ÃÜÌÒÊÓÆµ actively provided expert advice to local, regional, and national government bodies in 2024, reinforcing its role as a thought leader and strategic partner in addressing significant policy and development challenges.
The College ensures its expertise is embedded directly within key national decision-making and regulatory bodies through formal, ongoing appointments of senior faculty and staff:
National Legal Standards: Uza. Asna Ahmed (Dean, Faculty of Sharia and Law) serves on the Bar Exam Committee of Experts (CoE), contributing as a subject matter expert to develop and ensure the content and standards of the national Bar Exam.
National Financial Policy: Dr. Mohamed Adil (Deputy Vice Rector, Research and Innovation) is a member of the Procurement Policy Board (Ministry of Finance), contributing expertise to the development and oversight of national procurement policies (ongoing since Feb 2020).
Workforce Development: Mr. Ali Shareef (Director, Center for Foundation Studies) was appointed to the Employment Sector Councils (Ministry of Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development) to strengthen workforce development and align academic programs with national employment requirements.
Ms. Aishath Mala (Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences) participates in the National Palliative Care Steering Committee (Ministry of Health), contributing expertise to national strategies for improving the quality of patient care.
Dr. Aishath Selna (Research Associate) is a member of the Expert Committee for Laboratory Professionals (Maldives Allied Health Council), advancing health standards and education within the health sector.
Dr. Fazeela Ibrahim, Dean of Research, is a board member of the Family Protection Authority, leveraging research and academic leadership to national policies on family protection and the gender-based sector.
Mr. Moosa Mohamed Manik (Director, IAD) serves on the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA) Advisory Board, shaping the strategic direction of the MQA and enhancing national education quality.
Mr. Abdul Wahid Ibrahim (Chief Quality Officer) contributes year-long expertise as an MQA Certificate Panel member and Qualifications Recognition Expert, strengthening quality assurance processes.
Ms. Fathimath Saeed (Development Partner) serves on the KIX EMAP National Steering Committee, actively guiding national education strategies in alignment with international best practices.
ÃÜÌÒÊÓÆµ provided specific expert guidance, consultation, and policy support to government bodies and regulators:
Guidance on Professional Standards (Legal): The College formalized a partnership with the Bar Council of the Maldives to enhance legal education. Faculty members provided ongoing expert guidance and subject matter expertise to ensure the National Bar Exam’s content and standards align with Maldivian legal requirements and international best practices.
Legislative and Policy Collaboration: An MoU was signed with The People’s Majilis Secretariat (Parliament), establishing a formal channel for collaboration and policy dialogue with the legislative branch on matters of public sector concern.
Shariah Compliance Consultancy: ÃÜÌÒÊÓÆµ provided Shariah compliance consultancy services to the Bank of Maldives (BML) throughout the year. College experts offered guidance to BML's Shariah compliance board, ensuring the bank's operations adhere to Islamic financial principles. Represented by Asiahth Khaleela Abdul Sattar, ÃÜÌÒÊÓÆµ's involvement underscored its expertise in Shariah-compliant finance and its commitment to supporting national institutions in adhering to ethical financial practices.
Local Governance and Education Policy: The College directly responded to local government needs by signing MoUs with multiple local councils (e.g., Maafushi Council, Hoarafushi Council, and Naifaru Council). These agreements formalized collaboration to provide and align higher education and training to the youth of those specific islands, directly supporting local development policy.
Collaboration with NGOs: The College hosted a Proposal Writing Workshop for NGOs in L. Atoll, enhancing the capacity of local non-governmental organizations to better secure funding and contribute to civil society objectives that support government priorities.
ÃÜÌÒÊÓÆµ significantly reinforced its role as a strategic partner to the government in 2024. The College ensures its expertise is formally utilized through sustained participation in national committees across finance, employment, and health sectors. This is complemented by direct Policy Guidance and Consultation, evidenced by new MoUs with the People's Majilis Secretariat and various Local Councils, and ongoing support for critical national functions such as the National Bar Exam and Shariah compliance. ÃÜÌÒÊÓÆµâ€™s efforts demonstrate its dedication to providing impactful, evidence-based contributions that strengthen national policy and professional standards.