The newly established School of Hospitality, Tourism and Experiential Industries (SHTEI) is a premier institution for hospitality, tourism, and culinary education in the Maldives. As the newest faculty at Villa College, SHTEI builds upon the college's legacy of academic excellence, rapidly establishing a strong national reputation for practical training and professional development in the country's most vital economic sector.
As a collaborative partner with top-tier institutions, SHTEI offers comprehensive qualifications ranging from certificate levels to postgraduate degrees. Through its affiliation with Taylor’s University, Malaysia, the school offers internationally recognized programs. SHTEI also drives the highly successful "Discover Hospitality" programme in partnership with Universal Foundation and Versa Hospitality. The school prides itself on its highly qualified and experienced academic staff, exceptional graduate employability, and strong industry connections that enhance the learning experience of its students.
SHTEI is committed to creating a dynamic learning environment that fosters innovative thinking and prepares students for the fast-paced global hospitality and tourism landscape. The school maintains close relationships with its students, alumni, and industry stakeholders to continuously evolve and meet the rapidly changing demands of the tourism sector. SHTEI serves as a vibrant new hub for experiential learning, practical skill-building, and professional growth.
Deans Message
Welcome to the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Experiential Industries (SHTEI) at Villa College.
As Dean, I am proud to lead a school built on the belief that outstanding hospitality and tourism education comes from the fusion of academic rigour and industry expertise. SHTEI brings together seasoned practitioners and dedicated researchers who, between them, carry decades of hands-on experience across the Maldives' hospitality, culinary, and tourism sectors.
Our mission is to prepare industry-ready professionals equipped to lead the Maldives' tourism sector responsibly and sustainably. We offer a comprehensive pathway of qualifications, from Certificate III and IV programmes through to our Bachelor of Arts in Tourism and Hotel Management (BATHM) and postgraduate Master of International Tourism and Hospitality Management (MITHM), supported by strategic partnerships with industry partners.
As the Maldives' tourism industry continues to evolve, SHTEI remains committed to strengthening industry ties, embedding practical, research-informed teaching across our curriculum, and championing sustainable, community-conscious growth across the sector.
Thank you for your interest in SHTEI; we look forward to welcoming you into our growing community.
Best wishes
Ali Shareef,
Dean
School of Hospitality, Tourism and Experiential Industries
Ali Shareef is the Director of the Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS), & Acting Dean, School of Hospitality, Tourism and Experiential Industries (SHTEI) at Villa College. He has been working at the college for over 11 years.
Ali Shareef holds a... read more
Dr. Mohamed Uzain is an Assistant Professor, lecturer, and coordinator of the MITHM programme, holding a PhD in Hospitality & Tourism from Taylor's University (in collaboration with Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès). His research draws on mixed-methods design, with particular... read more
Housekeeping Operations; Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Customer Experience Management; Sustainability and Resilience in Tourism Operations; Strategy and Leadership; Digital Transformation and Hospitality Data Analytics; Hospitality Financial Planning and Simulation; Business Research Methods; Project Management; Global Marketing and Brand Strategy; Hospitality Law and Policy; Cultural Tourism; Action Research Paper in Tourism; Executive Project in Tourism and Hospitality; Case Study Research Paper.
Research methodology (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods); attitudinal and perception measurement; small island developing states and tourism; sustainability in tourism; event management; guesthouse tourism; service quality.
Mohamed Aiman Naseer brings a unique mix of industry and government experience into the classroom, having led hotel sales and marketing in the late 2010s before moving into government. He holds a Master of Business Administration in International Hospitality Management... read more
Coordinator, Discover Hospitality programme (delivered in collaboration with the Universal Foundation); Certificate III in Hospitality (all core modules, including Essentials for Front Office Operations, Essentials of Housekeeping, and Essentials of Food and Beverages); Programme Coordinator, Certificate IV in Tourism and Hotel Management (Rooms Division Operations, Introduction to Tourism Management, and student internship placements); Programme Coordinator, BA in Tourism and Hotel Management.
The intersection of hospitality, tourism, human behaviour psychology, culture, sociology, and sustainability, reflecting a broader interest in how the sector can grow responsibly.
Ibrahim Jayashan brings over 10 years of culinary leadership experience from high-end hospitality environments to the classroom. Prior to academia, he built an extensive international career as a Head Chef and F&B Consultant, holding leadership roles at properties including Movenpick... read more
Course Coordinator, Certificate III in Culinary Arts (all modules); Course Coordinator, Certificate IV in Culinary Arts (all modules); Module Coordinator, Food and Beverage modules, Certificate IV in Tourism and Hotel Management.
Modern gastronomy and evolving culinary trends; sustainable and ethical sourcing in food service operations; menu engineering balancing creativity with profitability; kitchen operations management and team leadership; culinary education and vocational training pedagogy.
Fathimath Umar is a distinguished hospitality professional, educator, and executive chef with over three decades of experience spanning resort operations, culinary leadership, higher education, curriculum development, and industry assessment. She began her hospitality career at Bandos Maldives before progressing through... read more
Culinary Arts and Food Production; Food Safety, Hygiene and HACCP; Professional Kitchen Operations; Advanced Culinary Techniques; Menu Planning and Food Cost Control; Food & Beverage Operations Management; Hospitality Operations Management; Technical and Vocational Education (MSDA); Hospitality Leadership and Supervision; Culinary Entrepreneurship; Hospitality Industry Training and Practicum Coordination; Hospitality Marketing & Human Resources; Operations Management.
Culinary arts education and training; hospitality and tourism management; food production and kitchen operations; curriculum design for hospitality education; culinary innovation and gastronomy; Maldivian cuisine and culinary heritage; food & beverage management; workforce development in hospitality; hospitality leadership and professional development.
