Curtis Cedras Awarded President’s Cup at SBSA Graduation Ceremony

ANSE ROYALE: The Seychelles Business Studies Academy (SBSA) celebrated the achievements of its 2023–2025 cohort yesterday, marking the transition of a new group of business professionals into the national workforce. The ceremony’s highest individual honor, the President’s Cup, was awarded to Curtis Cedras, who was recognized as the standout graduate for his holistic contribution to the academy.

The award was presented by Vice-President Sebastien Pillay, representing the Head of State. The President’s Cup is the most prestigious accolade at the tertiary level in Seychelles, given not only for academic results but for leadership, discipline, and being a positive influence within the student body.

Academic Excellence and Leadership

Cedras, who completed a Diploma in Business Management and Administration, was commended for maintaining a high standard of academic performance throughout the three-year program. Beyond the classroom, he served as a peer mentor and was active in student governance, helping to bridge the gap between the student body and the academy’s administration.

During the ceremony, the SBSA Director, Josianne Adrienne, highlighted that the 2023–2025 group faced unique challenges, including a shift toward more digitized learning environments. She praised Cedras and his peers for their resilience and for meeting the rigorous standards required by the academy’s partnership with international validating bodies.

Broad Achievement Across the Cohort

While Cedras took home the top prize, the graduation also recognized several other high achievers:

• Best Performer Awards: Several students received recognition for the highest marks in specific modules such as Accounting, Marketing, and Human Resource Management.
• Governing Board Award: This was presented to a student who showed the most significant improvement and perseverance over the duration of their studies.
• Service Awards: Recognition was given to those who contributed significantly to the SBSA’s extracurricular activities and community outreach programs.

Strengthening the National Workforce

The graduation of this cohort comes at a time when the Seychelles government is emphasizing the need for skilled professionals in the private and public sectors to drive economic diversification. Vice-President Pillay, in his address to the graduates, stressed that the skills acquired at SBSA—particularly in financial management and administration—are vital for the country’s continued stability.

The Vice-President encouraged the graduates to view their diplomas as a foundation for lifelong learning. He noted that the rapidly evolving global business landscape requires constant adaptation and a commitment to professional ethics.

Next Steps for Graduates

Following the ceremony, many of the 120 graduates are expected to enter the labor market immediately, while others have secured scholarships for further degree-level studies, either at the University of Seychelles or abroad.

For Curtis Cedras, the President’s Cup includes a scholarship for further studies and a laptop, providing the tools necessary to continue his professional development. The event concluded with the traditional tossing of caps, marking the end of a rigorous academic chapter and the beginning of new professional careers for the class of 2025.