Khushma at the Heart of MPL’s Learning and Development Journey

Mariyam Khushma Musthafa may not always be in the spotlight, but her influence is deeply felt across Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), where she has helped shape the learning and professional growth of employees through carefully designed training and development programs.

MPL recently shared Khushma’s story through its #PORTfolio segment on social media, highlighting the work of the learning and development specialist who has played a central role in strengthening the organisation’s learning culture. Currently serving in the Learning and Development Department, she has held the specialist role for the past four years after joining the Port Training Centre as a lecturer.

Her journey into education began with a simple word of encouragement from her mother. Khushma initially started her career as a teacher, uncertain whether she truly belonged in the classroom. Over time, as she watched her students learn, grow and gain confidence, she discovered a passion for education and for shaping people’s futures. That passion later led her into higher education management, where she spent more than a decade supporting learners and overseeing academic programs.

When she joined MPL, Khushma entered a new environment but carried with her the same purpose that guided her earlier career: helping people discover their strengths and reach their potential. At the Port Training Centre, she became deeply involved in developing structured training initiatives, gradually contributing to broader capacity-building efforts across the organization.

Today, she plays a key role in designing accredited learning pathways for MPL employees. Khushma has developed programs ranging from Level 3 to Level 6, all aligned with Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA) standards. These courses have enabled staff to gain recognized qualifications, enhance their skills and progress in their respective fields. For her, the most rewarding moments come when employees complete programs she has worked on from the earliest design stages through to certification.

Her academic background reflects a strong foundation in both education and industry knowledge. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English teaching, a master’s degree in educational leadership and management, and has completed a Training of Trainers program in port management. This combination allows her to bridge academic principles with the practical and technical demands of port operations.

The work, however, is not without challenges. Sourcing qualified trainers for specialized technical areas remains one of the key difficulties, particularly when expertise must be brought in from overseas. Language barriers and strict accreditation requirements add further complexity to program development. Despite these challenges, Khushma continues to remain committed, using each obstacle as an opportunity to strengthen and improve MPL’s learning frameworks.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, she places strong importance on balance. Her working hours are dedicated to her role at MPL, while her personal time is reserved for her family. She credits her mother as her greatest source of strength, noting that her encouragement has shaped every stage of her journey.

Looking ahead, Khushma hopes to see more young Maldivians trained in maritime and port management. Her vision includes developing a comprehensive suite of port-related academic programmes at the Port Training Centre and ensuring that every MPL employee has an individual development plan tailored to their growth.

She also encourages young people to look beyond conventional office roles and explore opportunities within the maritime sector, highlighting its potential for global mobility, career growth and in-demand skills.

Khushma Musthafa’s story reflects how meaningful organisational change is often driven by dedication rather than visibility. Through her commitment to learning and development, she continues to play a central role in shaping both individual careers and the future of Maldives Ports Limited.