The Build, Educate, Advance, Motivate (BEAM) Training Initiative aims to develop a skilled and competent workforce in the Maldives’ media sector, the colleges participating in the project have said.
The BEAM Training Initiative is conducted under the Maldives Media Institute (MMI) to train Public Service Media (PSM) employees as well as other media professionals. Agreements have been signed with several colleges to support the project.
Speaking at the BEAM Initiative inauguration ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM), Dr Ali Zahir said various training programmes will be conducted for PSM employees under the agreement. The university will also receive additional support from PSM, he said.
"It is our hope that the MoU will facilitate programmes related to management, leadership and communication skills. This agreement will also open up significant opportunities for the university,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Avid College, Chairman Abdullah Mushthaq Rashadh said the agreement will contribute to the development of media in the Maldives. The college will also conduct motivational programmes for PSM employees, he said.
"We will work to incorporate unity and leadership qualities through this programme,” Rashadh explained.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mianz International (MI) College’s Founder and Chairman Ahmed Mottaki expressed his pleasure at the opportunity to train PSM employees. He highlighted that the college has launched various programmes so far.
"The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning has been introduced. There are many other programmes in the college that can train people in the field of media, Mottaki said.
Under the BEAM initiative, PSM will also sign an agreement with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Australian Ambassador to the Maldives, David Jessup said PSM would work closely with ABC in the future to empower and strengthen the media. The Australian Government will work to cover the cost of the training, he said. He further said that through ABC, Australian content will be provided and various opportunities will be created.
The BEAM Training Initiative will provide training opportunities for PSM as well as media personnel. The initiative will provide training opportunities both in the Maldives and abroad. Although the BEAM Training Initiative has only been officially launched now, training under the initiative has been ongoing since April this year.