Ambassador Hassan Sobir, honored with the Order of Nishan Izzuddin and Maldives’ Ambassador to Japan, was interred with official honors yesterday at Galolhu Cemetery. Sobir died last morning after a prolonged battle with cancer. 

In acknowledgment of his lifelong dedication to the country, he received the Order of Nishan Izzuddin, a prestigious award granted by the government. The honor was awarded at the Independence Day ceremony yesterday and accepted on his behalf by his daughter. 

With a notable career extending over many years, Sobir significantly contributed to the Maldives' advancement in various sectors. In 1978, he started his public service as a Statistical Survey Officer at the National Planning Agency, which was created by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. In 1979, he went to the United States to enhance his education and skills, coming back to oversee the planning and implementation of the 1985 national census— an effort that also signified the arrival of the first computer in the Maldives. 

After the establishment of the Ministry of Planning and Development in 1982, Sobir maintained his involvement in significant legal and leadership positions. He later served as the Minister of Fisheries in 1993 and took on the role of Minister of Tourism in 1998 and again in 2003. He is also recognized for creating the lasting tourism slogan “The Sunny Side of Life,” which still shapes the Maldives’ international brand identity. 

Sobir also occupied various diplomatic positions. In 2004, he held the role of Ambassador to the United Kingdom, playing a key part in obtaining foreign assistance after the catastrophic Indian Ocean tsunami. He subsequently served as the Maldives' Ambassador to Singapore, the European Union, and more recently, Japan. 

Hassan Sobir left behind an astounding legacy consisting of national development and diplomacy, and what it means to improve a country beyond what it was previously capable of.