AIM updates graduate programs to prioritise AI and cybersecurity leadership
The Asian Institute of Management (AIM) has announced significant updates to two of its key graduate programs, aiming to address the critical demand for business leaders skilled in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. This move reflects the institution's commitment to preparing executives capable of integrating these technologies into corporate strategies to enhance both innovation and security.
The Master in Data Analytics (MDA) program has been revamped and rebranded as the Master in AI and Data Analytics (MAIDA). Meanwhile, the Master in Cybersecurity (MCS) has evolved into the Executive Master in Cybersecurity Management (EMCSM). These transformations underscore AI and cybersecurity not as ephemeral trends, but as indispensable business imperatives that require immediate strategic leadership.
Prof. Christopher Monterola, head of AIM's Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology, & Entrepreneurship, emphasised that “companies need leaders who can address these challenges now, not in some distant future.” The MAIDA program, designed to mould leaders akin to “exceptional racers” in Prof. Kenneth Co’s words, stretches over 18 months with six terms. It equips professionals with advanced skills to use AI technologies judiciously, focusing on areas such as programming fundamentals, business statistics, and data visualisation. The curriculum also stresses responsible AI application, ethics, and the importance of storytelling in business intelligence, preparing graduates to harness data not just to inform decisions but to drive organisational change effectively.
On the cybersecurity front, the EMCSM targets senior executives who are responsible for protecting their organisations from digital threats at a strategic level. Prof. Philip Kwa, the academic program director for EMCSM, pointed out that “cybersecurity is a boardroom issue, not just an IT concern.” The program’s coursework covers governance, risk management, cybersecurity policy, digital forensics, and security management. It aims to cultivate leaders who can safeguard business continuity and customer trust by integrating resilience into daily operations. Prof. Jose Gerardo Santamaria, head of the Washington SyCip Graduate School of Business, added that organisations need executives who can “lead initiatives, evaluate cybersecurity postures, and make sound technology investments today.”
Both programs respond to a recognised leadership gap in the ability to merge technical expertise with strategic business acumen. The revamped MAIDA and EMCSM programmes represent AIM’s strategic response to an evolving economy increasingly driven by data, AI, and cybersecurity concerns. Industry observers have noted that these changes come amid growing shortages of professionals who can bridge the divide between complex technological domains and broader business leadership needs.
The enhanced focus on AI and data analytics aligns with a broader trend of integrating practical AI tools into business decision-making. The MAIDA curriculum, for example, now includes machine learning modules, Python programming, and applications that allow students hands-on experience with data manipulation and pattern recognition. This equips students for roles like Data Scientist, Business Analyst, and AI Specialist, forging skills necessary for driving competitive advantage in complex business environments.
Similarly, the transformation of the cybersecurity programme into a more executive-focused course highlights the strategic nature of digital security challenges facing organisations today. Just as cyber threats escalate in sophistication, so too must business leaders develop capabilities in governance, policy, and risk resilience to maintain organisational security.
In sum, AIM’s programme overhaul sends a clear message to the market: the convergence of AI and cybersecurity into core business leadership competencies is no longer optional. Preparing executives with this dual-capacity is crucial for enterprises seeking sustainable growth and resilience in a digital-first world.