Maldives Showcases Digital Growth and Regional Unity at Asia-Pacific ICT Summit

The Maldives took center stage at the Asia-Pacific ICT Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo this week, reaffirming its dedication to digital transformation and strengthening regional cooperation in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Reflecting on Progress, Accelerated by Pandemic Pressures

Ali Ihusaan, the Maldives’ Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, addressed the summit held from May 30 to 31, reflecting on the region’s progress since the 2019 Singapore Statement on digital development. While acknowledging that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted planned timelines, Ihusaan emphasized that the crisis also revealed the essential role of strong ICT infrastructure. It was this digital backbone, he said, that allowed governments—including the Maldives—to maintain core public services during lockdowns.

“The pandemic didn’t just challenge us,” Ihusaan noted. “It validated the need to invest in digital networks and fast-tracked our collective journey toward smarter governance.”

Digital Milestones Across the Maldives

Sharing updates on the Maldives’ own journey, Ihusaan pointed out the nation’s technological strides despite its unique geographic spread and small population. He highlighted that from 2010 to 2020, all inhabited islands were connected with 3G and 4G services, and in a bold move, the Maldives became the first country in South Asia to launch 5G in 2019. Today, 5G coverage reaches about 70% of the population.

A landmark achievement, according to the minister, has been the successful implementation of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connectivity on every inhabited island—regardless of size or location. He described this as a remarkable feat for a small island nation, even surpassing the reach achieved by some more technologically advanced countries.

Introducing Maldives 2.0: A Blueprint for a Digital Future

Looking ahead, Ihusaan introduced Maldives 2.0, the country’s newly launched national vision for digital transformation, spearheaded by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This initiative is set to modernize governance, stimulate economic growth, and enhance public service delivery.

At its core, Maldives 2.0 is grounded in six key principles: transparency, inclusivity, unified governance, citizen-centered design, digital security, and performance-focused implementation.

“The aim is to transform the way the government connects with its people—making it more responsive, more transparent, and truly digital-first,” he said.

Strengthening Digital Trust Through Regional Cooperation

Despite significant improvements in connectivity, Ihusaan emphasized that security remains a pressing concern. Citing rising incidents of online fraud, data breaches, and cyberattacks, he urged fellow Asia-Pacific nations to develop robust legal frameworks and foster deeper cross-border cooperation.

“Digital trust isn’t built overnight,” he warned. “It requires strong policy, regional dialogue, and a shared commitment to protect users and their data.”

A Shared Path Toward Digital Resilience

In closing, Ihusaan expressed optimism about the collective future of the region, stating that summits like this are essential platforms for turning common challenges into collaborative solutions. He reaffirmed the Maldives’ full support for ongoing regional partnerships through the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity.

“The journey ahead calls for unity, innovation, and shared resolve,” Ihusaan said. “We stand ready to walk that path together.”