This week, I conducted an experiment that reaffirmed the immense potential AI holds for the Maldives – not just as a tool for efficiency but as a means to preserve, enrich, and extend our culture into the digital sphere.
After my podcast interview recording today, I came across a three-page statement by the family of the former Controller of Immigration on X. Curiosity led me to explore how AI could streamline the process of converting images into meaningful insights. So, I took the raw statement and saved in image format, fed it into DhivehiGPT, extracted the text, refined errors, and compiled it into a structured document. Then, I took it a step further. I asked DhivehiGPT to summarize the content, find additional relevant insights, and create a fresh article based on the extended summary. The result? A well-crafted, fully coherent news article.
Why This Matters
This small experiment highlighted something much bigger: the transformative power of AI when combined with local languages and cultural context. We often talk about AI as an accelerator for business, governance, and education. But its true magic lies in its ability to preserve and celebrate our identity.
In the Maldives, companies like Javaabu, innovators like Synetecs, and forums such as the Maldives AI Forum are actively shaping the AI landscape—building models that enhance Dhivehi content accessibility, foster digital inclusion, and contribute to cultural preservation. These efforts ensure that AI doesn’t just become another global trend we adopt, but rather a technology we mold to fit our needs and aspirations.
The Road Ahead
As AI evolves, I dream of a future where:
- Dhivehi-enabled AI infrastructure is widely available for education, journalism, and historical documentation.
- Local AI tools help digitally archive traditional Maldivian knowledge, from folktales to craftsmanship.
- AI-driven linguistic models ensure that our language, stories, and heritage remain vibrant in the digital multiverse.
AI should not just be a tool for automation but a bridge between generations, ensuring that our roots stay intact while we innovate for the future.
A Heartfelt Thanks
This journey would not be possible without the brilliant minds actively shaping AI’s future in the Maldives. The work of Javaabu team, Synetecs, Maldives AI Forum, and others is paving the way for a Maldivian AI ecosystem that empowers, educates, and preserves.
I’m excited to see what comes next. The possibilities are limitless. Listen to my epidsode with Jailam on Spotify – “Smile Shihab Podcast” titled #badhalu
Smile and Let Smile 