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STO's Q4 2023 Financial Report: A Closer Look at Performance

The State Trading Organization plc (STO), a cornerstone of the Maldivian economy, finds itself at a crossroads as its Q4 2023 financials reveal a troubling narrative of underperformance and missed opportunities. While the reported revenue showed an increase to MVR 16,373,104,633, a deeper examination of the figures exposes a concerning trend that demands urgent attention. Financial analysts have been closely scrutinizing STO's performance, and the results have raised serious doubts. Both the Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) stagnated at a meager 4.24%, significantly below industry standards for a company of STO's stature. These metrics underscore the organization's struggle to efficiently utilize its assets and equity to generate profits, signaling a need for strategic recalibration. The situation becomes more alarming with the sharp decline in cash flow per share, dropping from MVR 328 in Q3 to a disconcerting MVR 154 in Q4 2023. This plunge in liquidity i
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A Satirical Glimpse into Maldivian Politics

In my role as a cartoonist, I often explore the intersection of art and politics, using satire as a tool to comment on the complexities of Maldivian political life. This month, I've chosen a particularly striking piece as the 'Cartoon of the Month' that vividly captures the turbulent and sometimes chaotic nature of our political arena. This cartoon is not just a simple sketch; it's a nuanced reflection of the fervent debates and the occasionally unruly atmosphere within our legislative processes. The scene is set in a single, powerful frame: one lawmaker is shown in a dominant, almost aggressive stance over another, a stark contrast to the expected decorum of legislative conduct. This striking imagery, accompanied by the puzzled observer from our series being met with the ironic reply of "making laws," sharply critiques the current state of political affairs. Selecting this particular cartoon was a deliberate choice. It aims to provoke introspection about the

Beyond the Beach (Part 1)

Recent social media incidents have peeled back the curtain on the Maldives' idyllic facade, compelling the nation to embark on a transformative journey beyond traditional tourism. This exploration dives into the nation's commitment to sustainability, weaving recent social media incidents into its narrative. Amidst the serene turquoise waters of the Maldives, a visionary proposal emerges, aiming to shape the nation's future in response to the troubling surge in social media hate mongering. The "Knowledge Archipelago" stands as a bold and ambitious idea, inviting us to explore alternatives and redefine the very essence of the Maldivian identity. This visionary project envisions the islands as a global hub for intellect, innovation, and collaboration—a departure from the current discord perpetuated through social media. In the pages that follow, we delve into this proposed idea, examining how it could serve as a transformative catalyst, steering the Maldives towards

Visual Pollution: A Threat to the Economy

The Maldives, a picturesque island nation in the Indian Ocean, has long been known for its stunning natural beauty. However, in recent years, the country has been facing a growing environmental threat that is often overlooked - visual pollution. This form of pollution is the presence of man-made structures and objects that mar the natural beauty of the environment, and it poses a significant threat to the economy of the Maldives. Visual pollution can take many forms, from littered plastic waste on the beaches to the unregulated construction of buildings and structures that clash with the natural surroundings. Plastic waste is a major source of visual pollution in the Maldives, as tourists and locals alike often leave behind single-use items such as plastic bags and bottles. This waste not only ruins the aesthetic appeal of the environm ent but also poses a significant threat to the Maldives' marine life. Visual pollution not only harms the environment but also has economic conseque

Democracy: Bought and Sold

As a strong advocate of social equality and rights, I am deeply troubled by the state of modern day democratic processes. It is disheartening to witness the system reduced to a mere transaction, where money talks louder than the voices of the people. The once revered notion of democracy has been tarnished by the rampant buying and influencing of voters, rendering it nothing more than a joke. My belief system, which always held a sliver of doubt about the effectiveness of democracy, has been shattered by the blatant disregard for fair and just elections. The concept of democracy, with its roots in ancient Greece, has evolved over centuries to become a cornerstone of modern society. It is a system of governance that ensures people have a say in how their country is run and their interests are represented in decision-making processes. However, despite the many positive aspects of democracy, it has become corrupted in many countries, including ours, due to the influence of money and vote-b

Why I Love Designing Logos for Startups

Designing logos for new companies is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences for a graphic designer. In this article, I'd like to share with you my logo design process and explain why I love designing logos for new companies. As a designer, I enjoy working with clients who are just starting their business journey, because it offers me the opportunity to create something new and fresh that truly represents their brand. Here are a few reasons why I love designing logos for new companies:CreativityOne of the most exciting things about designing logos for new companies is the opportunity to be creative. The process of designing a logo allows me to think outside of the box and come up with unique and fresh ideas that capture the essence of the brand. I love the challenge of designing a logo that is not only visually appealing but also communicates the message of the brand. Collaboration Designing logos for new companies allows me to work collaboratively with my clients. By i

Maldives and the Race to AI: Importance, Challenges, and Steps to Catch Up

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology that has the potential to revolutionize many industries, from healthcare to transportation to customer service. However, Maldives has yet to make significant strides in AI adoption, putting the country at risk of being left behind in the race towards technological advancement. In this article, we will discuss the importance of AI, the challenges Maldives is facing in adopting this technology, and the steps that need to be taken to catch up. The Importance of AI AI is already being used in various industries to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and speed. For example, AI-powered diagnostic tools can help doctors quickly and accurately diagnose diseases, while recommendation engines can suggest products or services that are tailored to an individual's needs and preferences. AI has the potential to improve transportation efficiency, reduce traffic fatalities, and decrease congestion. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots can provide