President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says the government has made engineering and science education a special priority. He set out the case on PSM’s Nation Chat programme.
The President designated 30 August as Engineers’ Day last year. The date marks the opening of the Sinamalé Bridge on 30 August 2018. President Muizzu said the country needs a day that recognizes engineers and the work they do. He also called for wider awareness of the field among young people.
He point to a gap in the numbers. Too few students in higher education pick science, mathematics and engineering, he said. Far more choose business, management and law.
Engineers’ Day exists partly to close that gap. The government wants young people to enter engineering and science education, and it wants more Maldivians trained in those disciplines. The president singled out civil, electronics and mechanical engineering as fields that serve national development.
He tied the argument to self-reliance. A larger pool of Maldivian engineers would cut the country’s dependence on foreign engineers, he said. Those engineers would then staff infrastructure projects and strengthen the economy.
The government will introduce Engineers’ Awards this year. The awards recognize the achievements, productivity and contributions of Maldivian engineers and other professionals. They also serve as a pitch to school leavers weighing engineering and science education. This year’s awards run across 10 categories.