Universal Foundation celebrates success of hospitality and culinary training programmes

Universal Foundation, in strategic collaboration with Villa College and Universal Resorts, recently marked a significant milestone in its commitment to youth development and vocational training. Held at the Islamic Centre Hall, the ceremony celebrated the graduation of the 6th cohort of the Discover Hospitality Programme (Certificate III in Hospitality Management) and the inaugural batch of the Certificate III in Culinary Arts Programme. The event also included the formal induction of the 7th intake of hospitality students and the 2nd intake of culinary arts trainees.

The ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development, Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed, and was attended by senior representatives from Villa College, Universal Enterprises, Universal Resorts, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, and the Ministry of Higher Education, as well as family members of graduates and incoming students.

In his address, Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed praised the programme as a benchmark in public-private collaboration, noting its alignment with national development goals and the urgent need to close skills gaps in the workforce. He commended the visionary leadership of Universal Foundation, particularly Universal Chairman Mohamed Umar Manik, for championing initiatives that empower Maldivian youth to excel in the tourism sector.

Dr Ali Najeeb, Vice Rector of Villa College, spoke of the strong synergy between Villa College and Universal Foundation, highlighting their shared mission to foster a culture of learning and professional advancement. He also noted the programme’s strategic expansion into culinary arts, addressing a critical area of workforce demand within the hospitality industry.

Iyaz Waheed, President of Universal Foundation, reflected on the evolution of the initiative over the past eight years. “We take pride in witnessing the growth of this programme—from its roots in hospitality operations to its expansion into culinary arts, a field still underrepresented by Maldivians. This milestone reflects our continued commitment to equipping youth with the skills and confidence to build meaningful careers,” he remarked.

Graduates shared testimonials on how the programme had significantly contributed to their personal and professional growth. They expressed appreciation for the support and mentorship provided by both Villa College and Universal Resorts, affirming their ambition to contribute to and grow within the Maldivian hospitality industry.

Middle management staff from various Universal resorts also shared their professional journeys, many of which began at an early age. They attributed their success to dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn from colleagues. They reaffirmed that Universal Resorts offers a secure and supportive environment for young people to pursue fulfilling careers in hospitality.

This year’s ceremony recognised the achievements of 20 graduates from the Discover Hospitality Programme and 9 from the Culinary Arts Programme. Simultaneously, 20 new students were inducted into the 7th cohort of hospitality trainees, and 10 students began their training in the 2nd culinary arts cohort.

Delivered through a blended learning model, the programmes combine 10% classroom-based instruction at Villa College with 90% practical training at Universal Resorts. Fully funded by Universal Foundation, the programmes underscore the organisation’s long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility and national development.

Since its launch in 2017, the Discover Hospitality Programme has trained 214 students, achieving an impressive 85% post-graduation employment rate, with many graduates pursuing further education. Notably, female participation has risen significantly—from just 10.3% in the inaugural batch to 45.5% in the most recent—highlighting the programme’s success in promoting gender equity and inclusivity.

Universal Foundation’s continued investment in education, healthcare, and community development serves as a model for impactful, sustainable CSR in the Maldives. As the tourism sector continues to evolve, initiatives such as these ensure that Maldivian youth are not only ready to participate—but to lead.