The information session scheduled for the prospective nominees for the 'President's National Award for Special Achievement’ has been delayed.

This was announced by the Special Awards Committee on Wednesday.

The session was initially scheduled to be held at the President’s Office at 2pm, September 1.

It will now take place at 2pm, September 5.

In order to participate, potential nominees and others who wish to participate in the session, will be required to forward a text message containing their full names, permanent addresses and their ID Card numbers to 7960844.

The Special Awards Committee began accepting nominations through the designated portal starting August 14.

Nomination forms for the 'President's National Award for Special Achievement’ have been made available through the designated portal on the President’s Office official website.

Applications may be submitted through 3pm, September 22.

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.