The Asian Institute of Management (AIM) proudly conferred an Honorary Degree of Doctorate in Management to Dr. Isidro A. Consunji, Chairman and President of DMCI Holdings, Inc. (DMCI). The conferment ceremony was held on 08 December 2024 during the AIM graduation rites at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
Dr. Consunji has cemented his legacy as a decisive leader who steered DMCI from its roots in construction to becoming a multifaceted business empire. With over four decades of experience, he has reshaped the construction, mining, and power industries, driving progress and ingenuity at every turn.
Known for his meticulous attention to detail and pursuit of excellence, he has built a career rooted in a passion for construction that has fueled his growth. His time at AIM strengthened his business foundation, complemented by advanced leadership training at IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain. He also earned a Civil Engineering degree from the University of the Philippines.
In his commencement speech, Dr. Consunji attributed his success to lessons learned at AIM. “AIM gave me the tools to think beyond operations, equipping me with the confidence to make decisions that would change the course of my career,” he shared. Looking back, he admitted that AIM was not merely a stepping stone—it was the cornerstone of his growth, both professionally and personally.
With his forward-thinking approach, Dr. Consunji has positioned DMCI to become one of the Philippines’ most prominent and diversified conglomerates, achieving blue-chip status with a market capitalization of ₱240 billion. Under his guidance, DMCI has thrived in key sectors and set the benchmark for innovation and operational excellence. His ability to lead through times of change and to inspire growth at every level of the organization is a hallmark of his career.
Beyond his business acumen, Dr. Consunji is a passionate advocate for corporate social responsibility and sustainability. His dedication to nation-building is reflected in DMCI’s efforts, such as providing affordable housing through DMCI Homes and championing eco-friendly construction practices. His leadership also extends to disaster relief initiatives and partnerships with the government on key infrastructure projects, ensuring his legacy of creating lasting, positive change goes far beyond the boardroom.
In 2022, the Management Association of the Philippines recognized his exceptional contributions to the business community by naming him Management Man of the Year. This accolade, along with his recognition as Asia’s Best CEO by Corporate Governance Asia at the 2023 and 2024 Asian Excellence Awards, reflects his profound influence in the corporate world and shaping a future where businesses thrive responsibly and sustainably.
“Dr. Isidro Consunji’s remarkable journey of resilience and foresight sets an inspiring example for future business leaders,” said AIM President and Dean, Jikyeong Kang, PhD. “At AIM, we celebrate his exemplary leadership and share his belief in the transformative power of education to drive positive change.”
For the graduating class of 2024, Dr. Consunji shared words of encouragement, “Growth happens when you challenge yourself to see things from a new perspective. Step out of your comfort zone.” He also emphasized the importance of embracing ongoing challenges, stating, “Challenges never end. Embrace them.”
Closing his speech, Dr. Consunji revealed his “magic potion” for success: ideas, hard work, teamwork, friends, good values, and a bit of luck. “There is nothing wrong with being the right person at the right time, in the right place,” he said. He urged the graduates to use this recipe to make a difference not just for their own communities but for their country, adding, “Business at its core is a tool, a very powerful tool. It can solve problems, create opportunities, alleviate poverty, and leave the world better than we found it.”
The Honorary Degree of Doctorate in Management recognizes Dr. Isidro Consunji’s journey, defined by vision, perseverance, and a deep commitment to building a thriving business and a better society. AIM honors his exceptional leadership and enduring impact on the Philippine economy, underpinned by his belief in education as the catalyst for progress and sustainable success.