Villa College conducted its second staff meeting of 2026 on 19 May 2026, providing an important platform for institutional alignment and community engagement. The meeting brought together faculty and administrative staff to reflect on the college’s progress and discuss its future direction.
The meeting began with the Staff Café Talk, delivered by Lysha Mohamed, a Positive Mindset and Burnout Recovery Coach. The session placed a strong emphasis on professional resilience and mental well-being. As an internationally accredited life coach and expert in burnout recovery, she provided insights into the complexities of modern workplace stressors and the necessity of maintaining a positive mindset. This session moved beyond traditional professional training by encouraging staff to rebuild balance and reconnect with their professional purpose.
The meeting also celebrated the significant expansion of Villa College's academic and administrative community with the welcoming of 15 new staff members who joined between March and May 2026. This cohort reflects the institution's continued development and its ability to attract diverse talent from various backgrounds.
Following this talk, Vice Rector Dr Ali Najeeb delivered a comprehensive presentation on the values and strategic direction of Villa College. His presentation covered key developments that position Villa College as a leading higher education provider, addressing both current achievements and future aspirations. This segment unified the college workforce by aligning daily academic operations with long-term organizational goals, ensuring a shared commitment to sustainable institutional growth. He also reflected on the values of the College’s founder and how these continue to resonate within Villa College, reinforcing a shared commitment to the institution’s vision and mission..
The meeting honoured employees across multiple categories, including the Employee of the Month awards for January through April 2026, which recognised individuals who demonstrated exceptional dedication and professional excellence.
Riluwan Abdulla, Senior Administrative Executive at Registration Department, received recognition for January 2026
Dr. Abdulrahman Abubakar, Assistant Professor, Accounting and Finance at Qasim Ibrahim School of Business, received recognition for January 2026
Dr. Byju Koreth Puthanveettil Madhavan, Assistant Professor, Business and Managment at Qasim Ibrahim School of Business, received recognition for February 2026
Dr. Ashlin Nimo J.R., Assistant Professor, Marketing with Business Management at Qasim Ibrahim School of Business, received recognition for March 2026
Ahmed Thynum, Lecturer at School of Psychology and Counselling, received recognition for April 2026
The ceremony also celebrated faculty advancements within the Qasim Ibrahim School of Business, where Deputy Vice Rector of Academic and Students, Dr Abdulla Sadig, presented official promotion certificates to newly appointed Assistant Professors Dr Nuzhat Sadriwala, Dr Mohd Irfan Rais, and Dr Abdu Abubakar.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing the remarkable research achievements of Villa College faculty members, validating a data-driven culture of research and academic excellence. The institution celebrated numerous scholarly publications appearing in prestigious Scopus-indexed journals and conference proceedings, demonstrating the high calibre of research conducted across diverse scientific and sociological disciplines. Conducted jointly by Dr Mohamed Adil, Deputy Vice Rector of Research and Innovation, and Abdul Munnim Mohamed Manik, Deputy Vice Rector of Administration and Finance, the distribution of publication certificates highlighted cutting-edge faculty research spanning artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, pharmaceutical therapeutics, clinical diagnostics, and sustainable tourism management
Notable contributions included publications in high-impact Q1 journals by faculty members conducting critical research in areas such as machine learning applications for biodiesel engines, eco-friendly structural concrete mix proportions, clinical biomarkers for oncology, and international travel behavior, alongside multiple important book chapters published in Scopus-indexed volumes.
The meeting also highlighted Villa College’s dedication to professional development and capacity building. Scholarships for English language courses were awarded, underscoring the institution’s investment in enhancing staff competencies. Similarly, the distribution of First Aid Training completion certificates demonstrated a practical commitment to workplace safety and preparedness.
The meeting was then followed by The Villa College Staff Club presentation, led by its President, Nashaya Haleem, further reinforced the sense of community by showcasing collective initiatives designed to enrich staff life. These moments of inclusion and collaboration highlight the college’s nurturing environment, where professional relationships are strengthened through shared experiences.
The inspirational closing remarks from Rector Dr Ahmed Anwar, outlined his vision for Villa College's continued development while maintaining the values and standards that define the institution's identity.
The meeting concluded with a collective group photograph, capturing the unified spirit and solidarity of the Villa College community as it moves forward together.
