not
only theory study." -Tomasz Marszalek, Warsaw of Economics, Poland
"What I remember from AIM are people and the friendly atmosphere. It was a
valuable learning experience." - Katarzina Daniel, Warsaw of Economics, Poland
"Wonderful insight in Asia and the Philippines. The AIM offers me a great
environment to discover the Asian life and business. It was challenging and I
learned a lot." - Adrian Hotz, Cologne, Germany
"It took time for me to adjust to case-based teaching style. However, it gave a
good impression of real problem solving approach to actual cases." - Jeppe
Holst, Denmark
Multinational and Philippine Based Companies Make A Headstart in Recruiting Top Graduates of AIM
Despite the current financial crisis, the AIM graduating students of MBA Batch 2008 to 2009 make a headstart in their careers with leading overseas and local companies through the efforts of our Career Management Services (CMS) who are in charge of placement and assisted by the Student Placement Representatives from the graduating class, as well as from our alumni and faculty referrals.
So far, the following companies have given 32 job offers to our MBA Batch. Among them are Cognizant Techology, Solutions Inc., HCL India, Pricewaterhouse, Coopers and Aditya Birla from India. From the UAE, a first time recruiter First Gulf Bank gave a total of 6 job offers to our MBA batch. On the local front, job offers have been given by Western Union and Ubix. These companies were referred to us by our alumni. Interviews are currently being conducted by companies like Ayala Land Inc., Ayala Systems Technology Inc., Globe, Manila Water, Banco De Oro, Citibank Phils., Telus Phils., Convergys Phils., Transnational Diversified Group, Security Bank, First Gas Holdings, Pfizer, Filipinas Shell and Sutherland.
To date, almost 40% of the overseas students already have jobs. While for our local students, interviews are currently being conducted and based on our records interview average is 5 per student. Based on previous records, our MBA graduates are 100% placed between the 3rd and 6th month from graduation.
BMP Completes its 132nd Batch of Graduates
With 40 participants coming from Malaysia, Korea, Indonesia, India, and the Philippines, the 132nd batch of EXCELL’s Basic Management Program (BMP) graduated last November 28, 2008 at the Soriano-Velasco quadrant, AIM Campus. Special citations were awarded to the following:
· Sherwin Quilatan, Davao Light and Power Corporaton
· Jay Gomez, NCO Philippines
· Paul Lawrence Simon, United Laboratories
· Eric John Cruz, Westmont Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
The BMP is a training program designed for organizations that need to equip their first-level managers with a broader management perspective, through an understanding of the basic management principles and skills. It will teach the participants to understand the overall functional organization of the company, as well as the cross functional relationships among its units for an integrative approach to management.
AIM RVR CSR 2008 Winners and Excellence Awardees
The 6th Annual Asian CSR Awards, considered to be Asia's premiere Awards program on corporate social responsibility recognizes selected companies for five categories including:
Best Workplace Practices
Winner:
Microsoft Philippines, Employee Wellness Program, Philippines
Excellence Awardees:
City Developments Ltd, Work-Life Harmony, Singapore
CLP Power Hong Kong Ltd., CLP Quality Work Life (QWL) Programme, Hong Kong
Concern for Health
Winner:
Johnson & Johnson Philippines, War on Worms in Western Visayas (WOW-V), Philippines
Excellence Awardees:
Bangkok Hospital Medical Center, BMC Sky ICU, Thailand
Dialog Telekom PLC, Providing Accessibility: Sri Lanka’s first state-of-the-art Hearing Centre, Sri Lanka
Environmental Excellence
Winner:
Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd. BOOND, India
Excellence Awardees:
City Developments Ltd., “1ºC Up” Pilot Campaign, Singapore
City Developments Ltd., Water Recycling and Silt Water Treatment Programme at Construction Sites, Singapore
Poverty Alleviation
Winner:
Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, Business for Peace Initiative, Sri Lanka
Excellence Awardees:
Philam Foundation, The GoodWell Fund, Philippines
Hindustan Zinc Ltd., Zinc Integrated Poverty Alleviation Programme, India
Support and Improvement of Education
Winner:
Bharti Foundation, Satya Bharti School Program, India
Excellence Awardees:
ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, Educational Television (ETV), Philippines
Johnson & Johnson Phils., War On Worms In Western Visayas (Wow-V), Philippines
- Eleen Aragon, RVR CSR
TeaM Energy Conducts "Leadership for Equitable Societies"
The TeaM Energy Center for Bridging Societal Divides of the Asian Institute of Management conducted its public course, entitled "Leadership for Equitable Societies," last November 24 to 28 outside the AIM Campus.
The course is for leaders in government, civil society, and the private sector who are interested in making their programs more pro-poor by equipping and training leaders who work on social issues in Health, Education, and Human Security with the Bridging Leadership technology. A total of 29 participants, from various backgrounds covering health, education, environment, and the military, attended the course. Resource persons from the Human Development Network, led by its President, Dr. Arsenio Balisacan, as well as prominent development practitioners, such as Dinky Soliman and Dr. Alberto Romualdez, joined Professor Ernesto Garilao and Professor Jacinto Gavino in imparting Bridging Leadership as the appropriate technology for addressing Philippine inequities and establishing genuine and lasting societal equity.
-Philip Dy, AIM TeaM Energy Center
AIM RVR Center Leads the Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility 2008
The Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) celebrated its 7th year at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Singapore last November 20 & 21, 2008 with a call on companies to go beyond profits, compliance and form. It was participated by 480 delegates from 30 countries.
It is focused on the theme “Business Response to Social Issues: Getting it done” to set best practices and global standards in implementing CSR programs.
The co-chairs of the event were Ramon R. del Rosario, President and CEO of Philippine Investment-Management (PHINMA), Inc., Mr. Boon Yoon Chiang, Chairman and Managing Director, Jardine Matheson (Singapore) and Ms. Claire Chiang, President of Singapore Compact for CSR and Senior Vice President of Banyan Tree Holdings Limited. The Asian Institute of Management’s RVR Center for Corporate Social Responsibility (AIM-RVR CSR Center) and Singapore Compact for CSR were the main hosts of the AFCSR 2008.
Gracing the event and opening the conference as Guest of Honor was Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Community Development, Youth and Sports in Singapore. The event concluded with the much anticipated Gala Dinner and 6th Asian CSR Awards with Guest of Honor Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. He delivered the keynote speech and presented awards to companies that are blazing the trail for CSR in Asia.
- Eleen Aragon, RVR CSR
AIM Indian Mumbai Office Safe
We were able to receive communications from Director Manjari Shivapuri last November 27, 2008 from our Mumbai office regarding the Mumbai seige. She informed us that they are safe and she accounted that the Mumbai seige was a big torment for her because she lived just a block away from the target area. Related to this attack, we lost Dilip Kewat from the train bombing last year. The AIM Community prayed fervently for their safety and well being.
AIM GDLC Conducts a Videocon on The Wall Street Financial Crisis
Speakers from Shanghai, Beijing, Philippines and Hanoi participated in AIM GDLC’s seminar entitled “The Wall Street Financial Crisis: Development Trends and Countermeasures of the Asian Economies” this November 27, 2008 at the SGV Case Room, AIM Campus. It was conducted to serve as a platform for experts and government officials to exchange views and contribute possible solutions to improve economies’ regulatory capacity and financial systems in the region. This program is in partnership with JBF Center.
AIM Professor Richard Cruz Talks to Ateneo Seniors for their MBA Options During Their Further Studies Orientation
AIM participated in the Annual Higher Learning Symposium of Ateneo De Manila University last November 26, 2008. Our enrollment team actively engaged the students and presented them with the programs and scholarship opportunities. At the same time, Professor Richard Cruz shared his experience as an AIM MBA alumnus, the benefits he gained and how he survived the rigorous learning experience from the MBA classes. The enrollment team will be inviting the students to participate in the future MBA Previews to further discuss how they could enroll and take advantage of the AIM graduate degree programs.
Leading Expert in Micro finance and Poverty Alleviation Speaks to MM 2009 Students
AIM MM students learn straight from the expert as Ms. Ruth Callanta talks about “The Leader as Warrior King and Philosophy King” at the Master in Management (MM) class today November 27, 2008 at the ABS CBN Caseroom. She was welcomed by both AIM Professors Enrico Angtuaco and Victor Lim.
Ms. Ruth Callanta is an AIM MM 1986 alumna. She is also the president and founding chair of Center for Community for Community Transformation (CCT), a leading micro finance organization. She is respected and known to be a committed community development organizer, an expert in organization development and training focused on poverty allevation and micro finance. She was also awarded the"Woman Entrepreneur of the Year" by Ernst and Young last 2005.
MBA Seniors Busy with MRR Defense
Some of us are actually finished by this time. Most of our Indian classmates who have successfully presented their projects have went back home, that's why we had a small party for our batch last week.
But for most of us, the crunch time is just about to start. MRR defense presentations could be very grueling, as proven by a 7-hour defense two weeks ago. I hope my defense would be more forgiving.
At the end of the day, we all just want to get a clean pass and march down the halls as graduates on December 14.
Developing Leaders and Managers: Ongoing Short Courses at AIM
AIM EXCELL is currently running the 3rd of 4 batches of the Management Development Program (MDP) for the Department of Education (DepEd) from November 24 to 28, 2008. Professor Gloria De Guzman facilitates this program with participating provincial superintendents of DepEd all over the country.
At the same time, the Center for Development Management (CDM) is currently holding its 18th Project Planning, Development and Management Course (PPDM) from November 10 to December 5, 2008. Program Director Professor Nihal Amerasinghe facilitates with participating countries from India, Nepal, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.
CDM is also conducting the Leadership and Management of Change Course (LMC) to develop leadership skills, and adaptive flexibility in various organizations. The program runs from November 24 to 28, 2008, led by its Program Director Professor Mario Antonio Lopez. The participating countries are Bhutan, India, Indonesia and Philippines.
AIM EXCELL holds its 26th Marketing Strategy Course
In every crisis, there is opportunity. This is how marketing practitioners thrived and survived for several past recessions and economic slowdown. To equip executives with radical marketing disciplines and break through the emerging challenges of globalization, rapid technological advancements and intense competition, AIM EXCELL is currently holding the Marketing Strategy Course (MSC). The participants are from the Philippines, Bhutan, Indonesia, Korea and Pakistan. The intensive marketing program runs from November 24 to December 5, 2008 here at the Asian Institute of Management.
For other AIM Executive Education and Lifelong Learning (EXCELL) Programs, log on to http://www.excell.aim.edu
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