CMU joins Asian Universities at 19th AIMS Annual Review Meeting in Malaysia

Central Mindanao University (CMU) strengthened its commitment to international academic collaboration as it joined delegates from ten Asian countries during the 19th Annual Review Meeting (ARM) of the Asian International Mobility for Students (AIMS) Programme held on November 4–6, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Lakeside Putrajaya.

Representing CMU and the Philippines was Mr. Alexander James Sayson De Grano, AIMS alumnus and student ambassador.

Hosted by SEAMEO RIHED and the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, this year’s ARM highlighted the theme “Consolidate and Connect,” emphasizing regional unity as AIMS prepares for the rollout of the Bacolod Strategy (2026–2028) and the Da Nang Objectives.

Sessions revisited AIMS’s achievements, including its growth to over 90 universities and 6,500 alumni across Asia. Industry leaders such as Dr. Iskandar Abdullah of MAXIS and Ms. Suhaini Haron of the Malaysia Forest Fund emphasized the rising value of soft skills: adaptability, diplomacy, and cross-cultural communication in preparing students for a global workforce.

Mr. De Grano noted that the meeting underscored the increasing importance of intercultural understanding and coordinated regional strategies. He shared that mobility’s strongest impact lies in developing students’ confidence, leadership, and global awareness—insights further highlighted during the AIMS Parliamentary Debate Session, where he served as part of the Opposition team.

Moreover, De Grano shared that the networking sessions enabled him to build connections with universities across Asia, opening doors to potential collaborations and future exchanges.

“AIMS’s strength lies not only in its policies but in the cultural bridges it builds, the lifelong friendships it fosters, and the collective commitment of its members to nurture globally competent and socially responsible learners,” De Grano asserted. 

A symbolic highlight of the event was the passing of the AIMS flag to the Philippines, which will host the 20th ARM in Ilocos Norte in 2026.

Overall, the meeting demonstrated AIMS’s enduring role in shaping globally competent and socially responsible learners—an advocacy CMU continues to uphold through active international engagement. [Iyren Dalipe Neri with information from Alexander James Sayson De Grano, AIMS student ambassador]

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