The recent Learning and Development Conference 2025 of Maldives Association of Human Resource Professionals (MAHRP) with a powerful reminder: the future is arriving faster than we think, and only learning organisations will thrive.
In his opening remarks, MAHRP President Ahmed Ibrahim set the tone with urgency and optimism.
“Tomorrow is coming at a breathtaking pace. Even our HR policies cannot keep up. Remote work is no longer a debate: it is reality. Artificial Intelligence is advancing daily. But future-ready organisations are not built by technology alone. They are built by people who learn, unlearn, and relearn,” he said.
Ahmed stressed that real transformation is not about slogans but about behaviour change. “Learning that does not change behaviour is just information. Learning that inspires action is transformation,” he told delegates, encouraging them to not only take notes but to return to their workplaces with new practices.
He also highlighted the joy of learning: “Fun is not an extra, it is essential. When we laugh together, when we enjoy the experience, the lessons stay with us.”
Questions that Shape Learning
Following the president’s address, MAHRP Vice President Hussain Afeef invited participants to go deeper by framing the day around personal reflection.
“Why are you here today? What is the one question you are seeking to answer about your organisation’s culture, learning, or people?” he asked.
He encouraged attendees to write down their questions and revisit them at the end of the conference. “This is not just another event. It is a space for exploration, for discovery, and for growth,” he said.
Afeef introduced a simple framework: ACT, for delegates to anchor their learning throughout the day:
- Apply one idea immediately.
- Change one behaviour or habit.
- Teach one insight to others.
He also made the session interactive, asking participants to find a “learning partner” for the day and to post selfies and reflections online, celebrating Maldives’ role in shaping the future of work.
Shaping Tomorrow Together
With a full programme of keynotes, masterclasses, and panels ahead, the conference promised insights from global experts and local practitioners alike. Both leaders, however, reminded participants that the value of the event lies not in the presentations but in what delegates choose to take back.
“The future is not something that simply arrives,” Ahmed said. “The future is something we create together.”
✨ Smile and let smile. The journey of learning is the journey of becoming future-ready.
Smile and Let Smile 