A landmark initiative aimed at bolstering the Maldives' cybersecurity infrastructure has concluded with significant success, according to officials from Edith Cowan University.
The "Cyber Security and Cyber Resilience Australia Awards Fellowship 2026" has equipped local agencies with international-level training and practical expertise to address evolving digital threats.
The second phase of the Cyber Resilience Fellowship was conducted from 28 June to 2 July, in Male’. The programme was jointly delivered by technical experts from the President's Office and Edith Cowan University, with financial backing from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Senior Lecturer Dr Ahmed Ibrahim from the School of Science at Edith Cowan University emphasised that participating agencies are now far better prepared for potential cyber threats.
"The participants have received remarkable training at an international level. The practical experience and simulations gained through this programme will prove invaluable in the future,” he said.
He added that such a programme also facilitates the strengthening of relations between the Maldives and Australia."
During the first phase, 15 individuals from nine government agencies traveled to Australia, where they visited various institutions and exchanged knowledge with their counterparts. This cross-border collaboration allowed participants to gain insights into international best practices and operational frameworks.
Maziya Abdul Sattar, a fellowship participant, highlighted the programme's practical benefits.
"Identifying cyber threats, field awareness, and hands-on training have been key factors in the program's success. We have learned to build defense networks and strengthen coordination among various institutions,” she explained
Another participant echoed these sentiments, noting that the fellowship provided exposure to prominent international standards in cyber governance, incident response, critical infrastructure protection, and resilience planning.
The programme concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, attended by Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives, David Jessup and National Security Advisor, Retired Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Latheef, recognising the successful completion of the fellowship by all participants.