Maldives and Singapore Sign Landmark MOUs on Education, Environment, and Development
The Maldives and Singapore have taken a major step forward in bilateral cooperation, signing three Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that pave the way for collaboration in key areas including environmental protection, capacity building, and higher education.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, currently on a State Visit to Singapore at the invitation of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, attended the official signing ceremony alongside First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and senior Maldivian government officials. The visit marks a deepening of diplomatic and developmental ties between the two island nations.
A New Chapter in Maldives-Singapore Partnership
The signing ceremony was held at Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a formal meeting between President Muizzu and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The agreements are designed to enhance cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two countries, with long-term benefits for both.
“These MOUs reflect the shared commitment of Maldives and Singapore to work together in areas that directly impact our future—our people, our planet, and our progress,” President Muizzu said during the visit.
Areas of Cooperation: Capacity Building, Environment, and Education
Capacity Building
The first MOU focuses on strengthening institutional capacity and governance. Signed by Maldives’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel and Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, this agreement aims to improve administrative competencies and share best practices across government sectors.
Environmental Cooperation
Addressing one of the Maldives’ most urgent challenges, the second MOU targets environmental protection and sustainability. Tourism and Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim signed the agreement with Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu. This partnership is expected to support joint efforts in climate resilience, waste management, and eco-friendly tourism development.
Higher Education and Technical Skills
The third agreement seeks to elevate higher education, education policy, and technical training in the Maldives. Signed by Dr. Ali Haidar, Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, and Goh Mong Song, CEO of Singapore’s IT Education Service, the MOU aims to provide new avenues for academic exchange, vocational training, and policy innovation.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration
During his visit, President Muizzu also met with Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, further cementing diplomatic ties and opening doors for broader collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. The meetings were described as warm, constructive, and forward-looking.
This marks another milestone in the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to build meaningful global partnerships, particularly with nations that share common development challenges and values.
As both countries look to the future, these agreements offer a strong foundation for deeper engagement in sustainable growth, skills development, and environmental stewardship.