Nominations for the 'President's National Award for Special Achievement’ will be opened on Sunday.

The Special Awards Committee revealed that they will be accepting nominations through the designated portal starting August 14.

The 'President's National Award for Special Achievement’ will be conferred to individuals who have performed exceptionally well and made substantial contributions to national progress.

The award was conferred in four categories in previous years, however, this year it will be featured in five categories.

Individuals who have performed exceptionally well in the field of higher education and training are eligible for the first category. Nominees are required to have a certificate equal to Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA) ranking levels 10 with an exceptional result and individuals acquiring certification equivalent to MQA ranking levels 7, 8, 9 and having achieved the highest rank in their course at their higher education institution to be eligible for the first category.

The second category is for those who excelled in an international competition or exhibition.

Individuals who have created innovative and effective solutions to persistent national issues through research, are eligible for the awards under the third category.

The fourth category is for those who showed exceptional creativity and innovation in their field and have had a positive impact on the national progress. Individuals must be between 18 and 35 years of age to be eligible for this category.

The new and fifth category coincides with the 50th-anniversary celebrations of tourism in the Maldives and will recognize the outstanding, creative and innovative contributions of tourism sector stakeholders and staff towards developing the industry and the nation.