The Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) on 21st October, 2025 hosted students from the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) who are currently undergoing a Staff and Command Course at the Malawi Defence Force Command and Staff College in Salima. The educational visit was conducted under the theme “Standards, Science and Innovation: Human Security Perspective.”
The purpose of the visit was to expose the MDF students to the critical role that standards play in promoting safety, innovation, and national development — all of which are central to the concept of human security. The session offered the students an opportunity to appreciate how standards influence various aspects of national life, including defense, public health, trade, and environmental protection.
In his welcoming remarks, the MBS Director of Standards Development, Mr. Fred Sikwese, expressed delight in hosting the delegation and emphasized the strong link between quality infrastructure and human security. He highlighted that standards are not merely technical tools but strategic instruments for protecting lives, ensuring quality, and fostering innovation.
“Science and innovation without standards can lead to chaos, but when guided by standards, they become drivers of safety, reliability, and sustainable development,” he noted.
During the visit, the MDF students toured some testing and calibration laboratories where they were briefed on how standards underpin quality assurance across different sectors. The tours also showcased how MBS uses science and innovation to ensure that products, services, and systems meet international best practices.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting team, leader of delegation, Colonel Joseph Mambo, commended the MBS for its role in safeguarding public safety and supporting national economic competitiveness. He noted that the lessons learned during the visit would help broaden their understanding of how standards contribute to peace, resilience, and national stability.
“We often think of security in military terms, but this visit has shown us that human security extends beyond the battle field and also depends on the safety of what we consume, the systems we rely on, and the innovations we adopt,” he remarked.
The MBS and MDF share a mutual goal of strengthening systems that ensure the protection and well-being of Malawians. The visit reflected the growing recognition that human security extends beyond defense to include social, economic, and technological dimensions — all areas in which standards play a vital role.
As part of its mandate, MBS continues to promote the use of standards as enablers of innovation, scientific advancement, and socio-economic growth. Through partnerships and outreach initiatives such as this educational visit, the MBS aims to build a more informed society that values quality, safety, and continuous improvement.