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Continue reading →: Transparency International Chairperson Warns of Global Corruption Threats at Malé Lecture
Malé, Maldives — 27th August 2025 The Chairperson of Transparency International, François Valérian, has warned that rising corruption and democratic backsliding pose a severe threat not only to individual nations but also to the global economy. Speaking at a special lecture in Malé organized by Transparency Maldives, Valérian underscored the…
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Continue reading →: Reviving the Spirit of Maldivian Nationalism
As we celebrate National Day, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all fellow Maldivians. This occasion invites us to reflect on our shared identity and pray to Almighty Allah for a future that surpasses the blessings of today. Maldivian nationalism: a powerful sentiment rooted in our faith, culture, language, people,…
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Continue reading →: We Are Complicit in Our Silence
Ibthihaal, beaten to death by his mother. Shaihaa, stabbed to dearh by her mother who she went to for a hug. Amaanullah, crushed by a vehicle, the driver shielded by a powerful company’s ties. These are not just tragedies: they are our failures. We’ve turned away, blind to the cries…
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Continue reading →: Legacy, Joy & the Quiet Power of Reframing
inspired by the Smile Shihab Podcast conversation with Jaishan Amir. (2nd article) Some stories leave footprints. Others leave pebbles. In our Smile Shihab Podcast episode, Jaishan shared a moment that felt symbolic and deeply personal. After visiting Nelson Mandela’s former home in South Africa, he left behind a small pebble…
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Continue reading →: Promoting Dignified Ageing in the Maldives: Empowerment Over Dependency
Our life expectancy has soared from 50 in 1990 to 80 in 2022, and the elderly population (65+) is projected to rise from 5% to 12.5% by 2050. We face a pressing challenge: ensuring our seniors age with dignity. Recent studies from the Maldives National University (2024) and UNFPA highlight…
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Continue reading →: The Ambassador Within & The Architecture of Time
In a recent episode of the Smile Shihab Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Jaishan: a quiet force, poet, and reflective leader whose life story is a masterclass in intentional living. What struck me most wasn’t just what he said, but how he’s lived it. His journey…
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Continue reading →: A Fractured Paradise: The Maldives’ Silent Social Crisis
Beneath the Maldives’ idyllic veneer lies a society in distress. As an observer, I see childhood emotional trauma casting long shadows, neglected elderly feeling abandoned, relationships reduced to hollow displays, and a pervasive trust deficit eroding communities and institutions. In public spaces: on roads, markets, and beyond- people are restless,…
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Continue reading →: “Gaza Means Strong”: Brother Mansoor’s Call to Conscience at Malé’s National Gathering for Palestine
Malé, Maldives – August 15, 2025 On the sidelines of the National Gathering for Palestine held in Malé, Brother Manssor offered a deeply resonant reflection on Gaza’s enduring struggle, spiritual resilience, and historical significance. In a candid conversation, he framed Gaza not only as a humanitarian crisis zone but as…
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Continue reading →: Aisha’s Legacy: Choosing Compassion Over Judgment
In the heart of a far flung island, a woman named Aisha carried a light that shone through her pain. She passed away in August 2025. She was suffering from severe depression, without care and support. Her words, poured onto her Facebook page, were a window into a soul tested…
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Continue reading →: The Maldives’ Digital Dream: Mindset Over Talent
The Maldives is no stranger to ambition. We look to Singapore’s gleaming skyline and Dubai’s desert-turned-metropolis and see what’s possible. We’ve even traveled to Estonia, the global poster child for e-governance, and brought back their expertise to digitize our government. We have brilliant people: our tech-savvy youth are proof of…
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Continue reading →: Money Can’t Buy Votes: The Power of Collective Wisdom in Free and Fair Elections
In a recent post on X, I stated, “Money can’t buy votes.” The response was a mix of agreement, skepticism, and outright disagreement. Many argued that money has long influenced elections, pointing to instances where cash, campaign funding, or media control swayed voters. These reactions reflect a pervasive belief: that…
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Continue reading →: An Appeal for a Kinder World
Our culture often lacks empathy, with dismissive remarks or outright bullying commonplace, especially in relationships marked by power imbalances: provider versus receiver, or those deemed socially inferior. This indifference, frequently modeled by leaders in government and corporations, creates a toxic environment where people feel worthless, trapped in stress and fight-or-flight…
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Continue reading →: Green: The Color of Paradise and Peace
I was struck by this rich green today. It is the color that adorns paradise: “wearing green garments of fine silk” (Surah Al-Insan 76:21). A symbol of eternal tranquility, divine beauty, and spiritual fulfillment. It’s no coincidence that green in nature evokes a deep sense of calm and joy. From…
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Continue reading →: Elevating Velana International Airport to a World-Class Luxury Gateway
The recent opening of the new terminal at Velana International Airport marks a monumental step forward for the Maldives, a nation synonymous with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and unparalleled luxury. This state-of-the-art facility is not just an infrastructural triumph; it is a bold statement of intent: a commitment to positioning…
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Continue reading →: The Leadership Legacy of Dr. Ahmed Anwar: Empowering Progress, Not Finding Fault
In my 16 years in the education sector, nine of which were spent as a deputy under Dr. Ahmed Anwar in administering atoll schools, I learned a leadership lesson that remains a guiding light: don’t find fault. Dr. Anwar, my mentor, embodied this principle, coupling it with an unwavering commitment…
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Continue reading →: Reflections from a Spark Chat with Nattu Adnan
A Humble Visionary This afternoon, I had the privilege of attending a Spark Chat at Maldives National University’s Main Auditorium, hosted by MNU and SparkHub. The guest was Nattu Adnan, co-founder and CTO of LottieFiles, a global platform revolutionizing animation with over 14 million users. What struck me most was…
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Continue reading →: Inner Sustainability: Why Leadership Must Begin Within
In an age where leadership is often measured by output, speed, and scale, a quiet revolution is taking shape; one that asks: what kind of emotional footprint are we leaving behind? At a recent sustainability workshop by Edufam International Academy hosted by Dr. Haleema Sadia on Zoom, I presented a…
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Continue reading →: Discipline
Yesterday, I had a conversation with Afiya on our YouTube channel Magey Mujuthamau, where we explored the theme of Responsibility, reflecting on societal behaviors that challenge communal harmony and collective well-being. During our discussion, we highlighted several examples of irresponsible conduct, such as parking motorcycles in the middle of the…
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Continue reading →: From Control to Connection: A Leadership Journey in Gratitude
Two decades ago, I thought leadership was about control. As a young leader, I was relentless in my pursuit of perfection: both in myself and those I led. I demanded punctuality, flawless execution, and results that matched my sky-high expectations. When my team fell short, I’d lose my temper quickly,…
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Smile and Let Smile 