Chef Symposium 2024: Dusit Thani Maldives shows Culinary Talent

The culinary scene in the Maldives reached a new high with the landmark Chef Symposium 2024, organized by the Chef’s Guild of Maldives. As the country’s sole member of the prestigious World Association of Chefs Societies, the Guild hosted this inaugural event. The focus was on advancing the culinary arts. It brought together a diverse group of chefs, innovators, and professionals from across the nation. This event, in turn, provided a vital platform for exchanging ideas, sharing expertise, and inspiring the next wave of Maldivian culinary talent.

Among the key participants was Pastry Chef Mohamed Abdulla from Dusit Thani Maldives. He stood out for his culinary expertise and passion for innovation. His involvement, highlighted Dusit Thani’s commitment to nurturing culinary talent and fostering creativity within the industry. Additionally, Chef Abdulla’s contribution underscored the resort’s role in shaping the evolving Maldivian culinary identity. Reflecting on the experience, Chef Abdulla expressed his gratitude:

“It was an honour to be part of such a landmark event. The Chef Symposium 2024 not only highlights the incredible talent in the Maldives but also provides a platform for collaboration and growth.”

Event Highlights

Panel Discussions: Addressing Industry Challenges and Showcasing Maldivian Cuisine

The symposium hosted two engaging panel discussions that sparked insightful conversations:

Challenges Facing Maldivian Chefs: This discussion focused on the difficulties that chefs in the Maldives face. Topics included workforce shortages, skill gaps, and the challenge of maintaining global standards while preserving local authenticity. Chefs and culinary professionals shared strategies to overcome these hurdles. By doing so, they ensured the growth and success of the culinary arts in the region.

Showcasing Maldivian Gastronomy to Guests: In this panel, participants explored how chefs can elevate Maldivian cuisine for international visitors. They emphasized the importance of storytelling. Furthermore, using locally sourced ingredients and creating unique dining experiences were discussed as key elements. These elements, in turn, help enhance the appeal of Maldivian culinary offerings.

Keynote Addresses from Culinary Leaders

Three inspiring keynote speeches provided a global perspective on the evolving role of chefs, sustainability, and leadership in the culinary world:

Jordi Noguera Pey, Executive Chef and Co-Founder of FOC Group, spoke about “The New Role of the Chef in the 21st Century.” He emphasized that today’s chefs are not only creators but also educators, innovators, and preservers of cultural culinary traditions.

Andrew JW Muller, Culinary Advisor and Certified Master Chef, delivered a compelling talk on “Sustainable Culinary Practices for a Greener Plate.” He urged chefs to adopt eco-conscious practices that align with global sustainability efforts.

Afeef Hussain, an Executive Coach and Hospitality Leader, addressed “Inspire Within You – The Leader of the Future.” His talk, in particular, focused on personal growth and leadership, key to guiding the future of culinary innovation.

A Decade of Culinary Achievements

The Chef Symposium 2024 also served as a milestone. A special feature, “Decade of Excellence,” showcased the Guild’s journey over the past ten years. This retrospective highlighted the Guild’s dedication to the culinary craft and its pivotal role in shaping the Maldives’ vibrant culinary landscape.

Additionally, the symposium saw the launch of several important initiatives:

Young Chefs Club: A new program designed to inspire and mentor up-and-coming chefs in the Maldives.

Chef’s Guild of Maldives Website: The launch of an official platform aimed at connecting and promoting the culinary community in the Maldives. The website can be found at www.chefsguildofmaldives.com.

CHEFDOM Vol. 001: The first edition of the Chef’s Guild’s annual magazine, showcasing Maldivian culinary talent, innovative practices, and emerging trends.

Driving Culinary Innovation

As the event came to a close, the symposium set a clear path for the future of culinary arts in the Maldives. The focus will be on advancing sustainability practices, fostering innovation, and honoring the nation’s rich culinary heritage. Dusit Thani Maldives congratulates the Chef’s Guild of Maldives for the event’s success. It also remains committed to supporting efforts that push the boundaries of culinary excellence throughout the country.

The Chef Symposium 2024 concluded with a vision for the future. It focused on furthering culinary arts in the Maldives through sustainability, innovation, and the celebration of local heritage. Dusit Thani Maldives congratulated the Chef’s Guild of Maldives on the success of the symposium. Furthermore, it reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that elevate culinary excellence across the Maldives.

On April 19, 2025, Marriott International celebrated the success of 31 apprentices who graduated from the second batch of its Maldives Apprenticeship Program. The special ceremony took place at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and featured key dignitaries, including Hon. Ibrahim Waheed, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, along with other officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, Mark Fletcher, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore and the Maldives, also attended to acknowledge the graduates’ achievements.

Hon. Ibrahim Waheed highlighted the program’s role in empowering the youth of the Maldives, commenting, “Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined—each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action. To our apprentices, you step forward as ambassadors of possibility. And to Marriott International, thank you for not just supporting this program, but for championing it—your commitment to mentorship and local capacity building is truly admirable.”

A Collaborative Effort in Hospitality Training

The Marriott Apprenticeship Program is a collaborative effort between Marriott International, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and MIT. This 10-month program provides participants with a well-rounded education that includes theoretical lessons at MIT and hands-on experience at various Marriott resorts across the Maldives. Specifically, the apprentices received training in several key hospitality sectors, including front office operations, culinary arts, food and beverage service, and housekeeping.

By partnering with the Maldivian government, Marriott became the first international hospitality brand to support such an apprenticeship initiative in the country, reinforcing its dedication to developing local talent. In this way, the program supports Marriott’s broader mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the fast-growing Maldivian tourism industry.

Practical Experience Across Marriott’s Maldives Resorts

The apprentices completed their theoretical training at MIT before gaining practical experience at Marriott’s luxurious properties in the Maldives, such as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

True to the company’s guiding principle of “We Put People First,” Marriott focuses on helping young professionals grow and succeed. As a result of their hard work, all the graduates received Level-3 certification, officially recognized by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). This certification acknowledges their successful completion of both the academic and practical components of the program, preparing them for careers in the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Mark Fletcher reflected on the program’s origins, noting, “When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve. What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives”

Ultimately, this graduation marks a key milestone in Marriott’s efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Maldives’ tourism industry by fostering a talented and skilled local workforce. Marriott looks forward to watching its graduates embark on successful careers and continue playing an essential role in the growth of the country’s hospitality sector.

Dusit Thani Maldives Highlights Culinary Innovation at the Chef Symposium 2024

Event Highlights

Keynote Addresses from Culinary Leaders

A Decade of Culinary Achievements

Driving Culinary Innovation

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