Universal Foundation, in strategic partnership with Villa College and Universal Resorts, celebrated a landmark achievement in its ongoing commitment to youth development and vocational education. The ceremony, held at the Islamic Centre Hall, marked the graduation of the 6th cohort of the Discover Hospitality Programme (Certificate III in Hospitality Management) and the 1st cohort of the Certificate III in Culinary Arts Programme, alongside the formal induction of the 7th batch of hospitality students and the 2nd batch of culinary arts students.

The event was officiated by Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed, Minister of Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development, and attended by senior representatives from Villa College, Universal Enterprises, Universal Resorts, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, and the Ministry of Higher Education, as well as the families of the graduates and incoming students.

In his address, Minister Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed commended the programme as a benchmark for effective collaboration between the private sector and academic institutions. He emphasised the importance of industry-aligned education in addressing national skills gaps. He praised Universal Foundation’s visionary leadership, particularly that of Universal Chairman Mr. Mohamed Umar Manik, for spearheading initiatives that empower Maldivian youth to thrive in the tourism sector.

Dr. Ali Najeeb, Vice Rector of Villa College, underscored the natural synergy between Villa College and Universal Foundation, noting that both institutions share a unified mission to cultivate a culture of learning and professional growth. He highlighted the programme’s expansion into culinary arts as a strategic move to address workforce shortages in a critical area of the hospitality industry.

Mr. Iyaz Waheed, President of Universal Foundation, reflected on the programme’s evolution over the past eight years. “We are proud to witness the growth of this initiative—from its roots in hospitality operations to its expansion into culinary arts, a field where Maldivian representation remains limited. This milestone affirms our commitment to equipping youth with the skills and confidence to build meaningful careers,” he stated.

The participants also highlighted the impact of this programme on their growth, and they emphasised the dedication and care they received both from the management of Villa College and Universal Resorts. And assured that this is just the beginning of their career in the industry, and they will strive to grow in this industry and be representatives of Maldives Hospitality to the world.

Four middle management staff from different Universal resorts also shared their journey in their hospitality career, starting from a very young age. They highlighted the secrets of their success as dedication, hard work and continuous learning from their colleagues. They assured that our resorts are safe and fully geared for youth to build a fulfilling career in Hospitality.

This year’s graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of 20 students from the Discover Hospitality Programme and 9 students from the Culinary Arts Programme. Simultaneously, 20 new participants were welcomed into the 7th batch of hospitality training, and 10 students commenced their journey in the 2nd batch of culinary arts.

Delivered through a blended learning model, the programmes combine classroom instruction at Villa College (10%) with practical training at Universal Resorts (90%). The programmes are fully funded by Universal Foundation, reflecting its enduring commitment to corporate social responsibility and national development.

Since its inception in 2017, the Discover Hospitality Programme has trained 214 students, with an 85% employment rate post-graduation and a growing number pursuing further education. Notably, female participation has increased from 10.3% in the first batch to 45.5% in the most recent, demonstrating the programme’s success in fostering inclusivity and gender equity in the hospitality sector.

Universal Foundation’s continued investment in education, health, and community care stands as a model for impactful and sustainable CSR in the Maldives. As the tourism sector evolves, initiatives like these ensure that Maldivian youth are not only prepared to participate—but to lead.