“We seek leaders who can understand and respond to new risks, challenges and opportunities”

The Minister of Financial Services and Good Governance, Soomilduth Bholah, highlighted the importance of personal growth, continuous learning, and robust corporate governance in shaping resilient leaders and thriving organizations. Commending the collaborative efforts of the MIoD and the Open University of Mauritius, he underscored that corporate governance ensures the transparency, accountability and ethical behavior essential for building resilient institutions. He praised the Director Development Program for equipping graduates with critical skills, and reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering an environment where corporate governance thrives.

In a keynote address at the Director Development Program’s Convocation Ceremony, the Minister of Financial Services and Good Governance, Soomilduth Bholah, emphasized the continuous nature of personal and professional development. “Your personal growth is intertwined with lifelong learning! As Aristotle puts it, ‘Education starts in the womb and ends in the tomb.’ Work life is a process of continuous learning. It is not how much we know at the beginning, but how fast we learn and relearn that matters,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of adaptability in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Education and awareness are key pillars to uphold the integrity of our jurisdiction and IFC.

Commending the collaborative efforts of the MIoD and the Open University of Mauritius in enhancing corporate governance, he highlighted the importance of personal growth and robust corporate governance in shaping resilient leaders and thriving organizations. 

Corporate governance, according to Minister Bholah, is a cornerstone of a thriving financial ecosystem, and a fundamental pillar of sustainable economic growth. “Corporate governance ensures transparency, accountability, and ethical behaviour in all aspects of business operations. Effective corporate governance fosters trust, ensures sustainable growth, enhances reputation, and boosts investors’ confidence,” he stated. This underscores the critical role of governance in building resilient institutions that can withstand economic challenges, and adapt to change.

The Minister praised the Director Development Program for equipping graduates with essential skills such as critical thinking, strategic analysis, and a deep understanding of governance frameworks. “The Director Development Programme has enabled you to acquire essential skills. Today more than ever, we seek leaders who can understand and respond to new risks, challenges, and opportunities,” he noted, emphasizing the need for leaders who can navigate complexities while upholding core values like trust and integrity.

Minister Bholah also highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting an environment where corporate governance thrives. “We are actively working on policies that encourage best practices and empower organizations to embrace transparency and ethical standards,” he affirmed, referencing the upcoming Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill aimed at meeting international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Reflecting on Mauritius’s compliance with FATF recommendations and its delisting from the FATF Grey List a couple of years ago, the Minister underscored the importance of education and awareness. “I will never stop emphasizing education and awareness as key pillars to uphold the integrity of our jurisdiction and IFC. The Director Development Programme is a flagship programme which goes in that direction,” he declared, urging graduates to advocate for integrity, champion diversity, and steward ethical practices.

It is not how much we know at the beginning, but how fast we learn and relearn that matters.

Minister Bholah also offered practical advice to the graduates. “Take charge of your growth by owning your career and leadership journey. Beyond personal growth, we must grow with others, and help others grow,” he advised, encouraging them to leverage, and contribute to, their professional networks. He also acknowledged the support systems that have helped the graduates reach this point, including resource persons, families, and friends.