The Asian Institute of Management (AIM) conferred the honorary Doctor of Management degree on Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman of Ayala Corp., during the AIM 2024 graduation ceremony on July 7, 2024 at The Fifth at Rockwell in Makati City.
Zobel, a Harvard graduate, earned a bachelor’s degree in economics with honors in 1981 and an MBA in 1987.
“His leadership transformed Ayala Corp., the Philippines’ largest conglomerate, into a global enterprise with interests in real estate, banking, telecommunications, energy, healthcare, logistics, industrial technologies, water, infrastructure, education and technology investments. Under his guidance, Ayala Corp. achieved significant success and shaped the Philippine economy,” the AIM said.
Recognized as the first Philippine Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) pioneer, Zobel is among global leaders promoting sustainability in business. Ayala Corp. is a model for corporate social responsibility, committed to creating shared value and recognized for its environmental, community development, and education initiatives, it said.
A distinguished leader, Zobel chairs the Makati Business Club and serves on boards of prominent institutions like Temasek Holdings, JP Morgan International Council and Mitsubishi Corporation International Advisory Council. He also founded the Ayala Education Foundation, which provides scholarships to underprivileged students.
“Dr. Zobel de Ayala’s dedication to innovation, governance, and social responsibility inspires current and future business leaders,” said AIM president and dean Jikyeong Kang. “His achievements pave the way for impactful leadership, a core value at AIM.”
Zobel thanked the AIM board for the honor and congratulated the graduating class. He acknowledged Ayala’s role in founding AIM through a land donation. He praised AIM’s legacy of producing exceptional graduates who contribute to various sectors.
Zobel’s commencement address focused on choices and consequences. “We all make choices, some small, many consequential. They shape who we are and our society,” he said, urging graduates to make purposeful decisions.
He emphasized three life lessons. First, attention management is crucial. “Prioritize the most meaningful and impactful,” he said, recognizing attention as a finite resource.
Second, building strong relationships is essential. “Our teams are critical to success,” Zobel said. He encouraged surrounding oneself with diverse perspectives and fostering collaboration.
Finally, Zobel urged graduates to define their purpose and values. “They are your anchor and lighthouse, guiding you toward the future,” he said.
The honorary doctorate recognizes Zobel’s exceptional career and impact on Asian business. AIM acknowledges his achievements and commitment to leading with purpose, inspiring action, and transforming lives globally.
AIM is a pioneer in Asian management education. Founded in 1968 by a consortium of business leaders, Philippine academic institutions and the Harvard Business School Advisory Group, AIM is the first school in Southeast Asia accredited by the US-based Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
AIM empowers students to thrive in challenging environments by promoting a considerate, effective, and sustainable approach to business and society.
