On 10 December 2021, the first Master of Development Management cohort successfully completed their 12-month learning journey in the program.
The newly updated MDM curriculum addresses the problem of unsustainable, non-inclusive development – compounded by the threats of the Fourth Industrial Revolution – in a way that is responsive to these new global challenges. Preparing development managers to serve as impact leaders who will heed the call of the everchanging field of development management, remains a priority for the Stephen Zuellig School of Development Management (SZSDM). The curriculum highlights the applications of social entrepreneurship and impact-first investing. It also emphasizes the dire need for innovations in policy implementation that present novel ways to scale social impact and tackle the global challenges identified under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The closing ceremony honored students of the MDM Class of 2021 with academic recognitions, namely, Rowell Del Fierro, Maxin J. Arcebal, Roland Christopher F. Caballar, Allen Bryan M. Cuerdo, Carlo Enrico P. Santiago, and Joyce Mabelle P. Talag.
Five Dean’s listers were also honored: Maxin Jay Arcebal, Roland Christopher Caballar, Rowell del Fierro, Carlo Enrico Santiago, and Joyce Mabelle Talag.
Present at the ceremony were Michelle Antero, PhD, Associate Dean, Jamil Paolo Francisco, PhD, Interim School Head of SZSDM, Arnil Paras, MDM Academic Program Director, and program faculty.
In Professor Paras’ welcoming remarks, he shares, “The world as we know it is uncertain and that is the future that we are going to continue to face. We can’t expect the world to change to our favor, instead we can change according to how the world is also changing”. In his message, he highlighted how the program prepares students to become leaders who will make an impact despite how volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) the world is becoming.
Dr. Antero challenged the graduates to embark on a new journey as development managers in this VUCA world. She assures them of the many chances they will have to make their experience worthwhile in innovating, inspiring, and transforming the world.
Motoo Konishi, former World Bank Country Director for the Philippines and AIM Distinguished Fellow in Development Management was also present as the Guest of Honor at the ceremony. In his speech, he emphasized that what development managers need to do now is “not to change the world, but to save the world.”
Konishi reflected that this is the time for enlightened leadership. The world needs leaders that care about equality, humanity, peace, and stability. He highlighted climate change and the environment, along with the need to create circulate economies, and inclusive societies that prosper together. He encouraged the cohort to become development leaders who are instruments of transformation. He assures them that their education will guide them through the process, but they must be able to learn to lead with purpose, commitment, and heart.
The Stephen Zuellig School of Development Management empowers the next generation of development managers, professionals, and change agents to create transformative impact across society. To learn more about the school and our programs, visit https://devatwork.aim.edu/.
