Maldivian student Iyaan receives prestigious recognition at PATA's "Face of the Future" awards
19 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ބުދަ 09:02Iyaan, a final-year International Tourism Management student at Taylor’s University in Malaysia and former Chairperson of the PATA Malaysia Taylor’s Student Chapter, has been recognized for his exceptional leadership in organizing youth symposiums and his dedicated commitment to promoting sustainable development and professional growth within the industry.
CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), pictured with the recipients of the "Face of the Future Award 2024" during the association's official awards ceremony. | Social Media
Lizam Dorji, CEO of MICE Bhutan, has been named the Grand Winner of the "PATA Face of the Future 2024" award by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
The announcement was made during the PATA Executive Board and Board Members' networking reception held on August 17, ahead of the official opening of "PATA Travel Mart 2024" in Sarawak.
In addition to the grand prize winner, PATA also recognized the contributions of four other young individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the tourism industry.
Among the recipients was Maldivian student Abdulla Iyaan Ahmed, who was honored with the "Special Recognition for Student Excellence" award. Currently a final-year International Tourism Management student at Taylor’s University in Malaysia, Iyaan is the former president of the PATA Malaysia Taylor’s Student Chapter. Iyaan was recognized for his exemplary leadership in organizing youth symposiums, as well as his dedicated efforts toward promoting sustainable development and professional growth within the industry.
Other distinguished recipients of special awards at the ceremony included Orawan Dinso from Thailand for Strategic Management, Alevtina Borodulina for Leadership, and Uyanga Galbadrakh from Mongolia for Sustainability Initiatives.
The awards were presented by senior officials from PATA. These accolades recognize a new generation of professionals dedicated to elevating the tourism industry across the Asia-Pacific region and fostering its responsible growth.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid extended his sincere congratulations to Lizam Dorji on winning the "PATA Face of the Future" title for 2026. He stated that this award is a testament to Dorji's leadership and contributions to the tourism industry, highlighting the potential of the next generation of professionals to build an innovative, responsible, and meaningful future for the sector.
Established in 2002, the "PATA Face of the Future" award is the most prestigious accolade presented by the association to emerging young leaders in the tourism industry. A record number of applicants from across the region have applied for the 2026 edition of the award.
