By Shruti Menon Seeboo
Mont Lubin College emerged victorious in the Mauritius Finance National Secondary School Video Competition, taking home the grand prize of Rs 125,000 at the awards ceremony held on September 27. Belle Rose SSS secured second place with Rs 75,000, while Forest Side Girls Academy earned the bronze with Rs 50,000.
The event was attended by key figures such as Prakash Seewoosunkur, Director, Operations Directorate at the Financial Services Commission, and Dovina Pillay-Naiken, Acting Director of the Ministry of Financial Services, who joined in celebrating the remarkable achievements of the students.
CEO of Mauritius Finance, Samade Jhummun, delivered an inspiring speech, saying: “This national competition aims to foster greater awareness among our youngsters, by highlighting the financial services sector’s vital role in driving Mauritius’ economic growth and overall development. To begin with, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Education for facilitating this competition and ensuring its reach across all schools. We look forward to further collaboration on similar initiatives and outreach campaigns in the future.”
He added: “Today’s ceremony is not just about recognising our winners, it is also a celebration of every student who participated and showcased their talents through their videos. Each of you deserves applause for your hard work and creativity.”
Reflecting on the theme, “Generation Next: Shaping the Financial Services Sector,” Jhummun continued: “This year’s theme provided an opportunity for students to gain insight into this important sector as well as share their aspirations for the future. The financial services sector contributes 14% to our GDP and employs nearly 25,000 professionals. The global business sector alone accounted for 8.4% of our economy’s contribution in 2023. The sector offers a wide range of career paths, from banking and investment to insurance and technology, with increasing opportunities thanks to advancements in technology and innovation.”
He concluded by encouraging the students to consider a career in the sector, stating: “Whether you envision yourself working behind the scenes in finance, engaging with clients, or shaping policies, your contributions can make a significant impact. The financial services industry is not just about numbers, it is about people, innovation, and the future. Congratulations once again to all participants. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”
Prakash Seewoosunkur, Director, Operations Directorate at the Financial Services Commission, also shared his thoughts: “The financial services sector plays a critical role in the Mauritian economy. The FSC’s role in this sector is becoming increasingly important as we face transformative changes such as technological advancements and evolving regulations.”
He emphasised the FSC’s commitment to capacity building, saying: “We have invested massively in targeted training programs to empower our staff to meet the challenges of the evolving financial landscape. This safeguards our financial system and builds trust among stakeholders, fostering an environment that attracts both local and foreign investment.”
Seewoosunkur also highlighted the FSC’s role in job creation, mentioning the FSC’s joint efforts with the Bank of Mauritius to introduce the AML Safety Graduate Program: “This one-year program provides graduates with a unique development opportunity. They gain exposure to various facets of the financial services industry and the non-banking sector, ensuring well-rounded training.”
In closing, he addressed the students: “You are the bright young minds who will become leaders, innovators, and policymakers. Your ideas will shape an industry that values integrity, transparency, and accountability. I congratulate all the participants and winners and look forward to seeing how you will continue to inspire us with your vision for a better tomorrow.”
