Bank of Maldives signs MoU with Singapore Management University to boost leadership development

The Bank of Maldives (BML) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore Management University (SMU) to strengthen their strategic partnership in leadership development, professional education and capacity building.

The agreement formalises and expands an existing collaboration between BML Academy, the bank’s dedicated institute for academic and professional growth, and SMU Academy, the professional training arm of the Singapore-based university.

Under the partnership, SMU will support the design and delivery of tailored learning programmes for BML employees, while also helping to build internal expertise through structured knowledge transfer. The initiative is expected to enhance BML Academy’s capacity to scale high-quality development opportunities and create clear pathways for continuous professional advancement.

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of BML, Mohamed Shareef, said the collaboration reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its leadership pipeline.

“This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to developing a strong leadership pipeline and raising professional capabilities across the Bank. As the Maldives’ largest financial institution, we play an important role in shaping the economy. Through BML Academy, we are building structured, internationally aligned learning pathways that empower the future leaders of our economy,” he said.

The partnership builds on initiatives delivered over the past year, during which 40 BML employees successfully completed leadership programmes. Of these, 20 senior staff earned the Executive Certificate in Leadership and People Management directly from SMU, while another 20 received a Certificate in Leadership and People Management through BML Academy after completing an SMU-led programme.

Similar cohorts are currently underway as the partnership continues to expand.

Bank of Maldives said it remains committed to investing in staff development and strengthening organisational capabilities as part of its broader transformation efforts, with a continued focus on enhancing banking services across the country.