42 scholarship because I showed that I was determined to brave AIM’s rigors despite the odds—despite being young and short of experience and funds. Not many people can look at a daunting prospect at hand and have the guts to go the whole mile, take responsibility, and see things through to the end… My family is delighted about my scholarship.” A few months into the program, Avy found “a lot of the subjects challenging, especially since I have little business and finance background. I have been managing fine though, with perseverance and a good support system. Among the subjects we’ve taken up so far, Macroeconomics >> “Isagani Lantin, MBA 2012” is hands-down my favorite… Our continued from page 20 professors are the best. They have an me away from doing things that cause uncanny way of thinking and piecing stress is a relaxing activity for me. together class discussions such that “I promise to live up to the standevery session with them is an enriching ards of AIM after graduation because learning experience. I value the education AIM provides,” “Never before have I been in continued Gani, who dreams of becom- a room full of more brilliant and ing an entrepreneur and business exhardworking people than in an AIM case ecutive. “I plan to express my gratitude room,” she continued. “I learn from to my sponsor [Washington SyCip] by my classmates not only the substance continuing the tradition of providing of the discussion at hand but also the scholarships to deserving aspirants stories behind the perspectives from who want to pursue their master’s which they’re coming. I believe the degree in AIM. In return, these aspirants good mix of diversity is one of the best shall contribute to the well-being of things you can get at AIM. society by being responsible leaders ““I shall thank my sponsor, the in their own organizations and keeping Triple A Club, by making good on my the tradition of providing scholarships scholarship and hopefully living up to in AIM… I want my alma mater to be a their legacy. I would heartily support platform for future leaders here and future scholars,” she promised. abroad by maintaining its commitment Once she gets her MBA diploma, to excellence.” Avy intends to return to the familiar field of marketing, communications, and PR, but in institutions promoting Cover Story development, sustainability, and multicultural understanding. Moreover, she can then allot more time to her hobbies. “I engage in physical activities such as basketball, jogging, boxing, and aikido to ease away stress. I constantly find myself going on random walks. On weekends when I have little to do, I pick some place on the map I haven’t been to yet, then I explore and try to find my way around. Contemplating in a little spot of nature is my favorite way to relax, and discovering new things is what keeps my spirit alive.” Moments of contemplation have led Avy to believe that life may not be fair, but one must “take the worst and >> “Jonah Avegail Gaerlan, use it to make you stronger, and take MBA 2012” cont. from page 22 the best to carry with you every day.” executives through the years. I hold the “Things that happen in your life do so conviction that with AIM, perhaps I, too, for a reason—to make you learn, realize could become someone remarkable and something, and lead you to where you influential one day.” should be,” she stated. “It isn’t because Avy entered AIM in September 2011 of a pre-arranged and irreconcilable with the help of a scholarship from the fate; it is so that you yourself can Triple A Club. “I would think I got the determine your destiny.” 20
Cover
Story
Isagani Lati Jr., MBA 2012 GANI IS THE YOUNGEST CHILD IN a simple family. His mother runs a small store selling fresh meat, fish, and vegetables. His father was a long-time elected barangay (village) official before passing away in 2008 due to diabetes. “Although they wanted to go to college, they were unable to do so because of poverty,” Gani narrated. “Even so, they were able to raise me and my siblings in the best possible way through hard work and perseverance, and without stepping on other people’s shoes.” As a result, Gani’s brother became a policeman, and his sister now has her own small business. Gani himself completed the BS Accountancy program of San Beda College and landed in the third spot on the CPA board exam. He worked in various capacities for nine years in the Philippines and abroad. His two most recent posts were assistant manager at Manila Doctors Hospital and associate director at the auditing firm SGV & Co. Believing that learning is a continuous process and that his professional life could be improved, Gani decided to study at AIM because of its international recognition and because“its graduates are undeniably considered the movers and shakers of the business world.”
Because of Gani’s credentials, achievements, and personal background, he was conferred the W. SyCip GSB Best and Brightest scholarship. “The professors in AIM saw in me the potential to contribute to the AIM community,” he explained. “My family, especially my mother, was very proud of the recognition. It was an achievement not only for me but also for my family.
“It is the interactive experience with people of different cultural and professional backgrounds that has provided me with a lot of insights.”
“The first three months of the program was really tough, like everything was on fast forward,” he recalled. “You have to absorb every lesson at the shortest possible time. I struggled a little with subjects like Quantitative Analysis and Economics. But it was worthwhile because I learned a lot of new concepts and points of view from my professors and classmates… It’s understandable that I like finance subjects because I have a finance background. But the subject that interests me most is Managing People in Organizations because it deals with leadership skills that every manager should have. “My classmates are highly competitive,” he described. “They are so competitive that I have to raise my standards to keep up. As the Best and Brightest Scholar, I am expected to perform… The level of competitiveness during class discussions and learning team meetings helps me learn a lot of insights about the cases. It is the interactive experience with people of different cultural and professional backgrounds that has provided me with a lot of insights.” When his case pack is closed, Gani prefers to watch TV, walk, or hang out with friends. “Any activity that drives continued on page 42 >>
24
Cover
Story
The Chen-Yung Memorial Foundation Scholarship Dr. Ching Chih Chen, an esteemed member of the AIM Board of Governors from 2007 to 2009, and Chairman of the Chen-Yung Memorial Foundation, donated US$180,000.00 over three years to AIM in support of potential students who will participate in furthering the human resource development of Vietnam in the field of management. Dr. Chen was educated at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA and also heads Wan Hai Shipping Lines, headquartered in Taiwan and with 125 offices all over the world. The annual donation of US$60,000.00 provided students with full scholarships, support their living expenses, and fund the airfare to and from Vietnam. Through the Chen-Yung Memorial Foundation, which was named in memory of Dr. Chen’s father, the Chen-Yung Memorial Foundation Scholarship provided deserving students from Vietnam the opportunity to receive a Master in Business Administration (MBA), Master in Management (MM), and/or Master in Development Management (MDM) degree in AIM. Since 2009, there have been 10 recipients of the Chen-Yung Memorial Foundation Scholarship: Nguyen Thi Phuong Uyen (MBA 2010), Dao Le Tram Anh (MBA 2010), Tran Cong Bang (MDM 2010), Tran Bich Thuy (MDM 2010), Nguyen Tieu My (MBA 2011), Le Nguyen Nhat Chinh (MBA 2011), Nguyen Thi Thu Trang (MDM 2011), Tran Thi Minh Hue (MBA 2012), Ngo Thi Thanh Van (MDM 2012) and Phan Thanh Ngoc (MDM 2012).
Trang Thi Thu Nguyen, MDM 2012 AS A YOUNG GIRL GROWING UP IN ONE of the rural coastal areas of Vietnam, Trang Thi Thu Nguyen saw the importance of having a certain level of authority. She realized there was a need for power and influence to be able to address the problems of the disadvantaged sectors of society and to make changes in their lives. This inspired her to strive to be someone with power and influence, so she can make changes from the grassroots level upwards. She admired and respected people who have big dreams, who are unafraid to challenge the tough world, and passionately pursued their dreams until they reached them. Trang recognized that for her to enable change, wield influence and obtain power, she needed to study and work hard. “My ultimate goal was to work for the betterment of humanity in my own small ways,” she revealed. She went on to finish her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Information Technology at the University of Natural Science in Vietnam. After graduation she worked as an Application Developer and IT technical trainer for Scancom Ltd Co. After two years, she moved to InvestConsultGroup as Deputy Manager of Center of Information & Market Research. She was enjoying her job responsibilities but her interest in social service never wavered. She then decided to join Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), a public non-profit organization, and worked as a Development Planning Manager. She was responsible for organizing business-matching and cooperation programs to promote trade co-operation between Vietnamese enterprises and overseas enterprises. “I am conscientious in studying and looking for solutions in the issues that Vietnamese enterprises have been facing unsatisfactorily, particularly in human resource development and business management. I am interested in projects relating to enterprises because their positive changes can considerably impact social and economic issues, especially poverty. I am motivated to help poor people continued on page 42>>
W. SyCip GSB Best and Brightest Scholar
AIM’s W. SyCip GSB Best and Brightest scholarship grant offers the top undergraduate students with high GMAT/AIMAT scores, and solid work background MBA or MM full tuition scholarship, economy air fare from and to the students’ home country, lodging at the AIM dormitory, and a monthly stipend. Mr. Washington SyCip, one of the founders of the Institute is the generous funder of this program.
22
Jonah Avegail Gaerlan, MBA 2012
“I hold the conviction that with AIM, perhaps I, too, could become someone remarkable and influential one day.”
WHEN AVY WAS YOUNG, HER PARENTS separated, but she still considers her childhood happy. “I believe it made me value the essential things in life at an early age. Thus, I do not believe in misconceptions about ‘broken homes,’ and I would very much like to erase the stigma attached to it.” Another consequence of the separation is Avy’s admiration of her mother. “[She] single-handedly raised a whole family and made it feel like the toughest of times can come and go like a breeze. She made me into who I am today and taught me the most important things I needed to know about life.” A graduate of Hospitality and Tourism Management from St. Louis University, Baguio City, Avy worked for the Provincial Government of La Union’s Information and Tourism Office before studying at AIM. “We were in charge of La Union’s tourism operations and marketing, organizing major events, creating press releases and correspondence for the governor, and performing other administrative functions,” she explained. “I had wanted to pursue higher studies to broaden my knowledge and improve my future prospects,” she said. “After I read testimonies of alumni in the AIM ad in Baguio Midland Courier, my first impression of the school was that it is an enabler of success. It trains people to become competent in facing the world’s challenges and to go beyond what most people are capable of achieving… I chose AIM because of its tradition of excellence that enabled it to produce distinguished top continued on page 42>>
Triple A Club Scholars
With Jesli Lapus, MBM 1973 as President, the Triple A Club, whose members represent the most outstanding alumni of the Institute, granted its first scholarship to Ariel de la Cruz in 2006. Jonah Avegail Gaerlan and Katrina Gracia Macaraig are the fortunate recipients of their scholarship for this year.
Knowing that AIM is one of the best in Asia, I wanted to study here as it is the lifetime opportunity for me.
>> “Trang Thi Thu Nguyen, MDM 2012” cont. from page 24
in coastal areas, the place I lived for a long time,” she shared. When the opportunity to study in AIM presented itself, Trang unhesitatingly grabbed it. “My unique blend of experiences in professional development, strong commitment, and clear ultimate goal for my future career path and potential contribution gave me confidence to pursue my application to the Masters in Development Management (MDM) program. I wanted to enhance my academic qualification, build networks, and strengthen my career path. Knowing that AIM is one of the best in Asia, I wanted to study here as it is the lifetime opportunity for me. I learned of AIM’s reputation through my friends who are AIM alumni,” she admitted. After a series of interviews, she was accepted into the MDM program and received full scholarship from the Chen Yung Memorial Foundation, courtesy of Dr. Ching-Chih Chen, Chairman of Wan Hai Lines and former Member of the AIM Board of Trustees. “When I arrived at AIM, I thought the experience was going to be like in any other university, where you have a lot of free time to study or do other things on your own, but it was completely different. AIM is fully an academicoriented school where students are required to do all the academic work, either in CAN groups and individually. I realized that the key to success here is to work smartly and diligently. If you cannot manage workflow and stress in a small laboratory environment like AIM, you cannot succeed in the tough world,” she disclosed. “Studying in AIM is very challenging. It tests your aptitude and ability and pushes you to make full use of your potential. Most of my subjects are very useful. I like Base of Pyramid, Business Economics, Macro-Micro Economics, PPDM, Regional Integration Asia, System
Thinking, and Strategic Management best. These courses provided me with effective tools, as well as shaped my mindset in the way I analyze a problem. I learned how to use techniques such as looking at problems as a whole or as inter-dependent links, or thinking out of box, or seeing the opportunities in threats, etc.,” she proudly stated. “My class consists of students from different countries coming from varying professional backgrounds. They are friendly and unique in their own ways. I learned a lot from being with them, listening to their experiences, working with them and drawing insights from their learning. Likewise, I learned so much from all of my professors. They are all qualified and well experienced and they know their subjects well. Most importantly they understand the students.” Trang further divulged that studying in AIM made her a better individual. “The rigor and pressure I went through while studying made me a better and stronger person, and I feel I am ready to face any challenges [that I would face] in my life. I believe I am in a better position to take up any kind of career.” “The biggest benefits I gained from AIM are the following: gaining better insight on development environment issues, acquiring a deeper knowledge of what I can do to bring benefits of my service to enterprises and to society, and last but not least, learning the essential skills in development and business management, especially in areas where I am concerned about. Core subjects are extremely attached to my future career in planning training courses or international cooperation projects. AIM gave me the tools to create firm connections between organizations and enterprises, as well as lessons on how to open a network to create public value at the same time maximize the sustainable public good.” She revealed that during her free time, she joins community and volunteer activities. “I do this to keep my heart warm and contribute to social good. Every year, I travel as a backpacker to remote areas to talk with people, to see beautiful landscapes, to learn diverse cultures, to see how small the world is and to gain personal maturity and appreciation for our world. In AIM, I do some exercises like jogging, playing badminton and swimming. I also listen to music to relax my mind, keep myself refreshed, and energized. I also like to read books to give food to my mind.” When asked about her future plans, Trang shared that she would like to continue working in VCCI or in any like-minded NGOs. “My concern in strengthening the role of enterprises in solving social and economic problems