The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), through its Tamweel Islamic Finance Initiative, has announced the FutureFinance Essay Competition, inviting secondary school students across the country to envision a fairer, more ethical, and inclusive financial future. With cash prizes and national recognition on offer, the competition aims to inspire the next generation to think critically about the role of finance in shaping society.
Open to students in Grades 8 to 12, the competition will be held under two categories: junior (Grades 8–10) and senior (Grades 11–12). Essays must be written in English, original, unpublished, and free from AI-generated content, with submissions due by 9 October 2025 at 23:59 via email to [email protected].
Participants are encouraged to explore one of ten themes, ranging from “Finance for the Future: My Vision of a Fair and Sustainable Economy” to “From Cash to Code: Technology and the Future of Responsible Finance.” The aim is to get students to reflect on issues such as sustainability, social inclusion, ethical values, and the impact of technology on the financial world.
Winners will receive both recognition and monetary rewards: MVR 3,000 for the best essay, MVR 2,000 for first runner-up, MVR 1,000 for second runner-up, and MVR 500 for special recognition in each category. Selected essays may also be published on national platforms or featured in financial literacy campaigns, offering students a chance to see their ideas reach a wider audience.
According to MMA, the initiative is designed to nurture informed, values-driven decision-making among young people while equipping them with the skills to address pressing global challenges such as inequality, climate change, and technological disruption.
Essays must be between 700 and 1,200 words, typed in Times New Roman, double-spaced, and submitted in PDF format with a cover page including student details and a copy of their ID card. Physical submissions will not be accepted.
The competition underscores MMA’s broader goal of fostering financial literacy and cultivating a culture of ethical finance in the Maldives, ensuring that young voices play a role in shaping tomorrow’s economic landscape.