With National Service being a new concept, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has urged instructors to practice prudence and wisdom in order to build a responsible generation of youth.

The President made these remarks at a meeting with instructors of the Maldives National Service (MNS) held yesterday at Maldives National Defence Force's Bandaara Koshi.

President Muizzu called on instructors to instill the values of Islam and patriotism in youth and to encourage them to adopt good discipline.

He said that the overwhelming support shown for the program, with over 900 applications received, is testament to the need amongst parents for such a programme.

The President urged instructors to conduct the MNS in a manner to establish it as a widely accepted program across the Maldivian people and to strive to achieve the desired results.

The President's Office describes the National Service Programme as an initiative by President Muizzu that aims to nurture a strong generation of youth who embody national spirit, Islamic faith, responsibility and are mentally and physically healthy and strong while disciplined.

Yesterday's meeting was also attended by Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Vice Chief of Defence Force Brigadier General Ahmed Giyas and other senior officers of the MNDF.

Applications for the service were initially opened on April 30, with a total of 891 applications having been received by May 28. Interested individuals can still apply for the service, with the deadline set for 12am on June 1.