Makati, Philippines—The Asian Institute of Management (AIM) marked a significant milestone as it welcomed new cohorts for the Executive Master in Disaster Risk and Crisis Management (EMDRCM) and Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) programs. This intake signifies the Institute’s unwavering dedication to cultivating future leaders who will champion responsible leadership and contribute to national development across various sectors.
AIM President and Dean Jikyeong Kang, PhD, reflected on the transformative impact of these programs. The launch of the MSDS program expanded the AIM curriculum, integrating data science with management education to address the evolving needs of nation-building. The EMDRCM program, on the other hand, emerged from the Institute’s recognition of its role in tackling climate change and disaster risk reduction, crucial for a disaster-prone country like the Philippines. Dr. Kang underscored the importance of equipping leaders with the skills to enhance disaster preparedness, leverage data-driven insights, and strengthen national resilience.
A key moment of the event was the recognition of the inaugural class of 18 scholarship recipients for the EMDRCM program. This scholarship is part of the Sustainable Leadership Learning for Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction (SLL-CDRR) Scholarship Program, a collaborative initiative between the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the Climate Change Commission (CCC), and AIM.
The EMDRCM program is designed to develop future leaders who can shape global emergency and disaster response and crisis preparedness. The program’s significance strongly aligns with Senator Legarda’s advocacy in championing environmental protection, climate change awareness, and community resilience.
The SLL-CDRR scholarship program plays a crucial role in supporting deserving EMDRCM students, bridging financial gaps and enabling them to pursue higher education and contribute the Philippines’ progress.
In addition to supporting the EMDRCM program, keynote speaker Senator Legarda highlighted the growing importance of data science. With data science becoming essential in different fields, she acknowledges how the MSDS program meets the demand by providing skills that drive innovation and informed decision-making—both crucial in the country’s overall development.
Senator Legarda announced a commitment to fund eight scholarships for the MSDS program in 2025 and pledged continued annual funding of 18 scholarships for the EMDRCM program.
In her address, Senator Legarda praised the programs offered at AIM, which are designed to equip students with essential skills and foster interactions that drive personal and national growth. She emphasized the value of a collaborative approach in achieving a resilient and thriving Philippines. Through these initiatives with CCC and AIM, they aim to unite various sectors and industries in creating a disaster-resilient and prosperous nation for all.