The participants of PDWL 2025 have returned home after an inspiring and successful professional development journey in Malaysia—another milestone in the Maldives Library Association’s (MLA) ongoing commitment to strengthening the nation’s library and information services.

For far too long, professional development opportunities in the Maldivian library sector have been rare and limited. Recognising this gap, MLA has taken bold steps to transform the professional landscape by affiliating with the Maldives National University (MNU)—the country’s only higher education provider offering undergraduate programs in Library and Information Science (LIS). Together, MLA and MNU are ensuring that Maldivian librarians are not left behind in the fast-evolving global knowledge environment.

The Professional Development Workshop on Library and Information Services (PDWL) is a flagship initiative of this collaboration. It has become a unique platform for Maldivian LIS students and professionals to learn, exchange, and grow alongside their international counterparts. This year marked the third edition of PDWL, following the successes of Singapore (2023) and Indonesia (2024).

In Malaysia, participants engaged with 13 leading information providers and knowledge curators across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, and took part in three hands-on workshop sessions on frontier themes such as the use of AI tools in libraries, measuring library impact, 21st century skill set and implementation planning. Beyond technical training, these experiences have broadened professional horizons and instilled confidence in our participants to drive change back home.

The program concluded with a meaningful visit to the Maldives High Commission in Malaysia, where Her Excellency Dr. Shabeena and her team emphasised the pivotal role of libraries can play as safe, inclusive spaces that contribute to building an intellectual community in line with the nation’s vision. Further dialogue is expected in terms of support the high commission may be able to provide in linking LIS professionals to higher education and short PD opportunities from Malaysia.

PDWL is more than a training—it is a transformative journey that empowers librarians, strengthens professional networks, and helps position libraries at the heart of the Maldives’ social and educational development.

A Selection of Photos from PDW-L 2025 Malaysia

📢 Call to Action: The Maldives Library Association invites all librarians, students, and stakeholders passionate about the future of libraries to join us in this movement. By becoming part of MLA, you contribute to a stronger, more connected, and empowered library sector in the Maldives.

✨ Watch this space! Planning is already underway for the next international exposure visit—Perth, Australia, in September 2026. We look forward to building on the momentum of PDWL and creating even more opportunities for professional growth and global engagement.