Aboitiz Group donates P500M- fund to help AIM students

To help address the demand for skills and talent in data science and innovation in the country and the region, the Aboitiz Group through the Aboitiz Foundation donated $10 million to the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) to fund degree programs, professorial chairs, student loan programs, and site and facilities improvement of the newly-renamed Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (ASITE) at AIM. Present at the ceremonial turnover last May 8 were (from left) Luis Miguel O. Aboitiz, Aboitiz Foundation Trustee; Erramon I. Aboitiz, Aboitiz Foundation Chairman; Jikyeong Kang, AIM President; and Peter Garrucho, AIM Chairman.

MANILA, Philippines — A new innovation-focused school in the country is seeking to open its doors to more students who want to practice technology and business-related skills which are in-demand in the Asian region, the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) said Wednesday.

Students who cannot afford to pay their tuition can now apply for student loan programs at the Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (ASITE) at AIM following the over P500 million ($10 million) donation made by the Aboitiz Group.

Aside from aiding in the school’s student loan programs, the fund is also expected to improve degree programs and activities, as well as provide support for the school’s professorial chairs.

“Indeed, the establishment of the new ASITE is a key innovation of the institute, acting as a catalyst that engenders impactful change. It boosts AIM’s commitment to training future-ready leaders who can create, develop, and sustain new engines for growth within the region,” Dr. Jikyeong Kang, president and dean of the AIM said.

Aboitiz Foundation chairman Erramon I. Aboitiz said the donation was made in celebration of Aboitiz & Co.’s 100th anniversary in 2020.

“This is our way of giving back to the country that has been very good to us for 100 years now. The Group has made a name for itself in its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, but we truly believe that it is through our businesses that we actually make the greatest impact on improving the quality of life of our fellow Filipinos. The donation is in line with our promise of advancing business and communities,” said Aboitiz.

Aboitiz noted AIM’s role in developing “professional, entrepreneurial, and socially responsible managers and leaders” in the country.

“With the Aboitiz 100th Anniversary Commitment Fund, we hope that this new innovation-focused school will be able to benefit AIM as it leads and blazes new trails, to inspire real-world learning, and to transform principled leaders,” Aboitiz said.

Among the courses being offered by ASITE include Master in Entrepreneurship (ME), Master of Science in Innovation and Business (MSIB), and Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS).  /muf