President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has emphasised the urgent need for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education to secure the future workforce of the Maldives.

The President highlighted the growing dependency on foreign workers in key sectors such as medicine and engineering, stressing that this reliance is unsustainable.

He noted that Maldivian students increasingly favour Accounting and Finance in overseas studies while neglecting critical STEM disciplines. This declining interest in STEM fields raises concerns as these subjects are essential for the nation's long-term development.

President Dr Muizzu highlighted the opportunity to develop more local engineers, quantity surveyors, and other technical professionals, which would accelerate the advancement of numerous infrastructure projects across the nation.

He stated that his Administration has begun prioritising STEM education in both educational loan schemes and public sector recruitment. To encourage students to pursue STEM careers, the Government is providing priority to STEM graduates seeking Government positions, along with attractive salary packages.

He further reaffirmed his Administration's commitment to expanding higher education opportunities, both domestically and internationally, with a focus on developing a generation of graduates skilled in diverse fields.

The President made these comments during the third episode of Rayyithunnaa Eku, a podcast hosted by the President's Office to engage directly with the public.