The Asian Institute of Hospitality Management (AIHM), a collaboration between Minor Hotels and Les Roches of Switzerland, is offering annual scholarships for Maldivians in memory of Dr. Ibrahim Umar Maniku, one of the forefathers of Maldivian hospitality.
As pioneers in hospitality, Dr. Maniku and William Heinecke, the Founder of Minor Hotels, spent decades working together to establish the Maldives as one of the world’s most luxurious destinations. In memory of their partnership and friendship, the AIHM scholarships will be awarded yearly to Maldivian nationals who aspire to a career in luxury hospitality, thanks to a generous donation by Niyama Private Islands.
The scholarships will cover 100% of tuition for the full three-and-a-half years of AIHM’s Bachelor of Business Administration in Global Hospitality Management course. To be eligible, candidates must be at least 17.5 years of age, have graduated with a secondary school certificate, and have proven English language proficiency.
Scholars will graduate with a well-rounded skill set and preferred employment status at Minor Hotels’ luxury resorts in the Maldives, including the award-winning Niyama Private Islands, Anantara and Avani+.
Commenting on the scholarships, Hafidh Al Busaidy, the General Manager of Niyama Private Islands said: “Within each country, there have to be opportunities for the population to really engage in and evolve this industry. This is particularly important for the Maldives because hospitality is such a big industry here. Maldivians have really thrived in the hospitality industry, and they’re great people to work with. As with many other destinations, much of the industry leadership here and the roles that require a very advanced level of industry expertise are still staffed by expatriate professionals. We would hope that at some point a lot of the expatriate leadership can be replaced by Maldivian leadership.”
“This process takes time because of the way the industry is structured. Minor is growing, and they’re looking for talent. Within the Maldives, our obligation to make sure the Maldivian population is developing at a pace that allows them to take on leadership roles is critical. This situation in which a huge number of the properties here are run by expatriates can’t continue indefinitely. So I feel this scholarship for Maldivian nationals to study hospitality management and prepare themselves for roles as industry leaders are timely.”
Applications for the 2023 intakes are due 15 July 2023.
AIHM follows the globally-recognised Les Roches curriculum for its three-and-a-half year Bachelor of Business Administration in Global Hospitality Management course. Education is student-centred, with a highly individualised approach to learning, and small classes led by lecturers drawn from within the hospitality industry after successful careers. Students gain hands-on experience in luxury hotels on site, as well as during internships at leading hospitality and tourism companies around the world. In addition, students enjoy a high level of support from faculty in a multicultural, inclusive community, and the chance to live in one of the world’s top tourism destinations and a regional hospitality hub.
The Asian Institute of Hospitality Management brings Swiss-style education to the heart of Asia. Founded by Minor Hotels, the region’s largest hospitality company, in association with Les Roches, a renowned leader in education, AIHM provides a world-class learning experience for future leaders in hospitality, tourism and entrepreneurship.
The Bachelor of Business Administration in Global Hospitality Management is spread across seven semesters, with exchanges in Switzerland or Spain and professional internships around the world. Learning is dynamic, immersive, flexible and led by industry experts with a global outlook. Click here for more information.
