Beyond Borders: Connecting Cultures at AIM
The Asian Institute of Management (AIM) celebrated a week of global collaboration and cultural exchange during Global Network Week (GNW) this October 2025, welcoming 28 graduate students from leading business schools around the world. The event was held as part of the Institute’s active participation in the Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM).
As the sole institution in the Philippines in the GNAM network, AIM joins a select group of top business schools spanning six continents. This membership gives AIM students and faculty the unique opportunity to engage with a worldwide community of future leaders, exchange ideas across cultures, and explore global business challenges from multiple perspectives.
The week began with an energizing teambuilding session titled “Beyond Borders,” facilitated by the AIM Guidance and Counselling Office (GCO). Designed to set the tone for the week, the session invited participants to explore diverse cultural values and practices through a series of interactive activities. These exercises encouraged students to go beyond surface-level interaction and engage in genuine dialogue about identity, community, and collaboration.
Throughout the session, participants shared personal stories and reflections tied to familiar cultural touchstones such as food, family, and tradition. Through these anecdotes, they uncovered common values that transcend geography, particularly the shared importance of connection and belonging.
The event culminated in one of GCO’s signature practices: a guided reflection exercise where participants shared their key takeaways from the experience. Many reflected their newfound appreciation for openness, patience, and empathy as essential traits for effective cross-cultural collaboration.
“Beyond Borders” embodied the essence of the Institute’s global outlook. It created a space for meaningful connections and deeper cultural understanding among future leaders. Through initiatives like this, AIM continues to strengthen its commitment to fostering globally minded, socially responsible managers ready to lead across borders and cultures.
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