In 2023, Villa College hosted a total of 28 public events, underscoring its commitment to community engagement and the dissemination of knowledge across diverse fields. These events, led by various faculties and institutes, highlighted Villa College’s dedication to fostering educational access and professional development within the community.
The Faculty of Educational Studies (FES) organized four public events, focusing on current educational trends and community-centered topics. The Faculty of Business Management (FBM) held an impressive 10-event Industry Engagement Speaker Series, where industry experts discussed essential topics such as employability and management skills, events and festival logistics, Halal tourism, airline strategies, and fintech and banking regulations. Additionally, FBM facilitated open panel discussions aimed at empowering women in business and sharing best practices for economic advancement. The Faculty of Shariah and Law (FSL) conducted five events on timely topics like Islamic finance and strategies for crafting compelling legal essays. Finally, the Institute for Research and Innovation (IRI) offered nine public training sessions on various topics, supporting ongoing professional development and knowledge expansion for the community.
Some of these events are listed below
On 23rd Dec 2023, a public lecture on climate change and governance was delivered by Dr. Ibrahim Mohamed, offering a scholarly analysis illuminating the significance of collaborative governance frameworks in mitigating global challenges.
On 21st Dec 2023, a session was held to validate the framework for "The Ethical Code of Conduct for Psychology and Counseling Professionals in the Maldives", formulated by the hard work of the Masters of Counselling students of Villa College. This initiative aims to maintain and strengthen ethical standards in the field.
On December 15, 2023, Villa College hosted an Open Day 2023 at the QI Campus, inviting the public to explore educational and career opportunities. The event featured industry partners who shared job openings within their companies, fostering valuable connections between students, alumni, and potential employers. Villa College also provided essential public services free of charge, including a Legal Aid Clinic, Health Screening, and a Counseling Corner, underscoring its commitment to community support and well-being. This Open Day exemplifies Villa College's dedication to offering accessible resources and engaging the community through impactful public events.
On 23rd Nov 2023, the Institute for Research and Innovation (IRI) hosted a workshop today to disseminate the results of UNICEF's comprehensive study on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) regarding parenting and childcare in the Maldives. This dissemination, a pivotal aspect of the UNICEF KAP Study conducted by IRI, aimed to share key insights with pertinent stakeholders.
On November 1, 2023, Villa College’s Faculty of Business Management held an industry speaker session open to the public, featuring Mr. Ali Farish, Head of Business Banking at Bank of Maldives PLC. Facilitated by Dr. Mir Hasan Naqvi, the session covered key topics, including the role of banking in developing countries, the impact of FINTECH, and career opportunities in banking. Mr. Farish shared insights from his 15 years of experience, offering valuable guidance for students interested in finance and banking.
On October 12, 2023, Villa College's Faculty of Engineering and Technology conducted an Engineering Capstone Exhibition, where third-year students in Electrical, Mechanical, and Mechatronics showcased innovative projects addressing complex real-world issues. Industry experts from organizations like STELCO, MWSC, and leading space research institutions attended, providing mentorship and feedback, with several projects noted for potential as impactful business models. Following evaluation, these student projects were made available for public viewing and displayed at various public events, including conferences and Open Day, reflecting Villa College’s commitment to industry-relevant education and community engagement.
On August 21, 2023, Villa College’s Aviation Club and Faculty of Business Management hosted an industry speaker session, featuring aviation expert Mr. Mifzal Ahmed, with facilitation by lecturer Mr. Nikhil. Open to the public in-person and online, the event explored the role of strategy in airline success, with Mr. Ahmed sharing insights from his experience at easyJet, Flybe, and Mega Maldives Airlines. He also addressed students' questions on career opportunities in aviation, providing valuable guidance for those interested in the field.
On August 8, 2023, Villa College’s Faculty of Business Management held a session in its Industry Speaker Series titled “Embracing Halal Tourism,” featuring Dr. Hussain Sunny Umar, Founder of Maldives Halal Travel. Organized by senior lecturers Ms. Aishath Thashkeel and Ms. Nuzha Nizam, the session offered MBA and BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management students insights into the practical applications of tourism, marketing, and management concepts. Dr. Sunny’s narrative provided students with a comprehensive understanding of Halal Tourism, blending theoretical knowledge with real-world industry practices.
On Aug 3, 2023, Villa College’s Faculty of Business Management hosted an Industry Engagement Speaker Series session on "Employability and Management Skills," featuring HR experts Mr. Abdulla Zubair Ahmed from Allied Insurance and Mr. Tharaka Appuhamy from Aitken Spence Hotels. The event, led by lecturer and program manager Rushani Lewpe Bandarage, covered key topics such as CV building, personal branding, training cycles, and job market expectations. This session provided students with valuable, practical insights into essential skills for career readiness.
On July 23, 2023, Villa College Business Society (VCBS), in collaboration with Villa College and Business Center Corporation, hosted a successful Internship Fair at the QI Campus Hall, featuring exhibitors like Bank of Maldives, Universal Resorts, and Ernst and Young Maldives. The event attracted over 100 public visitors and facilitated 60+ internship applications, providing students with career exploration opportunities and interactive experiences like gaming and live music. VCBS leaders expressed gratitude to all partners, noting plans to expand the fair in future years.
On May 28, 2023, Villa College Business Society (VCBS), alongside the Faculty of Business Management, hosted the first-ever business festival held by a higher education institution in the Maldives, drawing over 400 attendees (public) to the QI Campus Hall. The event featured renowned companies like Dhiraagu, Ooredoo, and Villa Trading, who engaged with students on career opportunities, while business students showcased their enterprise ideas and product concepts in a tradeshow setting. The festival concluded with awards for Best Business Idea, Best Presenter, and Best New Product Concept, with plans for future events to foster entrepreneurship and professional development.
On May 25, 2023, students from Villa College’s Certificate 4 in Creative Arts & Design (C4CAD) showcased their work at Spectrum 2023, held at the QI Campus Hall. The event featured an unveiling of the Spectrum 2023 book by Rector Dr. Ahmed Anwar, who praised the students’ creativity and dedication, followed by student-led presentations and exhibits of their art and design projects. The event concluded with an awards ceremony where the Rector presented certificates to all participants, celebrating their achievements in the creative arts.
On March 8, 2023, Villa College’s Industry Engagement Speaker Series featured a session on "Strategic Issues in Managing People," led by HR Executive and Villa College alumnus, Mohamed Migdhaad from Minor Foods. The event was accessible to UWE Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management students from the QI and Hithadhoo campuses, who attended both in-person and online. This engaging session offered students valuable career insights and demonstrated Villa College’s dedication to connecting students with industry expertise.
On March 6, 2023, Villa College’s Psychology Association held its first Debate Talk Series of the year, presided over by Dr. Maumoon Shareef and Dr. Ahmed Didi. The event, centered on work-life balance from individual and employer perspectives, allowed students to share insights and develop critical thinking, presentation, and organizational skills. Attended by students, faculty, and VIHS students, the event concluded with a raffle draw sponsored by several local businesses, marking a successful launch of this ongoing series.
On January 20, 2023, Villa College celebrated the Chinese New Year at the QI hall, featuring esteemed guests including Her Excellency Wang Lixin, the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, and Mr. Ahmed Latheef, the Foreign Secretary. The event showcased a vibrant array of performances, including boduberu by Villa International High School students, traditional Chinese songs, and cultural dances from various local schools, culminating in a group song by all Chinese attendees. Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner while reflecting on the successful celebration of cultural traditions and the spirit of the Chinese New Year.
Through these events, Villa College has actively promoted a learning culture and strengthened its role as a hub for accessible, high-quality education for the public.