The Maldives has reaffirmed its commitment to digital development and regional collaboration during the Asia-Pacific ICT Ministerial Meeting held in Tokyo from 30 to 31 May.
Speaking at the summit, Ali Ihusaan, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, reflected on the progress made since the adoption of the 2019 Singapore Statement, noting that while the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted development plans, it also underscored the value of robust ICT infrastructure. He credited existing digital networks with enabling governments to maintain essential services during lockdowns and said the experience accelerated investment in digital services across the region.
Ihusaan outlined the Maldives’ own digital advancements, acknowledging the country’s geographic and demographic challenges. He said the nation had introduced 3G and 4G services across all islands between 2010 and 2020, and launched 5G in 2019, becoming the first country in South Asia to do so. According to the minister, 5G coverage now reaches around 70 per cent of the population.
The minister also announced that fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connections had been rolled out to every inhabited island, regardless of size or remoteness. He described this as a significant milestone for a small island state and suggested it surpassed the level of coverage achieved by some more technologically advanced countries.
Referring to the government’s broader digital ambitions, Ihusaan highlighted the recently launched national vision for digital transformation, Maldives 2.0, initiated by President Mohamed Muizzu. He described the initiative as one that seeks to reshape governance, economic development and public service delivery. He noted it is built on six core principles: transparency, inclusivity, unified governance, citizen-centred design, security, and performance delivery.
Addressing broader regional challenges, Ihusaan stressed that while digital infrastructure had improved, security remained a critical concern. He cited examples of online fraud and data breaches, calling for stronger policies, effective legal frameworks, and cross-border cooperation to build digital trust and ensure the safety of digital services.
In closing, Ihusaan expressed confidence in the summit’s potential to help transform shared challenges into opportunities, and reiterated the Maldives’ support for continued collaboration within the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity.
