President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art engineering laboratory in the Maldives, with facilities for research, analysis and testing across fields ranging from civil and mechanical engineering to artificial intelligence and robotics.
The President announced the project in a video message released to mark Maldives Engineers’ Day, saying the government intends to strengthen opportunities for Maldivians studying and working in engineering while encouraging more young people to enter the profession.
The proposed facility will cater to a broad range of disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical and electronics engineering, as well as software engineering, aircraft and aeronautical engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence and digital engineering.
According to the President, the laboratory will provide testing and research opportunities for students studying engineering in the Maldives while also being equipped to accommodate international researchers and other parties interested in conducting engineering-related work in the country.
“We will turn it into a laboratory that offers testing opportunities for students studying the field locally as well as interested parties coming from abroad,” President Muizzu said.
He said the government would undertake the technical preparations and investment required to develop the facility, adding that the project would be structured in a sustainable manner without placing an additional burden on the state budget.
Further details, including the proposed location, cost, financing arrangement and timeline for completing the laboratory, were not specified in the announcement.
The President used his Engineers’ Day address to highlight the contribution of professionals working across the engineering sector and stressed the importance of increasing the number of Maldivians entering engineering careers.
He also expressed a desire to see more students pursue higher education in engineering, acknowledging that government support would be required to achieve that objective. Muizzu said efforts are already underway to provide assistance and build domestic capacity in the sector.
In his message, the President extended greetings to Maldivian engineers, engineering students and those involved in developing the country’s technical workforce.
Engineering has become increasingly important to the Maldives as the country undertakes major infrastructure projects involving housing, transport, airports, utilities, land reclamation, renewable energy and digital development. However, specialised research and testing requirements can require access to technical facilities and expertise that are limited domestically.
The proposed laboratory would seek to expand that capacity by bringing testing and research facilities for multiple engineering disciplines under a dedicated facility in the Maldives.
President Muizzu previously designated August 30 as Maldives Engineers’ Day, linking the annual observance to the opening of the Sinamalé Bridge on August 30, 2018.
The 1.4-kilometre bridge, which established a permanent road connection between Malé and Hulhulé and subsequently provided connectivity towards Hulhumalé, remains one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects. Muizzu served as Housing Minister during its development under former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration.
This year’s Engineers’ Day has also been marked by activities involving government institutions, state-owned companies and engineering professionals, including programmes aimed at introducing children and young people to different engineering disciplines.
