AGP Executive Report

Digital Identity & Digital Transformation (Maldives): Parliament has approved the Maldives 2.0 Digital Transformation Bill and a Digital Identity Bill, setting up a state agency for digital governance and a legal framework for secure national identity and data safeguards. Cybersecurity & AI Threats: A new report describes “agentic ransomware” where an LLM-driven system runs an end-to-end extortion operation, including self-narrating steps and real-time retries. Biometrics & Facial Recognition Scrutiny (UK/US): The UK faces pressure over delays to facial recognition rules, while a US judge ordered prosecutors to disclose Clearview AI’s role in a DC facial recognition arrest. Climate & Reefs: Coverage highlights how El Niño can intensify heat stress on coral reefs, with severe bleaching risks rising for Asia and the Pacific. Agriculture & Plant Health (Maldives): The Maldives is using Chinese-backed scientific expertise to diagnose and treat tree diseases and invasive pests, including the coconut palm infestation known as “Ruku Madi.” Payments Future (Maldives): Bank of Maldives says “invisible” payments will grow via interconnected payment ecosystems, with digital identity and biometrics becoming routine.

Digital Finance for Maldives: Bank of Maldives CEO Mohamed Shareef says the country’s payments will move toward an “invisible” model in about five years, using connected payment ecosystems and stronger digital identity and biometric checks to make transactions seamless behind the scenes. Agriculture Tech Collaboration: Maldives is partnering with Chinese-backed scientific expertise to diagnose and treat tree diseases and invasive pests, including the coconut palm infestation “Ruku Madi,” with findings now being prepared for wider rollout. Connectivity & Subsea Links: Google plans new “connectivity hubs” in Africa, including an Eastern Cape Digital Exchange Port, and says it’s also building connectivity hubs in the Maldives for a Middle East–Oceania cable route. Public Health & Air Quality: Experts warn air pollution is a major lung health threat, pushing for early diagnosis and modern treatment approaches as respiratory disease risks rise. Ocean Conservation in Resorts: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru mark Plastic Free July with beach and reef cleans, plus shark awareness activities with a local research NGO. Cyber-Ready Governance: India’s e-governance push highlights using AI intelligently (not replacing people) while strengthening transparency and resilience—an approach Maldives can watch as digital services expand.

Food Security: Maldives is working with Chinese tropical agriculture specialists to diagnose and treat tree diseases and invasive pests, with focus on coconut palm “Ruku Madi,” using research at the Agriculture Center in Hanimaadhoo. Digital Finance: Bank of Maldives says the next five years will push payments toward an “invisible” ecosystem—linking providers via smarter connections and adding biometric identity for smoother, background transactions. Heritage Tech: Maldives is nearing completion of a nationwide digital archive of archaeological sites, with 400+ sites already catalogued and free online access planned for conservation and research. Connectivity & Cables: Google plans “Digital Exchange Ports” in South Africa’s Eastern Cape to boost resilience and connect Africa to Australia and new routes toward India, while it also points to connectivity hubs in the Maldives. Climate Transparency: UNFCCC climate meetings saw a record 37 countries submit first Biennial Transparency Reports, pushing clearer progress tracking. Public Health: Experts warn air pollution is a major lung health threat, urging early diagnosis and stronger prevention. Banking Milestone: BOC Maldives marks 45 years, highlighting its role in digital and international banking services. AI Governance: India’s e-governance push stresses using AI intelligently, not replacing human judgment.

Maldives Digital Finance: Bank of Maldives (BML) says the country’s payments are heading toward an “invisible” model over the next five years, with connected payment ecosystems, biometric digital identities, and AI support for small businesses. Maldives Heritage Tech: The Maldives is nearing completion of a nationwide digital archive of historical and archaeological sites, with 400+ locations already catalogued and a free online database planned for researchers and the public. Maldives Tourism & China Links: The Maldives’ tourism push continues as a high-level delegation visits China (1–11 July), with China remaining the top source market and meetings planned with airlines and travel tech firms. Regional Health Alert: Experts warn air pollution is a major lung-health threat, while separate reporting highlights malaria cases confirmed after travel to Tanzania. Food Processing Policy: South Asia’s SAPLING Dialogue 2026 in Gujarat focused on practical steps to transform food processing for jobs and nutrition. Governance & AI: India’s e-governance conference urged leaders to use AI intelligently, not replace human judgement, as Maldives and others adopt similar digital governance ideas. Climate Transparency: UN climate talks saw a record 37 countries submit Biennial Transparency Reports, pushing for clearer progress tracking. Tech in Hospitality: eMarketingEye’s “AI Hospitality Connect” conference (14 July, Colombo) targets Maldives and Sri Lanka hospitality leaders with AI and digital marketing sessions.

Digital Finance: Bank of Maldives CEO Mohamed Shareef says the next five years will push payments into an “invisible” ecosystem, linking providers via APIs and adding biometric authentication plus AI-backed support for SMEs. Digital Health: Maldives is rolling out a 2026–2030 digital health roadmap to unify island-wide systems under one framework, with WHO, ADB and partners guiding the blueprint. Heritage Tech: The Maldives is nearing completion of a nationwide digital archive of historical and archaeological sites, aiming for a free online database to support conservation and research. Tourism & Tech: Maldives tourism leaders are on a high-level China visit (1–11 July) to strengthen the country’s top source market, with meetings also targeting travel technology partners. Conservation Economy: A new study estimates manta ray watching brings over US$311m annually to the Maldives and could reach US$8.6b over manta rays’ lifetimes. Connectivity: Google plans “connectivity hubs” in Africa, and notes it has already been developing similar hub plans for the Maldives tied to subsea cable routes. Governance & AI: Jitendra Singh urges governments to use AI intelligently in e-governance, warning that human judgement still matters. Cyber/Board Risk: Deloitte’s Saarthi programme highlights how boards must actively manage cyber, fraud and emerging technology risks. Hospitality AI Event: eMarketingEye will host “AI Hospitality Connect Sri Lanka 2026” on 14 July, with sessions focused on AI, digital marketing and direct bookings. Drug Security: Maldives Police urged to intensify action against illegal drugs, with officials warning criminals are using tech and digital currencies.

Digital Finance: Bank of Maldives CEO Mohamed Shareef says the next five years will push Maldives payments toward an “invisible” ecosystem—API-connected services, biometric authentication, and AI-backed support for SMEs. Digital Health: Maldives is rolling out a 2026–2030 national digital health roadmap to unify island healthcare systems, improve access, and make services more resilient. Heritage Tech: The Maldives is nearing completion of a nationwide digital archive of historical and archaeological sites, with a free online database to aid conservation and research. Tourism & China Ties: The Maldives tourism ministry leads a high-level visit to China (Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu) to strengthen the top source market and meet airlines, tech firms, and tour operators. Marine Economy: A new study estimates manta ray watching brings major economic value to the Maldives—hundreds of millions annually and billions over lifetimes. Connectivity Infrastructure: Google plans “connectivity hubs” in Africa, and notes it’s also building connectivity capacity for the Maldives via subsea cable links. Governance & AI: India’s Jitendra Singh urges governments to use AI intelligently in e-governance, pairing digital tools with human judgement. Cyber/Tech Risk Governance: Deloitte’s Saarthi programme for independent directors highlights governance priorities like cyber risk, fraud, and emerging technology threats.

Digital Heritage: The Maldives is nearing completion of a nationwide effort to map and digitise hundreds of historical and archaeological sites, building a free online archive to support conservation and research as coastal erosion and climate pressures grow. Digital Health: The Ministry of Health has launched a five-year Maldives Digital Health Blueprint (2026–2030) to unify island-wide digital health tools under one framework, with WHO, ADB and partners guiding the roadmap. Cyber & Governance Skills: Deloitte Sri Lanka’s Saarthi Programme for Independent Directors focused on how boards should handle cyber and technology risks, fraud, and social media governance as AI and digital transformation reshape expectations. Public Safety Tech: Maldives Homeland Security and Technology Minister Ali Ihusaan urged police to intensify anti-drug work, warning criminals are using technology and digital currencies for cyber fraud and money laundering. Tourism Tech & Data: Nova Maldives marks Women’s Dive Day (17–19 July) with Maldivian PADI leadership and marine science programming, while a new study estimates manta ray watching brings major economic value to the Maldives. Connectivity & Finance: Dhiraagu announced a CEO succession, Bank of Maldives won awards for digital finance and sustainable finance, and Google outlined new Africa connectivity hubs (with Maldives mentioned in its broader cable plans).

Diplomacy & Water Security: India’s MEA signalled it will “factor all related developments” into the long-stalled Teesta water-sharing push, after China’s pledge to fund Bangladesh’s Teesta river management project—raising the stakes for West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s veto. Digital Heritage: The Maldives is nearing completion of a nationwide digital archive of historical and archaeological sites, with 400+ sites already catalogued and a free online database planned to support conservation and research. Public Safety & Cybercrime: Maldives Police priorities were sharpened as Minister Ali Ihusaan warned drugs remain the biggest national security threat, urging officers to keep up with tech-enabled cyber fraud and digital-currency money laundering. Health Tech Roadmap: The Maldives unveiled a five-year digital health blueprint (2026–2030) to unify island-wide systems under one framework with WHO, ADB and partners’ support. Finance Innovation: Bank of Maldives won MMA awards for digital finance innovation and green/sustainable finance. AI in Governance: India’s Jitendra Singh urged governments to use AI intelligently in e-governance, not replace human judgement. Tourism Tech & Payments: Visa highlighted “Click to Pay” as a simpler, more secure checkout approach for digital commerce in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Ocean Economy: A new study estimates manta ray watching could add US$8.6bn to Maldives tourism over lifetimes, with US$311m annual direct and related benefits. Connectivity Infrastructure: Google plans “connectivity hubs” in Africa, including Eastern Cape, and says it will connect via subsea routes to support cloud resilience. Regional Telecom Cooperation: PTA hosted a South Asia telecom regulators meeting including Maldives to coordinate policy and services. Hospitality AI Event: eMarketingEye announced “AI Hospitality Connect Sri Lanka 2026” with Maldives participation to boost AI-driven marketing and direct bookings. Women in Diving: Nova Maldives marks Women’s Dive Day (17–19 July) with Maldivian PADI Course Director Zoona Naseem and marine biologist Jenna Lehocki.

Digital Health: Maldives is nearing completion of a nationwide digital health blueprint (2026–2030) to unify island-wide systems and make care more equitable, resilient, and efficient. Heritage & Research: The Maldives is building a free online digital archive of historical and archaeological sites, with 400+ locations already catalogued and work continuing across remaining atolls to support conservation and academic study. Cyber & Policing: Maldives Police are being urged to intensify the fight against illegal drugs, with a warning that criminals are using technology, cyber fraud, and digital currencies to scale operations. Connectivity & Cloud: Google says it will set up “connectivity hubs” in Africa, and notes it has already planned hubs in the Maldives as part of cable connectivity efforts. AI Governance: India’s science and technology minister Jitendra Singh says AI must aid—not replace—human judgement in governance, pushing smarter, transparent public services. Tourism Tech & Payments: Visa highlights “Click to Pay” to simplify checkout for Sri Lanka and Maldives as digital commerce grows. Finance: Bank of Maldives wins awards for digital finance innovation and green/sustainable finance. Blue Economy: A new study estimates manta ray watching could add billions to the Maldives economy over time.

Digital Payments: Visa says Sri Lanka’s online checkout is hitting a “moment of truth” as consumers expect faster, simpler, more secure payments, with tokenisation and its “Click to Pay” push aimed at reducing abandoned carts. Connectivity & Cloud: Google plans “Digital Exchange Ports” in Africa, with the first in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, linking the region to major subsea routes and boosting cloud resilience; the company also points to connectivity hubs it’s building in the Maldives. Maldives Tourism & Partnerships: The Maldives is sending a high-level delegation to China (1–11 July) to deepen tourism ties, with China already leading source-market arrivals. Digital Heritage: Maldives officials say a nationwide project is nearing completion of a free online digital archive of hundreds of heritage sites to support conservation and research. Digital Finance: Bank of Maldives (BML) wins MMA awards for digital finance innovation and green/sustainable finance. Digital Health: The Maldives launches a 5-year digital health roadmap (2026–2030) to unify island-wide digital health efforts under one framework. AI in Governance (Regional): India’s e-governance push urges “use AI intelligently,” while South Asia’s telecom regulators meet to coordinate policy and services. Conservation Tech: A new study estimates manta ray watching could add billions to Maldives tourism value over time.

Digital Governance & AI Use: India’s Science & Tech minister Jitendra Singh urged governments to adopt AI “intelligently” at the 29th National e-Governance Conference, pointing to reforms like CPGRAMS and Mission Karmayogi and noting Maldives among countries adopting similar e-governance ideas. Maldives Tourism Diplomacy: The Maldives Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, with VMC and partners, is leading a high-level China visit (1–11 July) to sustain growth, with China already the top source market (up 19.8% by end-June). Digital Heritage Archive: Maldives is nearing completion of a nationwide digital archive of heritage sites, aiming for a free online database to support conservation and research across all atolls. Digital Finance Recognition: Bank of Maldives (BML) won MMA awards for digital finance innovation and green/sustainable finance. Future-Ready Health: The Maldives launched a 2026–2030 digital health blueprint to unify digital initiatives and improve care across islands. Public Safety Tech: Maldives plans a “drone-first responder” emergency system next year, sending drones to incidents and streaming live video to command centres. Manta Ray Economy: A new study estimates manta ray watching adds US$311m+ annually to the Maldives economy and could reach US$8.6b over lifetimes. Telecom Leadership Transition: Dhiraagu named Valdemar “Valde” Ferradaz CEO designate from 1 July ahead of Ismail Rasheed’s retirement.

Digital Finance & Sustainability: Bank of Maldives (BML) won Maldives Financial Sector Awards for Excellence in Digital Finance and Innovation, plus Excellence in Green and Sustainable Finance, highlighting its push for greener products and tech-enabled banking. Heritage Preservation: Maldives is nearing completion of a nationwide digital archive mapping hundreds of historical and archaeological sites, with a free online database meant to support conservation and research. AI for Climate Resilience: Scientists used an AI model to estimate climate-resistant coral reef areas that could still survive by 2050, pointing to “coral refuges” across multiple countries. Maldives Emergency Tech: The government plans a drone-first emergency response system next year, sending drones to incidents for live video to police command centers. Energy & Microgrids: Flow batteries are being selected for Maldives microgrid deployments to cut diesel use, improve reliability, and support hybrid solar-diesel power on remote islands. Manta Ray Economy: A new study estimates manta rays add over US$311m annually to the Maldivian economy and could generate up to US$8.6bn in lifetime tourism revenue. Telecom Leadership: Dhiraagu announced CEO succession, with Valdemar “Valde” Ferradaz set to take over as Ismail Rasheed retires. Regional Connectivity: PTA hosted a South Asia telecom regulators meeting to strengthen policy coordination across member countries including Maldives.

Digital Heritage: The Maldives is nearing completion of a nationwide effort to map hundreds of heritage and archaeological sites into a free online digital archive, with work finished in 18 atolls and set to wrap up in the remaining two before moving to Malé. Public Health: Two additional tropical malaria cases were laboratory confirmed in Ukraine’s Lviv region in women returning from Tanzania’s Zanzibar, with treatment underway at an infectious diseases hospital. Climate Tech & Oceans: An AI-based study estimates about 64,000 square miles of coral reefs could remain resilient to climate change by 2050, with resilient areas flagged across multiple countries including parts of the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Caribbean. Maldives Economy & Marine Tourism: A new study says manta rays generate over US$311 million annually for the Maldives and could drive up to US$8.6 billion in lifetime tourism revenue. Health Systems: The Maldives unveiled a five-year digital health roadmap (2026–2030) to unify digital initiatives and improve connected, resilient care across islands. Emergency Tech: The government plans a drone-first emergency response system next year to send live video from incident scenes to police command centers. Energy Storage: Flow batteries are being selected for microgrid deployments in the Maldives to cut diesel use and improve reliability. Connectivity & Telecom: Dhiraagu announced CEO succession, with Valdemar Ferradaz set to take over as Ismail Rasheed retires. Border Security Tech: The Maldives continues rolling out facial recognition for border control, including a Japanese system.

Maldives Public Safety Tech: Maldives plans a “drone-first emergency response” system next year, sending unmanned aircraft to incident scenes ahead of police and streaming live video to command centres, alongside upgrades to the 911 Emergency Response Centre. Maldives Security & Policing: President Muizzu reaffirmed government support for strengthening national security services, backing police upgrades with legislative reforms, modern technology, and expanded training and facilities. Maldives Banking Modernisation: Maldives Premier Bank selected Finastra’s Financial Messaging API for secure, always-on Swift connectivity to boost international payments and add future payment-rail options. Maldives Energy & Microgrids: Flow batteries are being used for microgrid deployments on islands like Himandhoo to cut diesel dependence via solar-diesel hybrid grids and improve reliability during demand swings and extreme weather. Blue Economy Research: A new study says manta ray watching is worth over US$311m annually to the Maldives economy and could reach about US$8.6bn over the animals’ lifetimes. AI in Education (Regional): MAXHUB showcased smart classroom and AI integration plans at a South Asia higher-education policy dialogue that included Maldives National University. Digital Trade & Retail (Maldives angle): Local entrepreneurs discuss how Temu-style cross-border shopping is reshaping everyday buying in the Maldives, even after bank surcharges.

Border Tech for Tourism: Japan donated 48 facial recognition systems to Maldives Immigration for Velana International Airport, aiming to speed up identity checks and reduce forged-document use. Emergency Response Upgrade: Maldives plans a “drone-first responder” system next year, sending unmanned aircraft to incidents to stream live video to police command centres, plus upgrades to the 911 Emergency Response Centre. Power & Storage for Islands: Flow batteries are being used for Maldives microgrid deployments, including a hybrid solar-diesel plan for Himandhoo to cut diesel dependence and improve reliability during extreme weather. Banking Connectivity: Maldives Premier Bank selected Finastra’s Financial Messaging API for 24/7 Swift connectivity to modernize international payments and enable future integration with other payment rails. Women in Diving: Nova Maldives marks Women’s Dive Day (17–19 July 2026) with Maldivian PADI Course Director Zoona Naseem and marine biologist Jenna Lehocki, focusing on widening pathways for women in diving. Tourism Policy Push: Niti Aayog backs visa liberalisation for India, proposing a phased tourist visa-on-arrival approach and streamlined e-visa categories to boost inbound arrivals. Regional Forecasts: PATA released a mid-year Asia Pacific tourism update projecting visitor arrivals rising to 714.9m in 2026, with growth driven by destinations and source markets that can adapt quickly.

Public Safety Tech: Maldives plans a “drone-first emergency response” system next year, sending unmanned aircraft to incident scenes immediately after calls and streaming live video to police command centers to speed up decisions across the archipelago. Border Control Upgrade: Japan donated 48 facial recognition systems to Maldives Immigration for Velana International Airport, aiming to speed identity checks and strengthen detection of mismatched or forged travel documents. Energy Storage for Islands: Flow batteries are being selected for Maldives microgrid deployments, including a project to cut Himandhoo’s diesel dependence and improve reliability during demand swings and extreme weather. Banking Connectivity: Maldives Premier Bank chose Finastra’s Financial Messaging API for secure, always-on Swift connectivity for international payments, with a path to add other payment rails and built-in fraud and sanctions screening. Tourism Forecasts: PATA released a mid-year Asia Pacific visitor forecast showing regional arrivals rising to 714.9M in 2026, 758.8M in 2027, and 789.2M by 2028. Regional Tech & Policy: MAXHUB showcased AI-in-higher-education plans at a South Asia leadership dialogue that included Maldives National University, while Tanzania called for more climate science investment and faster forecasting tools.