For over three decades, Mr Ahmed Siyam Mohamed has been one of the most influential figures in Maldivian hospitality. As the Founder and Chairman of Sun Siyam, his story mirrors that of the nation’s tourism journey itself, one built on vision, perseverance, and a deep love for the islands. In this exclusive conversation with Corporate Maldives, Mr Siyam reflects on his humble beginnings, the evolution of his brand, and what lies ahead for the next generation of Maldivian entrepreneurs.
1. When you think back to your earliest ventures, what was the spark that pushed you to become an entrepreneur?
From a very young age, I had an unshakable desire to stand on my own feet. At 16, I began taking on part-time jobs, anything that would allow me to gain experience, be independent, and contribute to my family. After leaving school, I enrolled in hotel school, which became the foundation of my lifelong passion for hospitality. That journey took me through almost every department of a resort, from receptionist, cashier, and billing clerk to accountant, purchasing, front office, reservations, sales, marketing, storekeeping, and logistics, and later as an airport representative, welcoming guests from around the world.
It was during that time, meeting travellers and understanding their first impressions of the Maldives, that I realised how much potential our islands held. The Maldives was still at the very beginning of its tourism story, but I saw what it could become, a destination where beauty, culture, and hospitality unite to create something truly world-class. That belief gave me the courage to take a leap of faith.
In 1990, with just 900 dollars, two desks, and a fax machine, I founded Sun Travels & Tours. It started small, but it was built on determination, curiosity, and a clear vision: to share the true essence of Maldivian hospitality with the world. That same spark continues to drive me today, the belief that with hard work, innovation, and heart, even the smallest ideas can grow into something extraordinary.
2. Looking at your career so far, what moments best capture the essence of your entrepreneurial journey?
My parents played a profound role in shaping who I am. My father was the island chief, the katheebu, of Noonu Kudafari, and growing up, I watched how he led our community with humility, fairness, and compassion. My parents taught me that true leadership is not about authority, but about service, about loving and caring for people and helping them grow. That belief became the foundation of everything I have built.
When I opened my first resort, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, in 1998, it was a defining moment. I wanted to create a place that felt like a Maldivian home, not just a hotel, but a heartfelt experience that reflected who we are as a people. From there, the journey grew into something much larger, a collection of resorts that carry the same warmth, authenticity, and spirit of the islands.
Another milestone that stands out is watching young Maldivians rise through the company. Many of our leaders today began as trainees and have grown into managers and directors. That gives me the greatest sense of pride, seeing others succeed and knowing that Sun Siyam has created opportunities for so many.
Every step of this journey, from my parents’ lessons to building teams, creating destinations, and sharing our culture with the world, captures what entrepreneurship means to me. It is not only about growth or success, but about leaving something meaningful behind for future generations.
3. Sun Siyam has grown from modest beginnings into a leading hospitality brand. How do you see the company’s identity today compared to when you first started?
When I first started, my vision was simple: to give travellers an experience that felt authentically Maldivian. I wanted guests to discover our islands’ love, care, and respect through our people, our culture, and our hospitality. That sense of sincerity and warmth has always been at the heart of what we do. I created my own business model, one that has helped us grow from a local venture into a global name.
Over time, what began as a single property has evolved into a global brand, one that continues to evolve while staying deeply rooted in our identity. Today, Sun Siyam represents a perfect balance between authenticity and innovation. We deliver world-class experiences while keeping the human touch and heartfelt service that define us.
As we celebrate 35 years of Maldivian hospitality, our brand (r)evolution reflects this journey of growth and purpose. A single identity now unites all our properties under The House of Siyam, a home for our five Maldivian resorts and our Sri Lankan retreat. To help guests and partners navigate our portfolio, each property now belongs to one of three distinct collections: Luxury, Privé, and Lifestyle.
This new structure celebrates the diversity of our destinations while reinforcing one shared philosophy: to offer experiences that go beyond the expected. Whether it is barefoot romance, family adventure, or sophisticated seclusion, every Sun Siyam property carries the same soul, shaped by the spirit of the Maldives and a promise of genuine connection.
4. Every strong brand has to evolve. What does the recent rebranding of Sun Siyam represent to you personally, and what kind of future are you building through it?
For me, the rebranding represents renewal, a reflection of how far we have come and a statement about where we are heading. It goes beyond a visual change; it is about redefining how we express our values and tell our story to the world.
Personally, it symbolises pride, in our people, our heritage, and in what we have built together over the years. This transformation allows us to communicate that more clearly: that Sun Siyam is not only about beautiful resorts, but about heartfelt connections, creativity, innovation, and community.
Through this new chapter, we are setting the foundation for the next generation, one that embraces innovation and sustainability while staying rooted in authenticity. It is about creating a future where Maldivian hospitality continues to inspire the world, led by a brand that carries its legacy forward with purpose, confidence, and heart.
5. What principles or habits do you believe separate those who dream from those who build lasting enterprises?
Two words: respect and determination.
You must respect your team, your guests, and the community around you. That foundation of respect builds trust and loyalty, the cornerstones of any successful business. Today, the Sun Siyam brand has earned trust globally, with business partners, international institutions, and financial organisations, because our business is built on integrity.
Then there’s determination, the will to keep moving forward even when the journey gets difficult. Dreams become reality only when paired with perseverance. You must be willing to put in the work, take risks, and stay disciplined, one step at a time.
6. When you imagine tourism in the Maldives a decade from now, what do you think will look entirely different from today?
I believe the Maldives will continue evolving towards a more sustainable, experience-driven, and culture-rich model of tourism. Travellers today no longer come just for the scenery, they come seeking meaningful memorable experiences. They want to connect with the places they visit, understand local traditions, and leave feeling part of something genuine.
In the coming decade, I see the Maldives embracing that even more deeply. Our future lies in experiences that go beyond the villa, celebrating our music, art, craftsmanship, and cuisine, and offering guests new ways to engage with our people and our environment. Sustainability will become second nature, not just a feature, and innovation will help us preserve what makes our islands special while opening new ways for guests to enjoy them responsibly.
We are also welcoming a more diverse generation of travellers, families, digital nomads, sports enthusiasts, groups of friends, and young explorers, each looking for connection in their own way. The Maldives of the future will be more inclusive, more creative, and more connected to its roots. True growth will come from evolving without losing our soul, in safety, balance, and harmony.
7. What opportunities do you see for young Maldivians in business, and how do you hope Sun Siyam can play a role in shaping that future?
I have always believed that the future of our country rests in the hands of our young people. Across Sun Siyam Resorts today, every General Manager, Resort Manager, and most of our Directors and senior leaders are Maldivian, proof of what is possible when local talent is given the right platform. Our people are incredibly capable, creative, and determined, and I want to see even more of them leading the next chapter of our nation’s growth.
That is why we continue to invest in education, mentorship, and structured career pathways. The launch of the Sun Siyam Apprenticeship Programme, in partnership with the Ministry, is one of our proudest milestones, giving young Maldivians hands-on experience across departments from diving and engineering to finance, IT, and the culinary arts. This is not just training; it is an investment in confidence, capability, and long-term success.
My hope is to build a generation that does not only work in hospitality but helps redefine it, a generation that thinks differently, acts responsibly, and continues to carry forward the values of Maldivian hospitality with pride.
8. When the story of Siyam is told years from now, what do you most want it to say about you and the impact you created?
Throughout my journey, I have focused not only on building a successful company but also on building communities, giving back, creating opportunities, and supporting growth beyond business. When island communities thrive, the nation thrives.
I hope my story says that I helped share the true Maldivian spirit with the world, that through Sun Siyam, we showcased the warmth, generosity, and creativity of our people. I would like to be remembered as someone who believed in the power of dreams, who built with heart, and who always stayed true to his roots.
As Sun Siyam Resorts celebrates 35 years, Mr Siyam’s words echo the brand’s enduring philosophy: that true hospitality begins with heart. His journey from a teenage hotel trainee to one of the most prominent entrepreneurs in the Maldives reflects not just personal achievement, but a national story of vision, resilience, and belief in the people who make these islands shine.
