THE Asian Institute of Management (AIM) welcomed the first batch of its college students. The pioneering undergraduate cohort for the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Business Administration (BSDSBA) and Bachelor of Business Administration Major in Management Information Systems (BBAMIS) double-degree is jointly delivered by AIM's Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (Asite) and the University of Houston's (UH) C.T. Bauer College of Business. AIM officials led by its president and dean Dr. Jikyeong Kang, presented the 51 freshmen expected to graduate in 2027 to the media on Monday at the institute's campus in Makati City. AIM said the program will deliver a groundbreaking curriculum to exceptional undergraduate students.
It provides a focused education that develops a foundation of industry-relevant knowledge that transforms industries and gives students strategic tools that facilitate nation-building. Through this joint initiative, students will receive comprehensive training and insights from world-class faculty members at both AIM and UH, ensuring they graduate with a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving global landscape, the primer stated. The historic event was attended by Kang and Asite school head Dr. Christopher Monterola, while representatives from UH, including Global Initiatives director Dr. Nikhil Celly and Undergraduate Programs associate dean Frank Kelley, joined online via Zoom. Commission on Higher Education Chairman J. Prospero de Vera 3rd delivered a keynote to students, inspiring them to excel in their transformative journey to become global data science professionals. While it is a given that students taking the course come from very well-off families, Donna Faith Go from Cebu City National Science High School has been awarded the scholarship for her course. She said she was so ecstatic when she received the news of her scholarship since it was really what she wanted and what her parents also wanted for her.
Although not a scholar, Rohan Sachdev, a US citizen but culturally an Indian, said that he wanted to share and practice his data science knowledge in the Philippines, where he and his family have resided for 10 years, BSDSBA academic program director Prof. Michelle Banawan said that they expect the chosen students to do good, and they hope they can also bestow more scholarships with benefactors contributing more funds. Kang excitedly shared with The Manila Times after the event that besides the Data Science undergraduate program, they were also looking into another exciting course, financial technology. She said they would continue with their goal to break into the top 100 higher learning institutions in Asia and eventually make it to the top 10, however long it may take. Kang said the pioneering cohort can opt to attend classes at UH in their senior year. With the option of acquiring a 12-month or 24-month visa, participants can immerse themselves in a stimulating international environment and explore new perspectives while pursuing optional practice training in the United States after graduation. This exposure will not only enhance their educational journey but also open doors to a global network of industry connections and career opportunities exemplifying AIM's mission to lead, inspire and transform.
