AIM Policy Center Launches Global Accountability Report 2008

On February 12, 2009, the AIM Policy Center and Konrad Adenauer will present the 2008 Global Accountability Report at the Global Distance Learning Center of Asian Institute of Management. The One World Trust prepared the report in order to help corporations, NGO’s and intergovernmental organizations address leading crisis all over the world.

Michael Hammer, Executive Director of One World Trust, believes that “a step change is required if we are to avoid more global crises that can affect millions of people in the not so distant future. Today it is finance; tomorrow the accountability problem may hit people failing to respond to climate change or health care issues”.

The launch of the report comes at a time when the Philippines joins the entire world in facing various crises over the past year. Against this backdrop, organizations with power are called to be accountable actors in the search and implementation of solutions. The 2008 Global Accountability Report provides a study of how thirty of the world’s most powerful transnational companies, intergovernmental and non-government organizations operate vis-à-vis their various stakeholders.

This event is free of charge. Seats are available for registrants on a first-come, first-served basis.

Interested participants for this forum may e-mail Ms. Leticia Labre (Projects Manager) of One World Trust at lclabre@oneworldtrust.org, or Mr. Carlo Francis Raymundo (Program Coordinator - Infrastructure Governance & Regulation) of the AIM Policy Center. For more information about One World Trust and the report, you can check www.oneworldtrust.org.

AIM-Policy Center Hold Forum on Peace and Financial Crisis

At the E-Library of the AIM Conference Center Manila, representatives from civil society, academe and private sector convened for a discussion forum on "Peace, Conflict Transformation and Global Financial Crisis." This was organized by AIM Policy Center in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Center.

The session was primarily led by Professor Johan Galtung, Founder of the Transcend International. Transcend is a peace and development network aiming to "bring about a more peaceful world by using action, education/training, dissemination and research to handle conflicts with empathy, non-violence and creativity." Professor Galtung is a respected international expert on peace-building for 50 years now.

He emphasized that in order for the Philippines to solve issues on poverty and peace, the people need to change mindset and be more creative. They should not be be limited to the old paradigms, and not see things in a very simplistic perspective but actually approach things in multi dimensions. This implies that the citizens have to break old models of economic analysis, which apparently led to the global crisis everyone is now experiencing. Instead, they have to be courageous to create new compelling solutions that they believe would address the poverty gap and need for peace.

Youth Brings Up the Peace Antenna at AIM

The Young Moro Professionals publicized their advocacy for peace through a round table discussion at the SGV Conference Hall, AIM Conference Center Manila on February 6, 2009. The discussion was entitled "Our Peace, Your Peace: Mindanao YSpeak, Upping the Peace Antenna".

TV personality and Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardee, Karen Davila, acted as the moderator for the forum participated in by representatives from various sectors, national leaders, foundations, private sector, academe and the media. The forum is designed to translate the words of young leaders into concrete actions, and engage national leaders, media, academe and non-government organizations as partners of the Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN) and Mindanao Young Leaders Parliament (MYLP).

“Youth leaders express themselves so passionately! We need the energy, imagination, and idealism of the youth -- Muslim or non-Muslim. Old paradigms lead us nowhere. They should show their values in action, show their highest ethics, and show what Islam really represents. The Institute will heighten its commitment to bridge the divide,” according to AIM President Francis G. Estrada.

Other comments from the forum participants include:

“Here in AIM, we have always promoted an Islamic perspective. Peace means a lot of people setting aside their differences. We need to get people do things together, so the more we do this, the more we realize that we have similarities and move forward from there.” -Professor Jun Borromeo, AIM Faculty

“If it doesn’t work the first time, try other avenues. This is your country.” – H.E. Kristie Kenny, US Ambassador to the Philippines

“Peace and Development is long overdue. Young Moro Professionals can help.” - Sec. Avelino “Sonny” Razon, Jr., Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP)

“We need effective communication. Young Moro Professionals are inspiration, living proof…” – Christopher Wright, British Embassy

“I encourage young people to support their advocacy for peace.” – Diether Ocampo, KIDS Foundation

AIM Conducts Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) Seminar

AIM conducted a Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Seminar for its employees. This is designed to orient the staff on how to work around the office environment with awareness on implementing safety measures in case one encounters any occupational hazard within the premise. At the same time, it also aims to instill a proactive attitude to everyone at work, where everyone can be prepared for any unforeseen conditions in the office. The sessions were led by EMS Associate, Rey Balbiran last February 5, 2009 at the Indonesian Caseroom.

AIM-EXCELL and Government of India Partners for the Third Time

AIM-EXCELL conducts the ASEAN study tour and training for the 3rd batch of high-level officials from the Government of India. Twenty-six undersecretaries participated in the program that covers discussions on project management and implementation. Company visits were arranged in Malaysia and the Philippines to expose participants to best practices in Asian management. The program runs from February 2 to 13, 2008.

The Season of HeART

The AIM staff took a break from their regular busy work life last Friday, January 30, 2008. Some of them participated in a scrapbook workshop organized by Human Resource Services (HRS). They were spotted enjoying their time at the Soriano caseroom, away from their computers, phones, paper works (and bosses), holding art materials—scissors, colored papers, glue, rulers, and pencils. With the help of Ms. Susan Chupungco, they were able to express their artistic side through creating unique crafts like Valentine heart pocket, Valentine picture wheel card, and a mini blessings journal/album in season for the love month. At the end of the day, everybody were happy with their own “work of art.”

AIM MM 1990 Alumnus Shares Management Insights to MM and MDM Students

The AIM students in Master in Management (MM) and the Master in Development Management (MDM) had the privilege to learn strategic management lessons from the newly appointed Philippine Air Force Commanding Major General Oscar H. Rabena at the ABS-CBN caseroom last February 3, 2009. His talk focused on the importance of different leadership styles, as well as mentoring and coaching.

He is a well respected AIM MM 1990 alumnus. For the past years, he earned citations including a Distinguished Star, a Philippine Legion of Honor, a Gawad sa Kaunlaran Award, a Distinguished Aviation Cross, a Bronze Cross Medal and two Military Merit Medals.

His firm resolute is to inculcate a planning mindset in the Philippine Air Force. “We could dream up the best systems but unless we know how to organize resources, we will fail. This is particularly important given our meager resources and opportunities,” he said.

AIM Moves On!

Today at 10.30 a.m. the AIM staff gathered for a General Assembly at the Soriano Hall. The environment at the Soriano Hall had a positive vibe. The general atmosphere was light and informal, complete with flowing coffee and some snacks.

Everyone was curious about the meeting agenda. Executive Managing Director Carmela Chupungco opened the session, explaining that it was the venue where AIM President Francis Estrada wanted to formally and officially inform the staff of his decision not to renew his contract with AIM. President Estrada said that he enjoyed the responsibility as AIM President and thanked the staff for the consistent positive support. He also expressed that it was an honor to lead the first management school in the Far East, especially at this strategic time when Asia is becoming the center of global economic activity.

President Estrada cited that the positive financial conditions and increased enrollment levels in the Institute were the result of the collective work among the AIM staff. One of the key policies he initiated was the merit based performance reward system, a move that President Estrada believes was instrumental in strengthening AIM's situation. This means that performance of each staff will be evaluated, and will be given due reward. He promised to implement this before his term ends.

Further, he called for a renewal of leadership and passion across the entire AIM community, faculty and staff to re-strengthen the position of AIM as the leading management school of Asia even after his term as AIM President. He reiterated that the staff should continue working as a team, towards the shared goal, moving without an inch of mediocrity, but towards excellence and market leadership.

The staff expressed their respect and gratitude for the service President Estrada rendered to the Institute. The policies and reforms he implemented will be a precedent towards more positive changes in the Institution.

AIM Helps Professionalize Public Procurement

The AIM Center for Development Management is currently holding the Procurement Professionalization Project - Government Policy Procurement Board (GPPB) Inter-Agency Technical Working Group (IATWG) Presentation at the Korean caseroom, AIM Campus. The activity, held from January 19-23, 2009, is the second stage of the Procurement Professionalization Project implemented by CDM for GPPB under a World Bank grant. Participating in the event are DBM Undersecretary Laura Pascua, Directors of various agencies, other officials of the GPPB member agencies, and the GPPB Technical Support Office. Mr. Dominic Aumentado of the World Bank Office Manila also graced he event.

Participants were welcomed by CDM Associate Dean Nieves R. Confesor and by GPPB-TSO Executive Director Ruby U. Alvarez. The AIM Project team, led by former education Undersecretary Juan Miguel Luz gave an overview of the project. Members of the project team presented the 15 modules developed for the project. The project aims to professionalize public procurement practitioners and functions through the development of a detailed modular syllabus and materials. Once established, the syllabus and materials will help educate a cadre of trained procurement personnel throughout the public sector. The syllabus and materials will form the core of a certification program that will raise the level of efficiency and effectiveness of public sector procurement in the Philippines and help define the career path for procurement personnel.

The AIM Project Team is composed of former Undersecretary Ted Encarnacion, Engr. Cipriano Ravanes Jr, Mr. Ricardo Aquino, Atty. Amihan April Alcazar, Ms. Analiza Serrana, Ms. Deanna Lijauco and Ms. Daisy Briones. The Project Coordination Committee is composed of Prof. Charyl Malixi, CDM Faculty, Mr. Ador Torneo, CDM Program Manager and Ms. Daisy Gabriel, CDM Research Staff.

-Ador Torneo, AIM Center for Development Management

SWS 2008 Survey Review with AIM Policy Center

Together with Konrad Adenauer Foundation and Social Weather Stations (SWS), the AIM Policy Center presented the much awaited SWS survey review of year 2008. More than a hundred participants from the academe, media, government, business and civil society attended the event last January 13, 2009, from 2 to 4 pm at the J.V. del Rosario Room of the AIM Conference Center Manila (ACCM).

For the past several years, SWS has been getting the pulse of the people through their periodic and special public opinion surveys. Dr. Mahar Mangahas, President of SWS, shared the interesting results of the 2008 surveys under the following categories: Most followed events, Economic well-being, Governance, Corruption, Democracy and Politics Health, Education, Sports, Public Safety and General Morale of the people in year 2008. Details of the results can be viewed at http://www.policy.aim.edu.ph/downloads/GLS/SWS_Surveys_2008_in_Review.pdf.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Jr. and Lingayen Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz served as reactors to the presentation. Konrad Adenauer Foundation Country Representative Mr. Klaus Preschle opened the event while AIM Prof. Sonny Coloma closed the event with a notable synthesis.

AIM DRC and World Bank Present World Development Report 2009

Over 200 representatives from government, NGOs, private sector, acadame, and media participated in the AIM Development Resource Center (DRC) and World Bank's launch of the World Development Report 2009: Reshaping Economic Geography. Iloilo City's Central Philippine University also got the chance to participate by the use of DRC's videoconferencing facility.

During the event, the AIM Blog Team interviewed Dr. Arturo Corpuz, Vice President for Urban Regional Planning of Ayala Land Corporation on his insights about how the Philippines can learn from the WDR 2009.

What can Philippines do in terms of economic development?

We have to stick to the basics and make things work. The government should spend less time on complicated policies. One thing is we should not be too obsessed with being competitive. We have to focus on our strength as a nation and build from there than keep on comparing how we fare with our Asian neighbor.

For instance, if the government is able to manage and address basic services like education and health, then we are on our way to moving forward.

What is the intrinsic value that must be emphasized to achieve progress?

Development must be inclusive, meaning that opportunities should be given equally shared with to the masses not only to the selected few. At the same time, we should effectively implement strategic economic growth, as it remains a major factor in addressing the challenge on poverty.

What role does the World Development Report (WDR) 2009 have on the Philippines?

The WDR 2009 is a good reference point. It is able to translate mainstream policies into specific conditions. Its emphasis on the 3 dimensions particularly on density, distance, and division serve as variables that allow us to understand development in different perspectives. From here, we are encourage to use the 3D models to address and develop solutions for social and economic challenges in the Philippines.

AIM Policy Center Hosts SWS Survey Review

For the eighth year now, the AIM Policy Center will host the review of the Social Weather Stations' key findings of their surveys of the past year. This year, AIM will hold the 2009 SWS Survey Review on January 13, 2009 (Tuesday), 2:00 - 5:00 pm, at the JV Rooms 2-4, 4F AIM Conference Center Manila, Makati City.

The quarterly Social Weather Surveys monitor the people's sentiments on governance and on their economic and social well-being.

Interested participants may confirm attendance through e-mail at aimpolicycenter@gmail.com, telephone numbers 02 7519182-83 or register online at http://www.policy.aim.edu/SWS2008.asp. You may also reach the AIM Policy Center (through Monique Avila) at 02 7501010 local 2109 or mavila@aim.edu for more details.

World Bank Presents the World Development Report 2009 at AIM

In its latest World Development Report (WDR) 2009, the World Bank says that economic growth in most countries in East Asia and the Pacific, is unbalanced and will remain so. Nevertheless, this type of growth should not only benefit the rich but also the poor and the marginalized. To achieve growth that works for the poor, public policy should promote economic integration which, at its core, is about the mobility of people, products, and ideas.

On January 12, 2009, the AIM Development Resource Center and the World Bank will present details of the WDR and its implications for the Philippines. Indermit Gill, the main author of WDR 2009 will be here in Manila to present the detailed findings of the Report. Mr. Gill’s presentation will be followed by comments from panelists.

The forum will be held at the SGV Hall, 3rd Floor the AIM Conference Center Manila (ACCM), from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Interested participants may confirm attendance with Mel Cledera through email at vcledera@aim.edu or by getting in touch with him at 892-4011 extension 254.

Top Management Program at AIM

To survive and succeed amidst this uncertain global economic environment, there is a great need for managers to develop and implement strategies that will keep them ahead in their business. Asian Institute of Management invites key leaders and managers to participate in its "Top Management Program" on February 12 to 18, 2009 at the Hotel Padma, Bali, Indonesia.

The program will focus on helping companies address crucial management questions like:

• How will the downturn affect the different businesses in my portfolio? How deep is the trough, and what is the recovery period?
• How will my customers' purchasing behavior change?
• How flexible is my business model? Can i react quickly to changes in my business environment?
• How well do I understand our competitive position? Are my businesses in better or worse shape than the competition?
• What opportunities are there to be ahead of the competition? Can I use this downturn to my advantage?
• How is the current economic environment affecting my people's needs?

Interested participants may contact Yola Genuino or Apple Ani at 89.32050 / 892.4011, email: excell@aim.edu,website: www.execed.aim.edu

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!

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

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.