The National Awards Committee has announced that they will begin accepting nominations for the 'President's National Award for Special Achievement' this Thursday.
The President's Office said this year, a new category has been included, in line with the statement made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during last year's Republic Day address.
It said that President Solih had stressed on the importance of recognizing members of our youth who have had a profound impact on national development through their ingenuity, productivity, and perseverance.
It also noted that he shared his thoughts on offering a President's National Award for Special Achievement for such youth in 2020. Accordingly, the National Awards Committee has this year included a special category for creative and innovative efforts recognized to have had a positive effect on national progress. This award is exclusive to young people aged between 18 to 35.
The President's office said that the President's National Award for Special Achievement includes three other categories.
The first of these three is for individuals who performed outstandingly during higher education and training: acquiring certification equivalent to Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA) ranking levels 7, 8, 9, and 10 with a grade point average above 85% or having achieved exceptional distinction.
It also said that it was decided last year that in 2020, this award will also be conferred to individuals who had achieved the highest rank in their course at that higher education institution.
The second category will see awards given out to individuals who have excelled at or achieved the highest rank in an international competition or exhibition. The third category is for innovative and enterprising individuals who have presented practical solutions to important national challenges.
