MOHAMED, Yoosuf Maaniu
Degree
Master of Business Administration
Graduation year
2010
Current position
Commissioner General of Maldives Customs Service
Employer
Maldives Customs Service
What are some of your career highlights?
My most significant career advancement was being appointed as the Commissioner General of the Maldives Customs Service by the President of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Prior to this, I served as the President of the Customs Integrity Commission, which later merged with the Police Integrity Commission to form the National Integrity Commission. I also held the position of President at the National Integrity Commission. This body served as the watchdog and investigative entity for all law enforcement agencies in the Maldives, including the Police, Customs, Immigration, and Prisons.
I had the opportunity to serve the Auditor General’s Office as a Director General. This role had a profound impact on my career, as it allowed me to understand how state institutions must comply with the Public Finance Act of Maldives and learn the best practices for managing state finance and assets.
Joining the Defence sector as the Chief Executive Officer of the military-owned corporation, ‘Sifainge Co-operative’ (SIFCO), was an enlightening experience. I had the honour of working alongside the highest-ranking military officers, including Generals. Their discipline, love, and respect for the nation significantly influenced my perspective on serving with only the national interest at heart. Their courage and self-sacrifice humbled me.
Describe the most enjoyable and challenging aspects of your job
Serving as the head of Maldives Customs presented a constant challenge, given that it’s the oldest law enforcement institution in the Maldives. Numerous policies had to be revised and updated to accommodate modern methods of trade facilitation and law enforcement, all while working with a limited staff. The most challenging aspect was public engagement, which was virtually non-existent when I assumed the role.
The greatest satisfaction in my job came from collaborating with an exceptional team and having the freedom to introduce innovative strategies and concepts. These enhancements are set to establish cutting-edge systems, transforming the Customs Service into an institution that could potentially become a symbol of national pride and emerge as the leading Customs institution in the region.
What are your strongest memories while you were studying at Federation University Australia?
My fondest memories from my days at the University were all about meeting and collaborating with students from very diverse backgrounds and various work experiences. These interactions left a profound impression on me, heightening my awareness of the significance of cultural diversity and its substantial influence on the corporate world.
Do you have any advice about life after study to pass on to current students?
One of the most important pieces of advice I can give to current students is to remember that the journey of learning doesn’t end with graduation. In fact, it’s just the beginning. Life after study is an ongoing process of gathering knowledge and growing both personally and professionally.
It’s crucial to understand that we should always strive to be better than we were yesterday. The only competition worth having is with ourselves. There’s always room for improvement, and every day presents a new opportunity to learn something new and to become a better version of ourselves.
Another key aspect is the importance of meeting new people and starting conversations. Engaging in discussions with individuals from different walks of life can provide fresh perspectives and broaden your understanding of the world. These interactions can be incredibly enriching and can often lead to personal growth and development.
So, embrace the journey of continuous learning, self-improvement, and meaningful conversations. It’s what makes life after study so exciting and fulfilling.