The Aboitiz Group finds itself at a crucial crossroad where the passing of the baton from the current to our future leaders is taking place. In this light, it’s important to prepare a new breed of talent to be adaptable and aware of the intricacies of the world they will soon navigate on their own.
Through the various international conferences they joined, Roland, Celine, and Isrrah — three college students who are part of the Aboitiz College Scholarship Program — were immersed in opportunities that expanded their understanding of their individual roles as global citizens.
Roland Lim was able to fly to Hong Kong and Thailand as he qualified for two separate international conferences in 2015 and 2016.
Roland, an Aboitiz Scholar Batch 2014 taking up Mechanical Engineering at the University of Santo Tomas, became one of the eligible participants in the 6th University Scholars Leadership Symposium held at Hong Kong Polytechnic University from August 1-7, 2015. With over 50 participating countries, he was chosen as a delegate to attend this conference which aims to gather scholars and student leaders across the globe to discuss issues on humanitarian affairs.
Among the various activities lined up, Roland considers his visit to orphaned refugees as his best experience – being able to interact with the kids under the custody of the Hong Kong government.
Distinguished keynote speakers shared their insightful experiences in finding innovative ways to help others but what deeply moved Roland was Dr. Rossana Wong, a Hong Kong Legislator who taught the delegates the true meaning of purposeful life – to live not just for ourselves but for others. He was also inspired by Mr. David Begbie who advised the delegates that each of them is big enough to affect the lives of others in a positive way.
Inspired by the immersive experience, Roland returned to the Philippines in high spirit knowing that there is so much he could do in his own country. “I am more dedicated to live a purposeful life knowing fully that I can make a difference in the world as a scholar, a student leader and a future mechanical engineer.”
In 2016, Roland qualified to another international conference in Bangkok, Thailand – the 5th NIDA Summer Camp organized by National Institute of Development Administration from June 14 to 23, 2016. The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) is a public graduate school in Thailand that focuses on courses aimed to serve economics and social development.
From hundreds of applicants, only the top 100 students were accepted coming from different parts of the world. Aligned to the ASEAN integration and with the theme “Innovative Tourism for Sustainable Development,” the camp gave a memorable experience to an audience with a very diverse culture.
Not only was it a scholarly experience for Roland but it also made him appreciate Thailand’s history and culture.
“As you get to learn about the culture, tradition and lives of people from other countries, you gain more knowledge and learn that the world is truly bigger and it is not only for ourselves. We learn to become less self-centered and become more selfless.”
–Roland Lim, Aboitiz college scholar
Roland’s passion for discovering and learning new things, and his desire to make a positive change in his community make him an inspiring leader.
Celine Calma, together with her team, won 1st place in the case competition of the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) 2016 Asia Conference last August 19 to 23, 2016. But this is just a cherry on top of a sweet cake. Celine worked with four other students coming from different countries with different cultures, majors, and working styles. United by their determination and good work ethics, their team fostered a harmonious working relationship and bagged 1st place in the case competition.
After thorough research and brainstorming about how 5G technology can be used for social welfare, they integrated their ideas into a single service – a safety and emergency service providing immediate aid by connecting individuals, devices and emergency aid providers using 5G technologies with GPS.
The HPAIR 2016 Asia Conference is a 5-day academic program organized by the students and faculty of Harvard University to gather international students from top universities for an exchange forum about political, social, economic, cultural and business issues relevant to Asia-Pacific region.
Celine, being an Aboitiz Scholar Batch 2014 and finishing her degree in Business Administration and Accountancy from the University of the Philippines Diliman, also thanked the Aboitiz Group not just for the financial assistance, but also for the moral support she got from the company. She was motivated to learn as much as she can and to give her best shot at the competition.
Inspired by the value-adding experience, Celine learned to dream big for others and for the world.
Isrrah Malabanan spent one semester in Bangkok, Thailand as a foreign exchange student in King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi from July 28, 2015, to December 5, 2015.
Isrrah, an Aboitiz Scholar Batch 2014 and a Civil Engineering student at St. Louis University Baguio, wanted to learn more from exploring places and taking chances. She applied and qualified to the ASEAN International Mobility for Students (AIMS) granted by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Centre (SEAMEO).
SEAMEO RIHED created AIMS as the core of its educational programs, which goal is “to create a vibrant student mobility programme for citizens of all SEAMEO member countries.” This is to ultimately cultivate globalized human resources.
Applying to the said exchange program was challenging for Isrrah. She had to take seven subjects instead of three to assure that she will be able to graduate on time. Given the culture and academic differences, she had a difficult time adjusting. But more than anything else, the experience was worth it. She had the opportunity to move out of her comfort zone, immerse herself in a foreign country and learn the culture, values and lifestyle. She managed to balance her time between studying and exploring what Thailand has to offer through her travels.
Isrrah was motivated by H. Jackson Brown when the latter said, “Nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity.” And indeed, she summarized her journey in Thailand in one sentence – It was challenging, but it was so worth it!
The Aboitiz Group continues to invest in the Philippines’ future leaders through ACSP. By providing exceptional students with financial assistance, the company aims to increase employability and expand career opportunities and experience for the younger generation.