Ali Fawaz Shareef is a prominent Maldivian academic, researcher, and leader in higher education. He holds a PhD in Information Systems from Massey University, New Zealand, and has a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the field of education and research.

Shareef has held various key positions, including Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) at the Maldives National University, Rector at Cyryx College, and Executive Director at Villa College. Throughout his career, he has held senior management roles, contributing to the growth and expansion of these institutions. He is a recognized expert in eLearning and currently lectures on subjects such as Data Science, Research Methods, Database Design, Data Structures and Algorithms, and Big Data Analysis.

Dr. Shareef has been instrumental in expanding eLearning and distance education in the Maldives. He has made significant contributions to curriculum development and research, as well as to the advancement of higher education institutions in the region. Additionally, Dr. Shareef has played a key role in the development of ICT and eLearning infrastructure, helping to modernize the educational landscape.

Dr. Shareef has served on several national and international councils and boards related to higher education. Notably, he was a member of the first governance board for the Virtual University for Small States and a member of the Senate for South Asian University. Currently, he is a member of the National ICT Sector Council and served as its first Chairperson.

This wealth of experience and leadership has positioned Dr. Shareef as a prominent figure in advancing education, research, ICT development, and eLearning in the Maldives and beyond.

 Teaching Interests:

• Data Science
• Big Data and Data Science
• Research Methods
• Database Management and Systems
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research in Education
• Instructional Technology in Education
• Data Structures and Algorithms

Research Interests:

• eLearning and Distance Education
• Higher Education Systems in South Asia
• Information Systems Development and Integration
• Educational Technology for Remote and Island Communities
• Big Data Analytics
• Curriculum Development and Educational Reforms
• Education Policy and Quality Assurance in Higher Education

1. Shougee M., Shareef A.F. (2022) “Non-state actors in education: Maldives past, present, and future perspectives” in Global Education Monitoring Report, UNESCO
2. Shareef A.F., Shougee M. (2020) “Developmental Pathway of Higher Education in the Maldives: Towards Massification and Quality Assurance” in Handbook of Education Systems in South Asia, Springer
3. Shareef A. F., Shougee, M., Abdul Raheem, R., & Hassan, I. (2017). “A Master Plan for Higher Education in the Maldives 2017-2022”
4. Shareef, A. F., Abdul Raheem, R., Qasim, M., Hassan, I., Suood, H. A., Shafneez, F., … Iyas, M. (2015). “Legal and Justice Sector Baseline Study”
5. Shareef A. F. (2010). “Expanding eLearning in Maldives through Customisation,” Pan Commonwealth Forum, India
6. Shareef A. F. (2007). “Distance Education Development in Maldives,” Pan Commonwealth Forum, London
7. Shareef A. F. (2008). “Quality Assurance in Higher Education in Maldives,” UNESCO Transnational Qualifications Workshop, Paris
8. Shareef A. F. (2007). “Online Learning in the Small Islands of Maldives,” Pan Commonwealth Forum, London
9. Shareef A. F. (2007). “Open and Distance Learning in Extreme Conditions,” Pan Commonwealth Forum, London
10. Shareef A. F., Kinshuk and Petersen (2006). “Distance Education in the Maldives: Learner Support for Students in Island Communities,” IEEE
11. Shareef A. F., Kinshuk and Hunt (2006). “CDROM/Mobile Hybrid Model for Students in Remote Islands,” IEEE
12. Shareef A. F. & Kinshuk (2005). “Distance Education in Small Island Nations,” in Encyclopedia of International Computer-Based Learning

Major Projects

1. Master Plan for Higher Education in the Maldives 2017-2022
2. Development the 21st Century Skills Development Strategy
3. Development of a System for Monitoring the Implementation of the National Curriculum
4. Maldives National Financial Capability Survey
5. Development of Literacy Materials in Dhivehi Language for Foundation and Key Stage 1 of the National Curriculum
6. Comprehensive Housing Market Study for Greater Male’ Region
7. Legal and Justice Sector Baseline Study for the Maldives
8. Longitudinal Survey on National Curriculum Impact Assessment – Baseline Survey
9. ICT Education Courses for Maldives Polytechnic
10. Public Perception Study on Maldives Police Service
11. Concept Paperfor the Establishment of the Maldivian National Research Council
12. Development of Online Courses at Educational Development Centre, Male’, Maldives

Committee Memberships

1. Member, National ICT Sector Council – Former Chair
2. Senior Member, The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) (2003–Present)
3. Member, British Computer Society (1994–Present)
4. Member, Association of Computing Machinery (2003–Present)
5. Conference Chair (2017 & 2018), Theveli, International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research, The Maldives National University, Maldives
6. Executive Editor, Maldives National Journal of Research (2016–2018)
7. Member, International Board of Editors, Journal of Information Technology Education (ISSN: 1539-3585)
8. Editor, Learning Technology Newsletter (ISSN 1438-0625) (2002–2006)
9. Assistant Editor, Educational Technology & Society Journal (ISSN 1436-4522)
10. Program Committee Chair, ACM New Zealand Chapter (2003–2006)
11. Program Committee Member for various international conferences:
    • International Conference on Enterprise Information Systems
    • IADIS International Conference e-Learning
    • International Conference on WWW/Internet
    • IADIS International Conference e-Society
    • IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT 2010)
    • International Conference on Web-Based Communities and Social Media
    • Conference on Cognition and Exploratory Learning in Digital Age
    • IADIS International Conference e-Learning 2009, Algarve, Portugal
    • IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT 2009 and ICALT 2008)
    • International Conference on ICT and Accessibility ICTA (ICTA 2009)
    • First International Conference on Technologies of Information and Communication and Accessibility in Hammamet, Tunisia, 2007
    • IADIS Multi Conference on Computer Science and Information Systems 2007 – “e-LEARNING – eL2007”
12. Local Academic Coordinator for:
    • IEEE Intl Workshop on Advanced Learning Technologies, Dec 4-6 2000, Palmerston North, NZ
    • International Conference on Computers in Education, Dec 3-6 2002, Auckland, NZ