The Special Awards Committee has urged all individuals nominating for the President's Award for Special Achievement for the early submission of applications. While the committee has opened nominations on August 1, it has published the award criteria in the Government Gazette. Applications will only be accepted via the designated portal on the President's Office website.
Speaking at a programme aired on PSM News, Chair of the committee Dr. Ali Zahir has stated that the committee has observed several individuals submitting their applications during the last minute. This results in incomplete applications or the failure to submit certain important documents. Hence, he urged all individuals nominating, to submit the applications beforehand.
The President's Award for Special Achievement is conferred to individuals whose exceptional skills and performance are a source of national pride and who have made substantial contributions to national progress. The award features four categories this year.
The first category is dedicated to individuals who have attained a Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA) level 10 qualification for publication of research in an international journal, and those who have completed qualifications between levels 7 and 9 at the highest standard and attained the highest grade for a research project or dissertation.
The second category is dedicated to individuals who have excelled or achieved the highest rank in an international competition or exhibition.
The third category is dedicated to innovative and enterprising individuals who have presented practical resolutions or outstanding solutions by conducting academic research on critical national challenges.
The fourth category is dedicated to exceptional creativity and innovation that enhance national development. Youth between the ages of 18 and 35 are eligible for the awards.
The Special Awards Committee advises all applicants to adhere to the guidelines for document submission during the application process. Applicants are reminded to have their certificates attested by a lawyer certified by the Bar Council of the Maldives.
This year, the President’s Award for Special Achievement will be conferred during an official celebration commemorating the Republic Day of the Maldives. The nominations will be open until September 16.