The Maldivian government and the Government of Japan have officially signed a scholarship agreement under Japan’s Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) programme for the upcoming year.
The grant assistance, totaling 152 million Japanese Yen (roughly USD 1 million), aims to bolster local human resources and enhance the capacity of the country's civil service.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the Maldives by the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Skills Development, Dr Ismail Shafeeu. Representing Japan was Taki Moto, the Resident Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the Maldives.
Under the newly signed deal, Master’s degree courses will be available across three premier Japanese universities. The programme focuses on crucial governance and development sectors, offering specialised degrees in Public Policy, International Relations, and Environmental Management.
Speaking to PSM News, the Minister of State for Education, Higher Education and Skills Development, Ahmed Shafeeu underscored the strategic importance of the initiative. He highlighted that the scholarships provide a vital avenue for civil service employees to gain high-level qualifications at major Japanese institutions.
"This programme is heavily targeted at government employees to strengthen public service," he said, adding that a total of 36 opportunities have been extended to Maldivians since the Japanese government introduced the specialised scholarships in 2020.
The Ministry confirmed that nine Maldivian students are currently pursuing their postgraduate degrees in Japan under the JDS initiative. The Ministry also noted that past graduates have successfully returned home and are actively applying their expertise across various government institutions, contributing significantly to public sector development.