Aboitiz’s big bet on data science bears fruit
In Photo: (Top photo) Aboitiz scholar Gilbert Chua (standing) during his studies at the Asian Institute of Management-Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship (AIM ASITE) (Photo credits: Asian Institute of Management). (Below left photo) AIM students in a typical classroom set-up at Aboitiz Tech Space. (Below right photo) Gilbert with his parents after graduating with an MS in Data Science degree. (Aboitiz Group File Photos)
In 2019, the Aboitiz Group donated US$10 million to the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) to establish the Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (ASITE), one of the most advanced learning facilities in the region for data science and innovation. A cornerstone of the Group’s centennial anniversary celebration, the investment included study loan grants for aspiring students, which include Gilbert Chua. Then a government employee, Chua would go on to become a scholar, a data scientist, and a pioneer in one of the fastest growing industries here and abroad.
A trained physicist from the University of the Philippines, Chua knew the path forward for him was to earn a master’s degree in data science, and the best institution that offered it was the prestigious AIM. There was just one catch—the program fees would cost around P1.5M, a big burden for aspiring students like Gilbert.
Thanks to the partnership between the Aboitiz Group and AIM, Gilbert qualified for a scholarship loan that would help finance his studies. As part of the Aboitiz Group’s commitment to developing data science and innovation, it heavily invested in students by providing generous scholarship loan terms.
“I was surprised because I did not know of any other group at the time that was so willing to collaborate so deeply or bet so much on data science since it’s still an emerging field. To me that spoke of how forward-thinking Aboitiz was,” Gilbert said. “It was a no-brainer for me to accept the grant. The terms were extremely generous—it was zero percent interest, paid for almost 90% of the cost, and had even more generous repayment terms.”
The Aboitiz Group’s historic donation to AIM was meant to address the local and regional gap in data science and innovation by supporting degree programs, student loan programs, and sites and facilities. Gilbert is one of many scholars who became beneficiaries of the partnership and was part of the first batch of loan grantees.
“We are thrilled to see our vision for the Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship come to life through the success of scholars like Gilbert Chua. Our investment in AIM was an investment in people as leaders of the future. Gilbert’s journey from scholar to data scientist illustrates the transformative impact of education and our dedication to empowering people,” said Aboitiz Group President and CEO Sabin M. Aboitiz.
After graduating with his Master of Science in Data Science degree, Gilbert later joined the Aboitiz Group, which had recently formed its own data science and artificial intelligence arm, Aboitiz Data Innovation, Inc. (ADI). ADI has since become one of the key components of the Aboitiz Group’s preparations to transform itself into the Philippines’ first techglomerate by 2025. A large part of that is becoming an agile business that embraces a start-up style and emerging technologies, such as data science.
“I chose Aboitiz because I saw them as the most principled conglomerate when it comes to data science,” Gilbert said. “Because of that collaboration with AIM, I knew that the Group put its money where its mouth is. That much investment proved they were serious about data science.”
As of this writing, Gilbert has become a Principal Data Scientist at ADI. He said that with this data Science position, he’s happy that he has a job that values his expertise and gives him the opportunity to do more, especially for his family.
“I can finally give back to my family. It’s a good feeling when you can finally give your parents a comfortable life after everything they’ve done for you. Now, I can finally give back, and buy them things they want. I am so thankful that I can do that now.” ### (PR)
About Aboitiz Equity Ventures
Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) is the portfolio management company of the Aboitiz Group, leading investments in power, banking and financial services, food, infrastructure, land, and cutting-edge fields like data science and artificial intelligence. With a remarkable legacy spanning five generations, the Aboitiz Group is committed to driving change for a better world. The Group is undergoing its Great Transformation to establish itself as the Philippines’ pioneering techglomerate. This innovative growth strategy, powered by technology and a renewed entrepreneurial mindset, empowers us to advance businesses and uplift communities.
AEV is renowned as one of the best-managed companies in the Philippines and the region, consistently recognized for our unwavering dedication to good corporate governance and corporate social responsibility (CSR) through the Aboitiz Foundation.
