President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to establish a modern engineering research and testing laboratory in the Maldives, with the facility expected to support disciplines including civil and mechanical engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence and aeronautics.
The announcement was made in a video message issued to mark Maldives Engineers’ Day, during which the President outlined plans to expand opportunities for engineering education, research and technical development in the country.
According to Muizzu, the proposed laboratory will be equipped to conduct analysis, research and testing across a wide range of engineering fields.
These will include civil, mechanical, electrical and electronics engineering, software engineering, aircraft and aeronautical engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence and digital engineering.
The facility is expected to be accessible to students studying engineering in the Maldives, giving them opportunities to conduct practical testing and research without having to rely entirely on facilities overseas.
Muizzu said the government’s ambition is to develop the laboratory to a standard that would also allow researchers and other interested parties from abroad to use its facilities.
“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,” he said.
While announcing the project, the President said the government would undertake the technical preparations and investment necessary to establish the facility.
He also said the project would be implemented through a sustainable arrangement that would avoid placing an additional burden on the state budget. Details regarding its financing model, location, development cost and completion timeline have yet to be announced.
Muizzu also used his Engineers’ Day address to call for greater Maldivian participation in engineering professions.
He said engineers working across different sectors undertake demanding responsibilities and stressed the importance of developing a larger pool of local professionals capable of meeting the country’s future technical requirements.
The President said he wants to see more Maldivian students pursue higher education in engineering and acknowledged the government’s responsibility to create opportunities and provide support for those entering the field. Work towards increasing capacity in the sector is already underway, he added.
Engineering expertise has become increasingly important as the Maldives undertakes large-scale development in areas including housing, transport, airports, utilities, renewable energy, land reclamation and digital infrastructure.
A domestic facility capable of specialised engineering analysis and testing could also provide students and professionals with greater access to practical research infrastructure, an area where opportunities have historically been limited in the country.
Muizzu extended Engineers’ Day greetings to engineers across the Maldives, students pursuing engineering qualifications and individuals involved in building technical capacity within the sector.
August 30 was designated as Maldives Engineers’ Day by President Muizzu, with the date chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the opening of the Sinamalé Bridge.
The bridge was inaugurated on August 30, 2018, during former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration. Muizzu, who was Housing Minister at the time, was closely involved in overseeing the project.
The Sinamalé Bridge became the country’s first permanent road connection between Malé and Hulhulé and remains one of the most significant infrastructure projects completed in the Maldives.
