IUM’s “The Pitch”: Building Tomorrow's Business Leaders

 The Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) is bringing a groundbreaking opportunity for higher secondary school students with The Pitch, a business proposal development and pitching competition that aims to shape the future of Maldivian entrepreneurship. Sponsored by The Hawks Company, the event promises to inspire, educate, and empower students to embrace entrepreneurship as a rewarding career path.

Set to take place with notable fanfare, The Pitch will challenge students to develop innovative business ideas and pitch them to a panel of industry experts and judges. By combining hands-on experience with mentorship from leading professionals, the competition aims to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking, critical skills, and creativity among participants, preparing them for the demands of the 21st-century job market.

The competition also serves a larger purpose of inspiring students to consider the endless possibilities of entrepreneurship. The top team will receive prize money, a trophy, and certificates, while the second and third-place teams will also be recognized with generous rewards.

Panelists from key industries, including Adam Naseer Hussain of Maldives Airport Company Limited, Ahmed Amir of Maldives Customs Service, and Ahmed Shifaz of Maldives Transport and Contracting Company, will lead discussions on employability trends and opportunities in the Maldives. These insights aim to bridge the gap between academic skills and market demands, ensuring students are well-prepared for the future.

Complementing the panel discussions, successful entrepreneurs such as Maya Nasih of MYANASIH and Ismail Mifraah of Nureen Collection will share their personal journeys, offering invaluable inspiration and practical advice to budding entrepreneurs. Their stories are expected to spark creativity and motivate students to think big and pursue their ideas with confidence.

The highlight of the event is the pitch competition itself, where teams of six will represent their schools and present their innovative business concepts. Each team will have 10 minutes to captivate a judging panel comprised of prominent figures such as Fathimath Haifa from SME Development Finance Corporation, Faarih Fahmee from Bank of Maldives, and Ahmed Mubah from Maldives Islamic Bank.

This event underscores IUM’s commitment to nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Maldives. By fostering collaboration between students and industry leaders, The Pitch aims to empower youth with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to thrive in an ever-changing economic landscape.

As the Maldives continues to evolve into a hub of creativity and innovation, The Pitch sets the stage for the next generation of entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into impactful ventures.

With its blend of education, inspiration, and competition, The Pitch is more than an event, it’s a launchpad for the Maldivian youth to dream big and achieve even bigger.