Youth Award in Business and Economic Field Awarded to CTO Arushad Ahmed

CTO of Javaabu, Arushad Ahmed, has been honoured with this year’s National Youth Award in the field of Business and Economic Development. The award was presented at the official National Youth Day ceremony held in Kulhudhuffushi City, with the President of the Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, officiating the event.

Arushad’s journey in software development began in 2013, shortly after completing his A-Level exams, when he had the opportunity to design a guesthouse website with a friend. That project sparked the start of his freelance web development career. Within his first year, he developed websites for multiple guesthouses, a private company, and even an online learning platform.

Later that year, Arushad received a scholarship from Maldives Airports Company to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science at the University of Northern Malaysia. After completing his studies, he continued to expand his skills and contributions to the tech field.

What began as a small business in 2016 under the name Javaabu has since grown into a recognised software company with a dedicated local team. Javaabu now employs a group of talented Maldivian youth and has produced over 40 websites to date.

In 2018, Javaabu expanded further by establishing Javaabu Academy, a training centre offering short courses in web development and graphic design. Through the academy, more than 900 Maldivian youth have received training so far.

Arushad’s work has also gained international attention. In 2016, an app he developed was selected among the top entries in the Economic Ministry’s Best App competition, earning him the opportunity to represent the Maldives at the Maldives Investment Forum in New Delhi, India. The same year, he received first place in his Computer Science cohort at the University of Northern Malaysia and was awarded a high honour by the President.

Throughout the COVID-19 period, Arushad continued to support the community by offering free technical and financial assistance to youth groups, associations, and government entities in need of digital support.

The original feature article can be read at: https://thiladhun.com/76192