Palafox Partners with AIM to Develop Smart City Education Programs

Key Takeaways

A new “Postgraduate Certificate in Smart Cities Development and Management” course will begin on Sept. 22, 2025.
The program is a collaborative effort between Palafox Associates and the Asian Institute of Management, featuring a curriculum that covers key aspects of smart city planning.
Target participants include government employees, developers, and smart city enthusiasts, with classes held three times a week.

New Course Announcement

Students and architects interested in addressing climate-related building challenges will have an opportunity to learn about sustainable smart city design through an upcoming program. The “Postgraduate Certificate in Smart Cities Development and Management,” which begins on September 22, 2025, will run for 30 days.

Announced by German Paulo de Mesa, architect and innovations director at Palafox Associates, during the company’s 36th Anniversary Celebration on July 22, the course aims to equip students with essential skills for developing environmentally friendly and efficient urban spaces. The curriculum will cover five main areas: the overarching concept of smart cities, design principles, infrastructure, implementation strategies, and leadership.

Classes will be held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, with instruction provided jointly by professors from the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and experts from Palafox Associates. The program targets a diverse group of students, including government employees, developers, decision-makers, and smart city enthusiasts.

According to de Mesa, the course material was developed through consultations with potential students and clients, ensuring the content meets their needs. “We have been working toward a program, crafting the curriculum, and assessing who this program is for,” he explained.

Additionally, Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr., founder and managing partner of Palafox Associates, was recognized by AIM as an Executive in Residence and Adjunct faculty member during the announcement. The partnership with AIM, formalized by a memorandum of agreement on March 20, aims to leverage Palafox’s extensive experience and the resources available at AIM.

This initiative represents a significant step towards fostering expertise in smart city development, encouraging innovative solutions to today’s pressing urban and environmental challenges. By providing structured learning opportunities, the program hopes to cultivate a new generation of professionals ready to contribute to sustainable urban living.

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