Maldives Polytechnic Hosts Delegation from Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand

Malé, Republic of Maldives — 17 May 2026

Maldives Polytechnic welcomed a high-level delegation from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, on Sunday, 17 May 2026, in a courtesy visit aimed at exploring areas of institutional collaboration and strengthening technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in the Maldives.

The AIT delegation was led by Professor Pai-Chi Li, President of the Asian Institute of Technology, and included Mr. Voravate Chonlasin, Executive Director of AIT Extension; Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director of the Office of International Affairs; and Ms. Chotiros Mongkolchotirat, Director of the Office of the President. The visit was facilitated by two officers from the Civil Service Commission of the Maldives, who accompanied the delegation throughout the engagement.

The visiting delegation was received by Maldives Polytechnic's Chief Executive Officer, senior management, the Director General, and Managers of the institution's five academic schools.

Campus Tour

Prior to the formal discussions, the AIT delegation was given a tour of Maldives Polytechnic's facilities. The delegation visited several active workshops and studios, including the Marine Engineering Workshop, where students were engaged in hands-on practical training; the Automotive Workshop; the Mechatronics Laboratory; the Renewable Energy Workshop; the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Workshop; the Architecture Studio; and the Fashion Design Studio. The delegation expressed appreciation for the practical, industry-focused learning environment at the institution.

Discussion Highlights

The courtesy meeting brought together both institutions for a wide-ranging discussion on areas of mutual interest. Key topics covered during the session included:

• Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), with a focus on strengthening practical skills delivery
• Skills development for staff and educators, including Training of Trainers opportunities
• Institutional capacity building across academic and administrative functions
• Curriculum development collaboration and the potential expansion of Maldives Polytechnic's programme offerings to Bachelor's level
• Short-term, medium-term, and long-term training collaboration frameworks
• AIT's academic, professional, and executive education programmes and their relevance to the Maldivian context

Both institutions expressed strong interest in formalising the collaboration and identified several priority areas for follow-up engagement.

About Maldives Polytechnic

Established by Presidential Decree on 12 April 2010, Maldives Polytechnic is the national government institution for technical and vocational education and training in the Maldives. Operating under the Maldives National Qualifications Framework (MNQF), the institution delivers programmes from Certificate to Diploma level across five schools and six campuses nationwide. Its vision is to become the leading centre for excellence in skills development, research and innovation.

About the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)

The Asian Institute of Technology is a leading international postgraduate institution based in Pathum Thani, Thailand. Founded in 1959, AIT offers over 40 graduate-level programmes across engineering, environment, and management, and has a global alumni network of over 27,000 professionals from more than 100 countries. AIT Extension, its professional training arm, delivers capacity building and short-course programmes across Asia and beyond