To foster academic cooperation, research, and student mobility in the hospitality and tourism sector, the Maldives National University (MNU) and The Hotel School Australia (THSA), a prestigious institution under Southern Cross University (SCU), have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (FHTS).

Vice Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam officiated the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the Maldives National University during a formal ceremony held at the central campus in Malé. Mr. Nicholas Hyde, Executive General Manager of SCU Ventures, joined virtually and officiated the MoU on behalf of The Hotel School Australia – Southern Cross University. The event was observed by the Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives, Mr. David Jessup, and Ms. Zeenath Solih, Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies.

This Memorandum of Understanding opens the door to numerous professional and academic partnerships, such as:

•  collaborative academic and research initiatives in the fields of hospitality and tourism management.
•  programs for staff and student exchanges to promote intercultural and hands-on learning.
•  webinars, online seminars, and guest lectures led by both organizations.
•  Curriculum alignment for improved mobility pathways and possible dual programs.

The partnership aims to enhance the quality of hospitality education in the Maldives through international exposure, academic exchange, and cooperative learning opportunities. “This agreement signifies our ongoing commitment to bridging Maldivian higher education with global best practices in the tourism and hospitality sector,” stated Dr. Aishath Shehenaaz Adam, Vice Chancellor of MNU. Ms. Zeenath Solih, Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies, also highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating, “This MoU reflects our shared commitment to excellence in hospitality education and our desire to engage in mutually beneficial collaboration. It is a proud milestone for us to partner with a prestigious institution that shares our vision for academic excellence and industry relevance.” Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Nick Hyde, Executive General Manager of The Hotel School Australia, Southern Cross University, added, “The Dean of The Hotel School Australia Professor Erica Wilson and I are delighted to be partnering with the MNU and sharing our expertise in global hotel management. Our university’s purpose is to change lives, and we look forward to working together with the MNU to develop future leaders of this globally important industry”. Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives, Mr. David Jessup, also reiterated the importance of this collaboration, stating that one of his top priorities has been to foster stronger connections between the higher education sector of the Maldives and Australian academia, to further enrich academic partnerships and capacity building between the two nations.

The five-year MoU is anticipated to make a significant contribution to the Maldives’ tourism industry’s human resource development, in line with both institutions’ common goals of academic excellence and international engagement.