The Maldives National University (MNU) today held a ceremony celebrating professional growth, learning, and international collaboration, bringing together four professional development initiatives that provided opportunities for participants to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and connections with international academic and professional communities.

The ceremony was honoured by Her Excellency Ishigami Rumiko, Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, and His Excellency David Jessup, Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives, as Guests of Honour.

The celebration highlighted four key learning and professional development initiatives undertaken through international collaboration:

• A 30-hour Japanese Language Course for officers of the Maldives Customs Service, conducted from 10 August to 21 September 2026 in collaboration with the Japan Foundation.
• A Professional Development Programme in Malaysia for faculty members of MNU’s Department of Arabic Language, conducted in collaboration with Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) from 6 – 9 September 2026.
• A Faculty Development Programme in Perth, Western Australia, conducted in collaboration with Curtin University for members of MNU’s Faculty of Arts.
• A Professional Development Workshop on Library & Information Services, held in Perth from 9–19 September 2026 in collaboration with the Maldives Library Association and Curtin University, bringing together MNU Library and Information Science students and alumni, as well as members of the wider LIS community in the Maldives.

The Japanese Language Course provided Maldives Customs Service officers with opportunities to develop Japanese language skills and enhance professional knowledge, while also responding to the needs of a country with strong connections to the tourism sector.

The professional development programme at USIM provided MNU faculty members with opportunities to engage in academic and research collaboration, faculty exchange, community service, curriculum development, institutional programmes, and cultural exchange.

Meanwhile, the programmes conducted in Australia provided MNU faculty members, students, alumni, and members of the wider library and information services community with opportunities to observe international professional practices, exchange knowledge, gain international exposure, and engage with academic and professional communities. The programmes also enabled MNU faculty members to present their research at academic forums and strengthen international academic connections.

The initiatives reflect MNU’s continued commitment to lifelong learning, professional skills development, knowledge exchange, research engagement, and international collaboration. By connecting academic learning with professional practice and creating opportunities for participants to engage with institutions and communities beyond the Maldives, these initiatives contribute directly to SDG 4: Quality Education through continuous learning and capacity development, while supporting SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by strengthening professional competencies and workplace-relevant skills. The programmes also advance SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by expanding access to international learning and professional development opportunities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through sustained collaboration with international universities, professional associations, diplomatic missions, and other partner organisations.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Dr. Aminath Riyaz, emphasised that professional development extends beyond obtaining certificates, creating opportunities to gain new perspectives, develop practical skills, and bring new ideas back to the communities and professional sectors served by participants.

The Maldives National University acknowledges the support and collaboration of Curtin University, the Australian High Commission, the Japan Foundation, the Embassy of Japan, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, the Maldives Library Association, and all staff and participants who contributed to the successful implementation of these initiatives.

Through continued investment in learning, professional development, and international partnerships, The Maldives National University remains committed to empowering individuals, strengthening professional communities, and advancing knowledge for national development and global engagement.