Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed has said that technology, including artificial intelligence, should remain a tool to advance meaningful learning rather than an end in itself.

Speaking at the Global Smart Education Conference 2025 in Beijing, China, Minister Dr Haidar delivered the plenary session address on “Digital Education to Empower and Energise.” He outlined how human–AI collaboration can reshape the education ecosystem by improving learning outcomes, bridging digital divides and building resilient systems for the future.

The Minister emphasised that Smart Learning Environments and Smart Campuses would be central to this transformation. He described them as platforms that not only enhance teaching and learning but also streamline university governance, strengthen administration and maximise the use of resources.

During the conference, the Minister also addressed the Digital Transformation in Vocational Education session. He highlighted the role of digitalisation in reshaping vocational education through AI-driven tutoring, digital assessment tools, adaptive course materials and closer cooperation between schools and enterprises. These reforms, he said, will help produce a skilled workforce ready for the future job market.

Minister Dr Haidar stressed that inclusive innovation, teacher empowerment and international cooperation are crucial to ensuring digital education promotes equity, creativity and lifelong learning. He added that investment in smart campuses is a strategic priority that will raise the Maldives’ higher education sector to international standards, enabling local students to compete globally.