Rahman Ibrahim, Chancellor of the Maldis National University, Dr. Mahmud Shawi, Vice Chancellor of the Maldis National University, and eminent author of the day, Dr. Aishad Chennas Adam, excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Asalamlaykumat, and a very good morning to all as we celebrated writer's day. writer's day in the moldives yesterday. It is especially fitting that we gather today to launch a publication that makes a meaningful contribution to our nation's knowledge, education, and cultural heritage. It is my pleasure to join you for the launch of the book by Dr. Aishad Chennas Adam, Mathematical Thinking in the Moldives, Ethnomathematics, Cultural Heritage, and Curriculum Integration. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the author Dr. Shahas on this remarkable achievement. Through this work, knowledge is preserved, traditions are documented and new pathways for learning are created. Producing a work of this nature requests not only academic expertise but also dedication, curiosity and a deep appreciation for the history and traditions of our people. I also wish to commend the Moldives National University for its unwavering commitment to research that benefits the nation and contributes to our development. Universities play a vital role in advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and finding solutions that benefit society. Institutions such as the MNU help shape our country's future. And today we witness a wonderful example of research that bridges the past, the present, and the future. When we think of mathematics, many of us immediately recall classrooms, textbooks, and examinations, including myself. Yet, mathematics is far more than a subject we study in school. Few understand the importance of mathematics in the design of the universe essential for life. Mathematics help us develop logical reasoning, creativity, problem solving abilities and sound judgment. It also enables us to recognize patterns and better understand the world around us. These are skills that serve us not only in our professions but throughout every stage of life. More importantly, mathematics serves as the foundation for science, technology, finance, and many of the fields that will enable future generations to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world. As technology continues to transform our world, strong mathematical skills will become increasingly important for the next generation. For this reason, strengthening mathematics education is not simply an educational goal. It is an investment in the future prosperity, resilience, and the progress of the Maldives. However, we must recognize an important challenge around the world, including here in the Maldives. Many students find mathematics difficult. For some, it feels intimidating, abstract, and disconnected from their daily experiences. Too often, mathematics is seen as a collection of formulas and calculations rather than a useful practical way of thinking. This challenge reminds us that education must continue to evolve. We must seek new approaches that make learning more meaningful, engaging, and relatable. When students understand why mathematics matters and how it connects to their own lives, they become more interested and more willing to learn. They are then better able to apply their knowledge in the meaningful ways. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, this is precisely why the book we are launching today is so valuable. This book reminds us that mathematics is not something that exists only in classrooms or textbooks. Mathematics is all around us. It demonstrates that mathematical thinking has long been embedded in the culture and lives of Maldivians. It is found in traditional fishing practices, boat building, navigation across the ocean, construction techniques, weaving patterns, agriculture, and countless other tradition traditional activities that have sustained our communities for generations. These practices shows us that our ancestors used observation, measurement, estimation, pattern recognition, and problem solving to overcome challenges and make informed decisions. This rich heritage allows us to see mathematics from a new perspective to simply as numbers and equation, but as a practical and powerful way of understanding the world. Ladies and gentlemen, one of the greatest strengths of this publication is its emphasis on the connecting mathematics with culture and real life experiences. More importantly, when students see their own culture and experiences reflected in what they learn, they live they develop a stronger belief their in their ability to succeed and a greater enthusiasm to learning. students begins to recognize that mathematics exist in their communities, in their environment, and in the traditions that have shaped our nations. This approach has the potential to increase students interest and achievement in mathematics while making learning more enjoyable and relevant. At the same time, this publication makes an important contribution to preserving our cultural heritage. Many forms of traditional knowledge have been passed from one generation to the next through observation, experience, and practice. While this knowledge has shaped our communities for centuries, some of it risk being lost if it is not de documented and preserved. By recording these traditions, the book supports the government's ongoing efforts to preserve Moldivian culture, heritage, language, and identity. It reminds us that preserving heritage is about more than protecting historic sites or preserving artifacts. It is also about safeguarding the knowledge, skills, wisdom and innovations of our people. These forms of knowledge tell the story of who we are, where we have come from, and how our communities have adapted and thrived over time. Distinguished guests, the importance of mathematics extends far beyond the classroom. Mathematics will continue to create new opportunities and drive sustainable and resilient national development in the years ahead. By encouraging more young people to enjoy and excel in mathematics, we are helping to prepare them for a future that will increasingly rely on critical thinking, technological skills, and innovation. I would like to note that it is especially important that girls and young women feel supported and are encouraged to pursue studies and careers in STEM. Every child deserves the the opportunity to discover their talents, realize their potential, and contribute meaningfully to society. When we empower our young people with knowledge and confidence, we strengthen the foundation of a more innovative, inclusive, and prosperous nations. Ladies and gentlemen, today's publication highlights the important role that universities play in society. Academic research should not exist only within institutions. it its value lies in its ability to contribute to real world solution and positive change. It shows how scholarship and tradition can work together to create knowledge that is both practical and meaningful while preserving cultural heritage and contributing directly to national development. As we celebrate this achievement today, I hope that this publication will inspire educators to explore innovative approaches to teaching mathematics. I hope it will encourage student to develop a greater appreciation for mathematics and recognize its relevance in their lives. And I hope it will motivate future researchers to continue documenting, studying and celebrating the rich knowledge that exists within our communities. Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the mold possess a wealth of wisdom, creativity and experience that deserves to be recorded and shared by investing in re research and nurturing a culture of writing and scholarship. We stand not only our education system but also our national identity, our past, our present as well as our future. It is my sincere hope that this book will be the first of many such contributions and that in the years ahead we will see many more Maldivian authors, researchers and scholars pro producing what that work that helps preserve our heritage, enriches our understanding and supports the continued development and progress of the moldives. May this publication inspire many similar journeys of discovery and encourage a new generation of Mulivian authors. Before I conclude, allow me to comment the work of Dr. Shahennas. Throughout decades of distinguished service, Dr. Shahaz had devoted her career to nurturing minds, advancing education, and strengthening opportunist for generation of Maldivians. Today as vice chancellor of the Malus National University, she continues to champion research and academic excellence. And this publication stands as a testament to her deep intellectual curiosity, her dedication to research and her enduring commitment to preserving the rich knowledge and heritage of our nation. I thank you for this exemplary work and once again congratulate you and the Maldives National University on this important achievement. Thank you.