Universal Foundation Empowers Maldivian Doctors with Fully Funded Specialization Scholarships

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the Maldives’ health sector, the Universal Foundation has awarded fully funded scholarships to three Maldivian doctors pursuing advanced medical specializations in Malaysia. The scholarships were formally presented during a ceremony held on Monday, October 21, 2024.

This year’s recipients are Dr. Fathimath Mishfa Waseem, who will specialize in Otorhinolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at Universiti Malaya; Dr. Nuha Abdoul Rahman, who will pursue a Master’s in Pediatrics at the same university; and Dr. Aminath Najdha, who will embark on a Master’s in Medicine (Surgery) at Universiti Sains Malaysia. These scholarships reflect Universal Foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving the nation's healthcare by building a cadre of highly trained specialists.

Since its establishment in 2014, the Universal Foundation has focused on human capital development across a range of fields, with healthcare being a primary area of investment. According to Universal Foundation President Iyaz Waheed, the organization’s scholarship program has played a critical role in expanding the capacity of the Maldives’ health sector.

“Universal Enterprises gave many scholarships before even Foundation was formed. The aim of our scholarship program is to build human capital in the areas that are most needed for the nation. Particularly in the health sector. We are glad that our scholarships contributed to the growth of the nation’s health sector and elevated the capacity of specialist doctors. We have plans to broaden our CSR efforts in the future,” Iyaz said.

He added that similar opportunities for Maldivian students will be offered again in 2025.

From 2014 to 2024, the Universal Foundation has awarded 121 scholarships in diverse fields. Of these, 67 have been for medical degrees and specializations, making healthcare a focal point of the foundation’s scholarship program. Other areas of study funded by the foundation include accounting, finance, business, engineering, hospitality, information technology, and marine biology. Currently, 15 students are studying abroad under Universal scholarships, while 20 more are completing internships at Universal Resorts.

Beyond scholarships, the Universal Foundation collaborates with local NGOs and government agencies on a variety of community-focused projects. These include upgrading special education classrooms at Imaduddin School, training teachers in special needs education (SEN) in partnership with the National Institute of Education (NIE), and organizing heart check-up camps with Tiny Hearts of Maldives. The foundation has also contributed to patient transport services through the Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC) and has led several environmental initiatives, such as beach clean-up activities and the installation of an incinerator at the Guraidhoo Marukazu Centre.

Through its diverse contributions, the Universal Foundation remains a vital force in the Maldives’ social and economic development, with its scholarship program and community projects continuing to enhance the nation’s healthcare system and other essential sectors.