The Maldives National University (MNU) celebrated the 35th Anniversary of its Business School through LEAD 2026, held on 30 September 2026. The event showcased student excellence, practical learning, innovation, and business education across MNU campuses, bringing together students, staff, entrepreneurs, judges, and members of the wider community.

Under the theme L.E.A.D. — Learn. Engage. Apply. Discover., the event provided students with opportunities to demonstrate how knowledge gained through their studies can be applied to practical business and real-world contexts. Student-led showcases across the Malé, Hithadhoo, and Thinadhoo campuses attracted a combined total of nearly 600 visitors.

Malé Campus | MNU Business School

The Malé campus welcomed more than 360 visitors who engaged with a range of interactive student showcases throughout the day. The showcases included:

• “PLOC” Medley 2.0 – Demonstrating management functions in action
• Beyond A Resume – Exploring the HR employee journey
• Ecolympics – Exploring economics through simulation
• Accounting Feud – Bringing finance into a friendly competitive setting
• MAA CAT 2.0 – Creating an immersive marketing experience
• Business Unboxed – Exploring the wider business ecosystem
• MBA365 Challenge – Testing leadership and technical skills

Hithadhoo Campus | HC Ignite

At the Hithadhoo Campus, HC Ignite welcomed 200 visitors to an interactive outdoor showcase featuring games, challenges, demonstrations, and engagement with selected entrepreneurs. Highlights included:

• PESTEL Challenge – Fast-paced business scenario analysis
• Guess the Entrepreneur – Identifying business leaders through clues
• Business Pitch Challenge – Turning everyday objects into business ideas
• Guess the Brands – Testing brand recognition and recall
• Create a Brand for a Local Product – Developing Addu Bondi as a distinctive local brand
• Gamification Marketing – Exploring game elements in marketing strategy
• HR Memory Card Game – Connecting HR concepts with practical applications
• Team-Building Challenge – Developing collaboration and problem-solving skills
• HR Crisis Room – Responding to realistic workplace scenarios

Thinadhoo Campus | Floating Café & Beach Celebration Venue

The Thinadhoo Campus welcomed 35 visitors to a business proposal presentation by Bachelor of Business students. The students presented a comprehensive proposal for a small-scale coastal hospitality venture featuring a floating café, beach seating, and private celebration options.

The presentation included a concept video, PowerPoint presentation, financial projections estimating an initial investment of MVR 650,000–800,000, and an interactive question-and-answer session with visitors and judges. The presentation was also streamed online, enabling the Malé campus to follow the showcase.

Through LEAD 2026, The Maldives National University continues to advance SDG 4: Quality Education by providing students with practical, experiential learning opportunities that strengthen their knowledge, skills, and employability. The event also contributes to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth through its focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and business development, while supporting SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure by encouraging students to develop creative and locally relevant business ideas. Engagement with entrepreneurs, industry representatives, and the wider community further reflects SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, reinforcing MNU’s commitment to education and collaboration as drivers of sustainable national development.

As MNU marks 35 years of the Business School, LEAD 2026 reflects the University’s continued commitment to experiential education, innovation, and developing graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to contribute meaningfully to the Maldives and beyond.