The home side took an early lead in the eighth minute, courtesy of a header from Amirul after a looping corner from Song Ui-young.
Ikhsan, back in the international fold after injuries, doubled the lead 13 minutes later after he pounced on poor marking to thump a header home off a Harhys Stewart cross. The powerful striker got his second in the 32nd minute after a good delivery from Song off a free-kick.
“I’m very happy to be back, very honoured to be playing with the national team again,” Ikhsan told CNA.
“The national team is a different vibe, different environment and playing for your country is something special. So I always give extra.”
But the Maldives were not without threat, as Ali Fasir beat goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud but not the crossbar with a powerful shot just before the half.
Singapore came out after the interval looking sharper and could have gone four goals up in the 50th minute. Tidy play from substitute Kyoga Nakamura saw him dink a ball to Ikhsan, but the striker headed over.
