MAKATI, Philippines – In a pivotal partnership aimed at fostering innovation, the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) received a PHP10 Million donation from the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) for the development of its First Gen-EDC Innovation Laboratory. 

The Memorandum of Agreement signing, held on 2 February 2024 at the AIM Main Lobby, marks a new chapter in the decades-old relationship between the Lopez Group and AIM. This joint endeavor will serve as a catalyst for advancing AIM’s mission of driving innovation in business, technology, and management across Asia. 

During her welcome speech, AIM President and Dean Dr.  Jikyeong Kang offered thoughtful insights into AIM’s rich history and its relentless pursuit of innovation. 

Dr. Kang expressed deep gratitude to the Lopez Group of Companies for its unwavering support for AIM and its programs. She underscored the crucial role of the Lopez Group’s generous contributions throughout AIM’s history and emphasized AIM’s commitment to pioneering "new ways of thinking” that are fundamental to innovation. This new collaboration further deepens the ties between the Lopez Group and AIM. Dr. Kang also expressed her delight at seeing AIM alumni from EDC attend the ceremony, now as partners in innovation. 

Jerome Cainglet, President and Chief Operating Officer of EDC and MBA 2006, reminisced about his time as an AIM student, expressing nostalgia for the institute that shaped his career. He articulated EDC’s aspiration to "forge collaborative pathways for a decarbonized and regenerative future,” stating that the First Gen-EDC Innovation Lab is strongly aligned with this mission. 

Dr. Kang and Jerome Cainglet, along with representatives from both AIM and EDC signed the Memorandum of Agreement, cementing the partnership between the two organizations. Among those who signed are Professor Rafael “Rico” Camus, the Academic Program Director of the Master in Innovation and Business; Mr. Erwin Avante, EDC’s Chief Financial Officer; Ms. Joy Santamarina, EDC’s Chief Transformation Officer; and Mr. Bryan Gerard Cabrera, Executive Managing Director for Finance and Treasury of AIM Scientific Research Foundation, Inc. The First Gen-EDC Innovation Lab will become the Institute’s newest research hub located on the AIM Main Campus in Makati City, Philippines. Envisioned to be a venue to facilitate groundbreaking research into innovative technologies, the state-of-the-art lab will house experimental facilities such as a 3D-Printing and AR/VR testing center for the development of new products, services, and businesses.  

Through this partnership with EDC, AIM amplifies its commitment to providing modern amenities that nurture student growth. As AIM continues to lead and innovate, students are empowered to drive transformative changes in Asia and beyond through pioneering technologies.

About AIM:

The Asian Institute of Management (AIM) is an Asian pioneer in management education. The Institute was founded in 1968 by a consortium of prominent business leaders, Philippine academic institutions, and the Harvard Business School. AIM is the first school in Southeast Asia to receive accreditation from the US-based Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), globally recognized as having the world's highest standards. Throughout its history, the Institute has sought to empower students to thrive in challenging, rapidly shifting environments. It achieves this by encouraging a more considerate, effective, and sustainable approach to business and society.

About EDC:

EDC is First Gen Corporation’s 100 percent renewable energy subsidiary with over 1,480MW total installed capacity that accounts for 20 percent of the country’s total installed renewable energy capacity. Its almost 1,200MW geothermal portfolio comprises 62 percent of the country’s total installed geothermal capacity and has put the Philippines on the map as the 3rd largest geothermal producer in the world.