Makati, Philippines – A different kind of energy was felt as the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) welcomed its first-ever cohort of undergraduate students on 14 August 2023.

This batch of academically-gifted students gathered at AIM’s Fuller Hall for the convocation of the groundbreaking transactional double-degree program in Data Science and Business Administration (DSBA), and Management Information Systems (MIS) in partnership with the University of Houston’s C.T. Bauer College of Business. The BSDSBA-BBAMIS class of 2027 cheered as AIM’s President and Dean, Dr. Jikyeong Kang, gave a rousing welcome. She exhorted the class to think about “How do I ‘be the change’?”, not in the usual context of finding financial success but rather in terms of doing good for the others and feeling proud of themselves as well.

University of Houston’s Director of Global Initiatives, Dr. Nikhil Celly, extended a warm welcome to the freshman class and congratulated them for enrolling in the pioneering double degree program that is focused on the future. Frank Kelley, Associate Dean of the Undergraduate Programs extolled the solid partnership between AIM and UH that offers students many opportunities for learning and work.

AIM was delighted to receive Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Dr. Prospero “Popoy” E. De Vera’s message to students, expounding on the global transformation where data assumes a vital role in influencing decision-making and innovation. He congratulated the future data science leaders and reminded them that the world awaits their contributions and leadership.

Student representatives Donna Faith Go and Rose Fiana Velasco delivered impassioned responses to rally their classmates and announce their readiness to meet the challenge of the demanding program and use their knowledge to improve the world.

The BSDSBA-BBAMIS program is AIM’s first-ever undergraduate program, spearheading the Institute’s foray into tertiary education. This pioneering cohort will experience a curriculum crafted by professors from AIM and UH that will equip them with the skills necessary to build a successful career in Data Science, Business Administration, and Management Information Systems. Spirits are high as the Institute looks to these young future leaders brimming with potential as they embark on a journey of self-fulfillment, discovery, and 21st century learning.

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