Villa College has made a significant mark in the Maldives’ higher education and entrepreneurship landscape with the elevation of its largest faculty, the Faculty of Business Management, to the newly named Qasim Ibrahim School of Business (QISB). This renaming is a momentous occasion, signaling Villa College’s commitment to advancing the fields of business and entrepreneurship. The milestone reflects the vision of creating a dynamic learning environment that not only educates but also equips future entrepreneurs and business leaders.
In conjunction with the launch of QISB, Villa College introduced a groundbreaking initiative—“VIgnite,” the Business Incubator. Designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, VIgnite will serve as a crucial platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to develop their ideas into viable business ventures. The incubator has already garnered support from several key industry partners and government organizations, underlining the significance of entrepreneurship as a driving force for economic growth in the Maldives.
The official unveiling of QISB and VIgnite was graced by prominent figures, including Hon. Mohamed Saeed, the Minister of Economic Development and Trade in the Maldives. Also present were Villa College’s Rector, Dr. Ahmed Anwar, and Vice Rector, Dr. Ali Najeeb, adding further prestige to the event. This partnership between academia, government, and industry highlights the Maldives’ commitment to creating a robust startup ecosystem and nurturing young talent in business.
VIgnite is not just a local initiative; it is a collaborative effort involving industry partners from both the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Among the partners are Business Center Corporation, Fenaka Corporation Limited, Soneva Namoona, Huawei, Dhiraagu, SparkHub, OXIQA, SquareHub, IMED, Women-in-Tech Maldives, and Kandufa Foundation. These partnerships ensure that entrepreneurs will receive comprehensive support, from mentorship to funding, as they take their ideas from concept to reality.
This launch marks a new chapter in entrepreneurship development in the Maldives, further bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical business execution. Villa College’s proactive approach in forming strategic alliances with key industry stakeholders emphasizes the college’s role as a leader in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the region. The VIgnite incubator is expected to play a critical role in empowering young entrepreneurs to address real-world challenges with innovative solutions.
With the establishment of QISB and VIgnite, Villa College has positioned itself as a central hub for business education and entrepreneurial growth in South Asia. This initiative, rooted in Sri Lankan entrepreneurial traditions, is set to make waves across the region, contributing to the Maldives’ growing reputation as a center for innovation and business excellence.
Credit for the historic launch of the Qasim Ibrahim School of Business (QISB) and the VIgnite Business Incubator goes to Villa College, particularly its leadership team, including Rector Dr. Ahmed Anwar and Vice Rector Dr. Ali Najeeb. Special recognition is also due to Hon. Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Economic Development and Trade in the Maldives, for his support. The initiative was further strengthened by the contributions of key partners, including Business Center Corporation, Fenaka Corporation Limited, Soneva Namoona, Huawei, Dhiraagu, SparkHub, OXIQA, SquareHub, IMED, Women-in-Tech Maldives, Kandufa Foundation, and Villa Shipping.
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