The Faculty of Arts (FA), The Maldives National University (MNU), in collaboration with the Maldives Library Association (MLA) and a Singapore-based independent Continuing Professional Development (CPD) researcher serving as the Malaysian liaison, organised the Professional Development Workshop on Library and Information Services (PDWL) 2025 in Malaysia.

The programme brought together 13 librarians and Bachelor of Arts in Library and Information Management (BA-LIM) students from diverse institutions across the Maldives, providing participants with an international professional learning experience through professional visits, knowledge exchange, and engagement with library and information professionals in Malaysia.

Through visits to library institutions and interactions with Malaysian library professionals, participants gained practical insights into innovative library practices, information services, professional development, leadership, and service delivery. The programme provided opportunities to exchange knowledge, explore emerging practices, and identify approaches that could be adapted to strengthen library and information services within their respective institutions and communities.

The initiative supported lifelong learning and professional capacity development by enhancing participants’ knowledge, skills, and understanding of contemporary library and information management practices. The international exposure also enabled participants to expand their professional networks and gain a broader regional perspective on the development and delivery of library services.

The participation of librarians and BA-LIM students from diverse institutions provided an opportunity for inclusive professional learning and knowledge sharing across different stages of professional development. The programme encouraged interaction between practising professionals and emerging library and information management practitioners, contributing to the wider development of the library and information services workforce in the Maldives.

The programme also strengthened institutional and international partnerships through collaboration among MNU, the Maldives Library Association, Malaysian host institutions, and the Singapore-based CPD researcher. These partnerships facilitated professional exchange, regional networking, and opportunities for continued collaboration in the field of library and information services.

The PDWL 2025 reflects the Faculty of Arts’ commitment to providing meaningful professional learning opportunities, strengthening human capacity, promoting international engagement, and supporting the continued development of library and information services in the Maldives. The programme contributed to SDG 4 (Quality Education) through lifelong learning and professional development, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through skills and workforce development, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through inclusive access to professional learning opportunities, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration with national and international partners.