Central Mindanao University Participates in 19th AIMS Annual Review Meeting in Malaysia
Central Mindanao University (CMU) participated in the 19th Annual Review Meeting (ARM) of the Asian International Mobility for Students (AIMS) Programme held from November 4 to 6, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Lakeside in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The event aimed to enhance international academic collaboration and included representatives from ten Asian countries.
Representation and Theme
Mr. Alexander James Sayson De Grano, an AIMS alumnus and student ambassador, represented CMU and the Philippines during the meeting. This year’s theme was “Consolidate and Connect,” highlighting the significance of regional unity in preparation for the upcoming Bacolod Strategy (2026–2028) and the Da Nang Objectives.
Agenda and Accomplishments
The agenda included discussions on AIMS’s accomplishments, including its expansion to over 90 universities and a network of 6,500 alumni across Asia. Keynote speakers, such as Dr. Iskandar Abdullah from MAXIS and Ms. Suhaini Haron of the Malaysia Forest Fund, emphasized the growing importance of soft skills, particularly adaptability and cross-cultural communication, for students entering the global workforce.
Intercultural Understanding and Debate
During the meeting, De Grano noted the importance of intercultural understanding and the need for coordinated regional strategies. He stated that the program significantly contributes to developing students’ confidence, leadership skills, and global awareness. Additionally, De Grano participated in the AIMS Parliamentary Debate Session as a member of the Opposition team.
Networking Opportunities
The event provided networking opportunities that enabled De Grano to connect with representatives from various universities throughout Asia, presenting possibilities for future collaborations and exchanges.
Building Cultural Bridges
De Grano emphasized that AIMS serves as a platform for building cultural bridges and fostering lifelong friendships, which are essential for cultivating globally competent and socially responsible learners.
AIMS Flag Ceremony
A notable highlight of the ARM was the passing of the AIMS flag to the Philippines, which is set to host the 20th ARM in Ilocos Norte in 2026. The meeting reaffirmed AIMS’s commitment to developing competent and socially responsible learners, a goal that aligns with CMU’s ongoing international engagement efforts.
Cited from: Central Mindanao University News.
