Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman of Ayala Corporation, addressed the 414 graduates of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) during their 30th Commencement Exercises held on August 16 at the Solaire Grand Ballroom in Parañaque City. His speech emphasized the significance of embracing difficult challenges as a means to develop character and contribute meaningfully to society.

Opening his address, Zobel de Ayala highlighted UA&P’s commitment to nurturing leaders grounded in excellence, community, and wisdom, values that align closely with those upheld by Ayala Corporation. He noted that many of the company’s leaders, including ACEN CEO Eric Francia, are products of this institution.

Reflecting on the turbulent times the Class of 2025 has endured, the chairman observed that while previous graduates faced the immediate crisis of the pandemic, this cohort was shaped amid a world transitioning toward a "new normal." Graduates navigated hybrid learning models and societal caution while confronting emerging global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, accelerating technological change, climate crises, divisive public discourse, and the proliferation of disinformation.

Zobel de Ayala described today’s reality as a "real world" that is rapid yet lacks wisdom, connected yet fragmented, and unpredictable but ripe for courageous action.

Drawing on the power of storytelling, he encouraged graduates to find coherence amidst uncertainty through a clear sense of purpose. He recounted Ayala Corporation’s nearly 200-year history, tracing its origins from agriculture and distilling to its present role in sectors including real estate, renewable energy, and technology. This legacy, he explained, is not defined by flawless decisions but by a steadfast commitment to build businesses that enable people to thrive.

"Purpose gives direction," he stated, "while values guide how we navigate the path." The chairman reiterated the company’s core values—doing what is right even when unobserved, envisioning improvement beyond adequacy, inspiring excellence without immediate recognition, and fostering collaboration despite simpler alternatives.

Zobel de Ayala urged graduates to reflect deeply on what they stand for, who they wish to become, and how their choices can impact others. He stressed that true character emerges through confronting difficult, sometimes unpopular decisions, citing memorable literary and historical figures as examples.

He cautioned graduates against complacency in an age dominated by artificial intelligence, misinformation, and shortcuts, advocating instead for wisdom, truthfulness, attentive listening, and prioritizing meaningful impact over recognition.

His closing advice was clear: "Choose the difficult. Because the real world demands courage, not convenience."

Zobel de Ayala challenged the graduates to anchor their lives in service to causes greater than themselves, to have faith in their guiding values, and to summon courage in the face of fear and uncertainty. He reaffirmed confidence in their comprehensive formation through UA&P’s education, urging them to write their life stories with courage, clarity, and compassion.

"Your presence here today proves you can choose the difficult," he said. "Write your story one choice at a time. And when your story faces the unknown, take courage and choose the difficult."