Siyam urges entrepreneurs to build businesses that uplift society

Sun Siyam Group Chairman and Managing Director Ahmed Siyam Mohamed has said that true success in business comes from creating models that benefit others, not just oneself.  

Speaking at the rebranding ceremony of Sun Travels at Sun Siyam Olhuveli on Thursday evening, Siyam reflected on his upbringing and the values that shaped his journey. He recalled how his father, an island chief, and his mother lived simply but embodied hospitality, kindness, and care toward visitors. “So whatever I have learned today, I did because of the way my parents and neighbours raised me,” he said.  

Siyam emphasized that just as children absorb values between the ages of three and eight, businesses too must be built on strong ethics. He said a successful enterprise is one that uplifts those around it.  

Recounting his early days, Siyam noted that when he entered the travel industry, the market was crowded with agencies. He chose to differentiate his model, which helped grow the capital of a small business to MVR 100 million in just two years. “Anyone can do business because others are doing it. That does not lead anywhere. The model should be differentiated. One of such models is here again,” he said.  

The newly rebranded Sun Travels platform will bring together guesthouses, safari boats, and other tourism businesses across the Maldives in one place, offering opportunities to showcase and book services. Siyam said the model was designed to promote Maldivian tourism into the future.  

He concluded his speech with advice for entrepreneurs:  

“If you want a business to grow, you have to teach employees skills. You have to respect them. Happiness is not just making money. It is about doing business in a way that benefits many people. A successful business is when visitors come and fill up your hotel, and when everyone else around you benefits from your business.”  

Siyam stressed that his vision is not limited to his own ventures, but to collective success:  

“I welcome everyone to put all available beds in this portfolio. For all guest houses in the country! For all hotels! For all the beds! We welcome everyone without discrimination!”