Impactful Visit: Matthias Meier, CEO of Aiducation International, in the Philippines
June 29th, 2024, marked the end of an impactful one-week visit by Matthias Meier, CEO of Aiducation International to the Philippines. Hosted by our long-term partner, Pathways to Higher Education, the visit spanned from June 24th to 29th and was packed with productive meetings and events aimed at strengthening our mission of identifying and bridging talent to opportunities.
Group picture with the Pathways team
Engaging Discussions and Stakeholder Meetings
Matthias arrived in Manila on the evening of June 24th and hit the ground running the next day. On June 25th, he led a full day of intensive and exciting discussions with Pathways to Higher Education, focusing on strategies to engage more stakeholders in our shared mission. These discussions set a collaborative tone for the rest of the visit, emphasizing the importance of aligning efforts to maximize impact.
Picture 1: Team dinner
Picture 2: Quick meeting with Partners Group and RepRisk
Roundtable at the Swiss Embassy
A significant highlight of the visit occurred on June 26th, when the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines, in partnership with the Swiss Cultural Fund, hosted a roundtable discussion. This event brought together representatives from academia, the private sector, and civil society to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring access and success for Filipino talent. These discussions aligned perfectly with the shared mission of Aiducation and Pathways, extending beyond just education access. Matthias also had the opportunity to meet with Neva Santos, Global Head of Partners Group, and Dan Santos, GM of RepRisk Philippines, further strengthening our network of key stakeholders.
Picture 1: Pathways and Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines teams with Matthias
Picture 2: Matthias taking a selfie at the roundtable discussion
Picture 3: CHED Commissioner Valenzuela sharing her data
Exploratory Meetings with Industry Leaders
The subsequent days, June 27th and 28th were devoted to back-to-back exploratory meetings with industry leaders. Matthias engaged in fruitful discussions with Ivana Hermoso of Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the leadership team at Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) led by Managing Director Andreas Reidel, and HR Director Hannah Ruaya of Oracle Philippines. These meetings focused on mentoring and career readiness programs, exploring how these organizations can support Aiducation’s mission.
Picture 1: Matthias, Solvie with Maqui Igual of QBO
Picture 2: Matthias, Solvie and Hannah Ruaya of Oracle Philippines
Additionally, Matthias met with leaders from Ateneo’s JGSOM, QBO Innovation, Kaya Founders, and other influential figures in the startup ecosystem. These interactions highlighted the vibrant and dynamic environment in the Philippines and identified how we can better integrate high-potential students and graduates into this thriving ecosystem.
Alumni Socials and Updates Night
The visit concluded on an even higher note with an Alumni Socials and Updates night on June 29th at the MVP Roofdeck of the Ateneo de Manila, Loyola Heights campus. Sponsored by Aiducation, the event brought together over 80 alumni from across the 16 batches of Aiducation scholarship beneficiaries. Attendees reconnected, learned about new programs, and explored volunteer opportunities. Small group discussions revealed a strong desire among alumni to continue learning and growing together, highlighting the enduring impact of Aiducation’s initiatives.
Group photo at the Alumni Gathering
Conclusion
Matthias Meier’s visit to the Philippines was a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared mission of Aiducation International and Pathways to Higher Education. The week’s events underscored our commitment to bridging talent to opportunities and showcased the tremendous potential for future partnerships. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to fostering a supportive and dynamic environment for our scholars and alumni.
Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to engage with our initiatives as we continue to drive positive change and impact.
Published by Boniface