AIM Students Clinch 2nd Place at Global Yale Africa Startup Review Business Competition 2025
Two standout students from the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) have proudly earned 2nd place honors at the 2025 Yale Africa Startup Review (YASR) Business Competition, solidifying the Institute’s presence on the global innovation stage and showcasing the strength of its interdisciplinary graduate programs.
Franelle Ira M. Lareza, from the Master of Science in Financial Technology (MSc FinTech) 2026 and Senior Marketing Manager at BDO Unibank, Inc., and Michael Sy, from the International Master in Business Administration (iMBA) 2025, represented AIM in the final round of the competition held in May 2025.
The YASR Business Competition, spearheaded annually by students of the Yale School of Management, is an international platform that recognizes the most promising startup ventures committed to innovation, sustainability, and scalable impact across Africa. More than a competition, YASR is part of a broader global initiative that bridges rising entrepreneurs with seasoned investors, academics, and business leaders from around the world.
This year’s competition drew entries from over 16 international teams, each paired with a student collaborator from leading universities. The rigorous selection process, followed by multiple pitching rounds before a distinguished panel, culminated in a high-stakes final where the AIM duo emerged among the top performers. Their pitch, praised for its strategic clarity, market viability, and social relevance, exemplified the Institute’s distinctive approach to combining business acumen, technological fluency, and real-world impact.
Their 2nd place finish not only reflects the individual excellence of Lareza and Sy, but also highlights the Institute’s evolving role as a hub for future-ready leadership in emerging markets. It also demonstrates how AIM students are actively contributing to cross-border conversations around innovation and entrepreneurship—not just as participants, but as frontrunners.
Their achievement underscores the Institute’s commitment to developing leaders who can navigate complexity, drive innovation, and create meaningful change—not only within their organizations, but in broader communities across borders.
As the Institute continues to build a strong global footprint through its world-class programs and partnerships, the success of Lareza and Sy serves as a powerful reminder: Filipino talent belongs on the world stage—and thrives there.
At AIM, we shape leaders who navigate complexity, drive innovation, and lead with purpose across industries and borders. Find the right graduate program for you at aim.edu.
