University of Technology, Mauritius - UTM

𝗨𝗧𝗠 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗶 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝘃𝗷𝗶 𝗧𝗲𝗲𝗺𝘂𝗹

Success is rarely a straight path. It is built through determination, resilience, and the courage to embrace new challenges. Few stories illustrate this better than that of Shashivji Teemul, a proud alumnus of the University of Technology, Mauritius (UTM), whose journey has taken him from engineering classrooms to serving the nation from the skies.

When Shashivji first walked through the gates of UTM in 2010, he was like many young students full of ambition, curiosity, and dreams for the future. Enrolling in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electronic Engineering programme, he embarked on a demanding academic journey that would shape not only his career but also his character.

The years that followed were filled with challenges. Engineering is not an easy discipline. It demands discipline, perseverance, analytical thinking, and countless hours of dedication. Yet, rather than being discouraged by the rigour of the programme, Shashivji embraced it.

Every project, assignment, and laboratory session became an opportunity to learn. Every obstacle became a lesson in resilience. Through hard work and commitment, he developed the ability to analyse complex problems, think critically, and find practical solutions — skills that would later define his professional success.

In 2014, his efforts were rewarded when he graduated with First Class Honours, a remarkable achievement that reflected not only academic excellence but also an unwavering commitment to his goals. Looking back, Shashivji credits much of his growth to the lecturers and mentors who guided him throughout his studies.

"They were excellent not just as academics but as mentors. They possessed strong knowledge in both theory and industry practice, and they were always willing to share their expertise."

Their encouragement helped him build the confidence to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom. After graduation, Shashivji entered the construction sector, where he quickly discovered the true value of his engineering education. The technical knowledge gained at UTM was important, but it was the mindset he had developed the ability to think logically, solve problems systematically, and remain calm under pressure that proved invaluable in the real world.

Yet Shashivji's journey was only beginning. Driven by a desire to serve his country, he made a bold career move and joined the Mauritius Police Force. It was a decision that demonstrated courage and adaptability. While many viewed engineering and policing as different worlds, Shashivji recognised that the qualities developed through engineering precision, discipline, responsibility, and leadership were equally valuable in public service.

Through dedication and professionalism, he rose through the ranks to become a Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Mauritius Police Force currently posted to Police Helicopter Squadron as Engineer. Today, he plays a critical role in managing and maintaining specialised technical systems that support the Squadron's operations, combining his engineering expertise with his commitment to national service. His pursuit of excellence did not stop there.

In 2026, another significant milestone was added to his journey when he was officially registered as a Professional Engineer with the Council of Registered Professional Engineers of Mauritius (Registration No. 2131). This achievement symbolises years of continuous learning, professional growth, and dedication to the highest standards of the engineering profession.

Despite his accomplishments, Shashivji remains deeply appreciative of the experiences and relationships that shaped him. He fondly remembers UTM as a supportive and welcoming community where students were encouraged to learn together, grow together, and succeed together.

For current students and young professionals, his story carries a powerful message: your future is not defined by where you start but by your willingness to learn, persevere, and embrace opportunities.

From earning First Class Honours in Engineering to becoming a leader in the Mauritius Police Force and a registered Professional Engineer, Shashivji Teemul's journey is proof that determination, education, and character can open doors to extraordinary possibilities.

As he continues to soar to new heights, his story stands as an inspiration to every UTM student who dreams of making a difference.

𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗹𝘆. 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗱𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆. 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂—𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱.

𝗞𝗔-𝟭𝟳𝟭 𝗘𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗺𝘂𝘀 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗧𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘆𝗲 𝗞𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘂𝘁 𝗔𝘁𝗮 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 (𝗢𝗞𝗨) 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘆

The University of Technology, Mauritius (UTM) recently signed a KA171 Erasmus Agreement with Osmaniye Korkut Ata University (OKU), Turkey, paving the way for student and staff mobility between the two institutions. The first activity under this partnership involved a short-term study and training programme for UTM students.

Student mobility is a transformative experience that extends learning beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Through this Erasmus (EU) funded initiative, students are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new academic and cultural environment, broaden their horizons, and develop competencies that are highly valued in today’s globalised world. During their stay, students engage with the academic staff of the Department of Computer Engineering at OKU, gain exposure to different teaching and learning approaches, and explore innovative methods of problem-solving and assessment. Such experiences encourage adaptability, critical thinking, and a greater appreciation of diverse perspectives.

Beyond academic enrichment, international mobility fosters personal growth. Students develop essential life skills such as independence, time management, effective communication, and intercultural awareness. They also have the opportunity to build meaningful connections with peers from different backgrounds, creating lasting international friendships and professional networks.

For UTM, this collaboration represents an important step towards strengthening its internationalisation strategy. The partnership with OKU opens avenues for enhanced academic cooperation through joint research initiatives, curriculum development, co-teaching opportunities, staff exchanges, and the organisation of collaborative workshops and conferences. By fostering these international partnerships, UTM continues to enrich its academic offerings and integrate global perspectives into its teaching, research, and learning environment.

🚀 Ready to kick-start your ICT career?

Join us at the UTM ICT Campus Recruitment 2026 and connect with leading employers in the technology sector!

📅 Date: 30 June 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Venue: Conference Room, University of Technology, Mauritius

Don't miss this opportunity to network, explore career prospects, and take the next step towards your future in ICT.

Join us at the Environmental Awareness Workshop 2026 and be part of the conversation for a greener and more sustainable future.

📅 12 June 2026
⏰ 08:30 AM – 01:00 PM
📍 UTM Conference Room

𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗥 | 𝗨𝗧𝗠 𝗟𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀
𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝟰

𝗠𝘀 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗸: 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀

In an era where tourism is being reshaped by global challenges, digital transformation, and the growing demand for sustainable practices, educators play a critical role in preparing the leaders of tomorrow. Among those making a lasting impact is Ms Vanessa Seebaluck, whose academic excellence, international perspective, and unwavering commitment to student success have established her as a respected figure within the University of Technology, Mauritius (UTM).

As a Senior Lecturer at the School of Sustainable Development and Tourism (SSDT), Ms Seebaluck has dedicated her career to nurturing future professionals, fostering critical thinking, and promoting a deeper understanding of sustainable tourism and global citizenship. Through her teaching, research, and international collaborations, she continues to inspire students to expand their horizons and embrace lifelong learning.

Ms Seebaluck possesses an impressive academic background, holding two Master's degrees from renowned universities in the United Kingdom: an MSc in Air Transport Management from Cranfield University and an MSc in International Management from Oxford Brookes University. She also holds a BA (Hons) in Business Administration, Management and Tourism Management and is currently pursuing her PhD studies at UTM.

Her areas of expertise encompass tourism, hospitality, communication, and sustainable development, with particular interests in tourist safety, destination image, event management, and corporate communication. Throughout her academic career, she has taught a wide range of modules, including Conference and Events Management, Travel Management, Destination Management, Corporate Communication Strategy, Corporate Communication for Sustainability, Human Resource Management for Tourism and Hospitality, and Public Speaking.

Interestingly, academia was never part of her original career plan. Following her experience in the airline industry, Ms Seebaluck joined UTM on what she initially believed would be a temporary basis while awaiting another professional opportunity. What began as a short-term engagement soon evolved into a fulfilling vocation. The dynamic environment of higher education, coupled with the opportunity to inspire young minds and continuously learn, transformed a single semester into a lifelong professional calling.

What she values most about teaching is the opportunity to make a difference. For Ms Seebaluck, education is not merely about imparting knowledge; it is about empowering students to think critically, challenge assumptions, and realise their potential. She cherishes the moments when students connect theory with practice and gain the confidence to pursue their ambitions. Equally rewarding are the lasting relationships she has built with former students, many of whom have become successful professionals and valued colleagues.

What lies at the heart of Ms Seebaluck’s teaching philosophy is her belief that education should be experienced, not simply taught. She is passionate about creating opportunities for students to learn through action, encouraging them to step beyond their comfort zones, embrace new challenges, and apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Through projects, events, presentations, industry collaborations, and practical activities, she strives to transform learning into an engaging and memorable journey. “I believe these experiences are what leave the greatest impact on students. Years after they graduate, many still talk about their university days at UTM and the activities we shared together. Knowing that these moments remain with them long after they leave campus is incredibly rewarding and reinforces the importance of learning beyond the classroom.”

Her advice to students is both simple and profound: "Do not study merely to memorise. Learn to understand. Knowledge gained through understanding stays with you far longer than anything learned by rote."

Beyond the classroom, Ms Seebaluck actively contributes to international collaborations that advance tourism and hospitality education. She is a member of the Erasmus+ Project (2026–2028), an initiative that brings together universities and institutions from Croatia, Sweden, Cyprus, Madagascar, and Mauritius to promote digital excellence and innovation in tourism and hospitality education.

Her international engagement further extends to through her continued participation in Erasmus+ mobility programmes, academic exchanges, conferences, and workshops across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, contributing to fostering global partnerships, facilitating knowledge exchange, and contributing to the advancement of sustainable tourism and interdisciplinary research. Furthermore, recognised for her strong public speaking and event management skills, Ms Vanessa was invited by the project directors of Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) and the International RoSH Conference 2026 to serve as Master of Ceremonies during the launch event and to provide her support in the organisation of the upcoming international conference on sexual violence in the workplace.

Outside academia, Ms Seebaluck is an enthusiastic traveller and adventurer who enjoys exploring new destinations and immersing herself in different cultures. Her curiosity about the world extends beyond tourism, and she has a particular appreciation for vintage vehicles and the stories and heritage they represent.

Today, Ms Seebaluck embodies the spirit of lifelong learning, international collaboration, and student-centred education. Her journey reflects the transformative power of education and the profound influence that dedicated educators can have on future generations. Through her teaching, research, and global engagement, she continues to inspire students to explore new possibilities, embrace challenges, and contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable and interconnected world.

Educator. Explorer. Mentor. Global Collaborator. More than titles, these are the qualities that define Ms Vanessa Seebaluck's remarkable journey and enduring contribution to UTM, to tourism education, and to the countless students whose lives she continues to shape.

🎉 Day 5 marks the successful conclusion of National Science Week 2026!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the UTM stand and shared this exciting journey with us.

🔬✨ Day 4 at National Science Week 2026 with more discovery, innovation and hands-on learning at the UTM stand!

🚀 Day 3 Highlights | National Science Week 2026

Curiosity, creativity and innovation continue to shine at National Science Week 2026 with our UTM stand! 🌟