Universal Foundation, in collaboration with Villa College, on Monday held a graduation ceremony for the fifth and welcoming ceremony for the sixth batch of its Discover Hospitality programme, which continues to provide Maldivians with the skills and opportunities to thrive in the burgeoning tourism sector.
The ceremony, held at Mirmar Hall, began with a welcome and opening remarks from Universal Foundation Chairman Iyaz Waheed, who highlighted the impact of the program and Universal Foundation’s long-standing commitment to developing local talent. Highlighting Universal’s history of investing in talent spanning more than 25 years, Waheed shared his own inspiring journey from scholarship recipient to becoming a key figure in the industry.
The Discover Hospitality program is a youth internship initiative run by Universal Foundation in collaboration with Villa College and Universal Resorts. It is not a one-off CSR event, but an ongoing effort to change lives that reflects Universal Foundation’s mission to support and nurture the broader community through education, health and community care. Since its launch six years ago, the program has seen 129 young people complete their training, 80% of whom are now working in the industry. Notably, the program encourages girls to participate, with 20% of graduates being women and the new batch seeing a record 45% female participants.
Addressing the audience, Villa College Vice President Dr. Ali Najeeb congratulated the graduating fifth and enrolling sixth cohort, noting that to date, 129 students have graduated from the program, with 80% now working in the industry and 15% continuing their further education. He also explained that Villa College has pivoted post-COVID to vocational training in hospitality, highlighting the school’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities in this important sector.
Mahmoud Abdelazim, Director of Learning and Development at Universal Resorts, spoke about the foundational support and opportunities the Discover Hospitality program provides. He emphasized the importance of leadership skills and hands-on training in preparing students for middle management roles, and encouraged graduates to love their work and commit to lifelong learning.
The event featured a lively panel discussion among industry leaders.
- Ahmed Faiz, HR Manager, Dhigali Maldives
- Hassan Zahir, Resident Manager, Baros Maldives
- Husham Rasheed, F&B Manager, Kurumba Maldives
- Zafwa Ziyad, Director of Milaidhoo Maldives Airport
The panelists shared personal stories and insights into the evolving landscape of the Maldives’ hospitality industry, covering topics ranging from career opportunities to overcoming gender stereotypes in the industry. From culinary arts to security, the panelists encouraged students to explore diverse roles in the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptability.
The ceremony continued with the presentation of sponsorship letters to the sixth batch of graduating students by Villa College President Ahmed Anwar and Universal Resorts Operations Director Shuhan Ahmed. The fifth batch of graduates were presented with certificates by Guest of Honor, Minister of State for Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development Ahmed Shafee. Shafee congratulated the graduating class and acknowledged the programme’s contribution to the tourism industry, calling for greater participation of Maldivians in the sector.
In his closing remarks, Shafie stressed the importance of building a skilled local workforce in tourism, the Maldives’ largest employment sector. He highlighted the government’s efforts in supporting initiatives such as the “Discover Hospitality” program, which aligns with national goals on education and employment. Shafie urged the graduates to become ambassadors for the hospitality industry and inspire their peers to join this rewarding field. He also noted the important role that consistent government support and collaboration with organizations such as Universal Foundation play in the sustainable development of the Maldives’ workforce.
Universal Foundation works directly with private and public institutions to sustain and develop programs that strengthen pathways through which Maldivians can expand their opportunities. The Foundation’s mission is to support and nurture the broader community to connect through mutual aspirations while alleviating challenges related to education, health and community care.
The success of the Discover Hospitality programme is a testament to the dedicated efforts of many individuals and organisations. The programme’s achievements reflect Universal Foundation’s ongoing commitment to developing local talent and strengthening the Maldives’ tourism industry through quality education and training.
The ceremony concluded with a group photograph and refreshments, celebrating the accomplishments of the graduating class and promising new beginnings for the new students.
The event, organised by Universal Foundation, highlights the Foundation’s commitment to developing local talent and strengthening the Maldives’ tourism industry through quality education and training.
