The Maldives National University (MNU) has signed three Memoranda of Understanding with Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa, and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. The signing ceremony was held at the MNU Central Building on Sunday, 27 September 2026.
The agreements formalise and strengthen the valuable relationship that MNU has developed with Hilton Maldives over the years. This longstanding collaboration has been founded on mutual trust and a shared commitment to developing skilled professionals for the Maldivian hospitality industry.
The MOUs were signed on behalf of The Maldives National University by Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam and the Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies, Ms. Zulaikha Reesha Rashaad.
The partnerships will create further opportunities for MNU students through internships, practical learning, professional development, knowledge exchange, industry engagement, and exposure to internationally recognised hospitality practices. They will also strengthen collaboration between the university and the industry in preparing students for successful careers within the tourism and hospitality sector.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island was represented by its General Manager, Nick Flynn, who signed the MOU on behalf of the property. Nani Rasheed, Director of Human Resources, signed as the witness. Mohamed Jadelrab, Director of Learning and Development, also attended the ceremony as part of the Conrad Maldives delegation.
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa was represented by its General Manager, Mark Eletr, with Bharti Koul, Human Resources Manager, serving as the witness signatory.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi was represented by its Managing Director, TJ Joulak, while Ahmed Faiz, Director of Human Resources, signed as the witness. The Waldorf Astoria delegation also included Eileen Edward, Executive Assistant to the Managing Director, and Tolgon Ai Ishenbek kyzy, Director of Learning and Development.
During the ceremony, representatives of the three properties shared remarks reflecting on their partnerships with MNU and their continued commitment to supporting the education and professional development of Maldivian students.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Ms. Zulaikha Reesha Rashaad reflected on the valuable partnership established between MNU and Hilton Maldives over the years. She noted that the signing marked not merely the beginning of a new relationship, but the formal recognition and further strengthening of an existing collaboration.
Ms. Reesha also expressed appreciation to the leadership and Human Resources teams of the three properties for their continued investment in future hospitality professionals. She acknowledged MNU management, the University Secretariat, the Legal Office, and the FHTS team for their contributions towards finalising the agreements and organising the ceremony.
The partnerships also contribute to the interconnected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by providing students with practical learning and professional development opportunities; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by supporting skills development and preparing graduates for careers in the tourism and hospitality sector; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by strengthening sustained collaboration between higher education and industry. The partnerships also support SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through knowledge exchange and stronger links between education and industry, contributing to a skilled and industry-ready workforce for the sustainable development of the Maldivian tourism and hospitality sector.
The signing of the three MOUs represents another important step in MNU’s commitment to strengthening industry–academia collaboration and ensuring that its programmes remain connected to the evolving needs of the Maldivian tourism and hospitality industry.
