The national awards committee is to begin accepting nominations for the 'President's National Award for Special Achievement', from Thursday.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had, during last year's Republic Day address, announced that a new category will be added for this year's ceremony.

Stressing on the importance of recognising members of our youth who have had a profound impact on national development through their ingenuity, productivity and perseverance, the president had shared his thoughts on introducing a President's National Award for Special Achievement for such youth in 2020.

This award is exclusive to young people aged between 18 to 35.

The special achievement award includethree other categories. The first one is for individuals who performed outstanding during the higher education and training: certification equivalent to Maldives qualification authority (MQA) ranking levels 7,8,9 and 10 with an average above 85% or having achieved exceptional distinction. Moreover, it was decided last year that in 2020, this award will also be granted to individuals who had achieved the highest rank in their course at that higher education institution.

The second category is for the individuals who have excelled at or achieved the highest and international competition or exhibitions, while the third category is for innovative and enterprising individuals who have presented practical solutions to important national challenges.