Japan has committed JPY 152 million (approximately USD 1.02 million) to support postgraduate scholarships for Maldivians, extending the Japanese Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) for another fiscal year.

The funding was confirmed through an agreement signed between the two governments on Wednesday, enabling more Maldivians to pursue master's degree programmes at universities in Japan. The scholarship programme, launched in 2020, is designed to strengthen the Maldives' public sector by developing skilled professionals who can contribute to the country's long-term socio-economic development.

To date, 17 Maldivians have completed their studies under the programme, while another nine scholars are currently pursuing postgraduate education in Japan. The latest funding will ensure the continuation of scholarship opportunities for future applicants.

The agreement was signed by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheryna Abdul Samad and Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives Ishigami Rumiko during a ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 
Representatives from the Ministries of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development, Finance and Public Enterprises, the Civil Service Commission, the Embassy of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also attended the ceremony.