CEO Insights Magazine

Could you give a brief account of your educational background and professional experiences?

I pursued an MBA Global from the University of Bedfordshire in England. Additionally, This institution maintains a valuable affiliation with the prestigious University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, further enhancing the quality of my education.

My professional journey commenced at the age of 21 within the tourism industry, and I have since accumulated a wealth of experience spanning over 17 years’ service in the hospitality and Tourism management sector. However, in 2008, I decided to explore a different sector and transitioned to a role within a utility industry. After three years, I felt a strong pull back to the tourism industry, where my passion truly lies.

In a significant turn of events, the privatization and corporatization board of the Maldives recognized my capabilities and appointed me as the Managing Director of Fenaka Corporation in 2018. Fenaka Corporation is a state-owned utility company responsible for providing electricity, water, and sewerage services to the island communities of the Maldives. Fenaka caters to the 75percent of the population in the Maldives and has 156 branches scattered in the islands. This prestigious position has allowed me to exercise my leadership skills, implement the vision of the president of the Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people in the Maldives.

Overall, my academic accomplishments, coupled with my extensive experience in the hospitality and utility industry, have shaped me into a seasoned professional with a diverse skill set.

What is the motivation that fuels your daily routines?

My role as the Managing Director of Fenaka Corporation is driven by a strong dedication to citizen satisfaction. The unique challenges posed by the island environment, coupled with the responsibility of providing essential utilities, further fuel my commitment to delivering the best possible services. By fostering a culture of excellence and putting the citizens' well-being at the forefront, I aim to make a lasting and positive impact on their lives. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to HEP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for his vision to cater to the needs of the Jazeera Island communities and be able to the messenger from his government to fulfil the basic needs in the island communities.

How would you define Fenaka Corporation as an organization and its current position in the market?

Fenaka Corporation is a distinguished and an ISO-certified company that holds a prominent position within the Maldives. Our primary focus is on providing essential services such as electricity, water, sewerage and Ice Services to the diverse island communities across the nation. Despite the inherent challenges associated with serving dispersed islands with varying geographical and infrastructural setups, Fenaka Corporation has consistently demonstrated its resilience and commitment to delivering reliable services.

With our extensive network and expertise, we have successfully extended our services to over 156 dispersed islands. This accomplishment stands as a testament to our dedication to meeting the needs of even the most remote communities.

One of the key value additions that sets Fenaka Corporation apart is our unwavering commitment to sustainability and service quality. Recognizing the fragility of island ecosystems and the importance of preserving the natural environment, we have implemented sustainable practices throughout our operations. From promoting energy efficiency to adopting environmentally friendly technologies, we strive to minimize our ecological footprint and contribute to the long-term well-being of the islands we serve.

Furthermore, our focus on service quality is embedded in every aspect of our operations. We understand the critical role that reliable utilities play in the daily lives of the citizens, and we are dedicated to meeting and exceeding their expectations. Through continual investment in infrastructure, modernization of equipment, and rigorous maintenance protocols, we ensure that our customers receive uninterrupted and high-quality services. Our goal is to enhance the overall well-being and convenience of the island communities, enabling them to thrive and prosper.

Tell us about your leadership approach and what is your success mantra.

In my role as a leader, I recognize the significance of adopting a leadership style that aligns with my personal principles and the needs of the organization. Among the various leadership styles, I find that adhering to Maslow's hierarchy theory resonates with my approach. This theory emphasizes a democratic and participative management style, valuing the input and involvement of team members at all levels. By fostering a collaborative environment where everyone's ideas and contributions are valued, I believe in empowering individuals and promoting a sense of ownership within the organization. In this regard, HEP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has served as a great leader in my opinion, to frame us to be the best version of leaders we can.

Additionally, I draw inspiration from the remarkable leadership of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, the former Prime Minister of Singapore. His visionary approach and transformative leadership have left an indelible mark on Singapore's development and success. I strive to emulate his qualities of foresight, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive positive change in my own leadership journey.

Sincerity and hard work serve as my guiding principles, allowing me to build genuine relationships, foster collaboration, and drive positive outcomes for the organization and the people it serves.

What is the future destination you are heading towards?

My vision for Fenaka Corporation revolves around innovation, digitalization, and sustainability. By embracing technological advancements and digital solutions, we will deliver cutting-edge services to the public, meeting their evolving needs and expectations. Simultaneously, we are committed to leading the way in sustainability, working tirelessly to make the Maldives a carbon-neutral country. Through collaboration and collective efforts, we aspire to see a significant portion of the population being carbon-neutral, driving positive environmental change and creating a sustainable future for all.

In light of your strong experience within the industry, what advice would you give to budding industry leaders?

My advice to aspiring industry leaders is to embrace sincerity and hard work as guiding principles. By remaining sincere to the public and working diligently through that sincerity, leaders can forge strong connections, build trust, and drive meaningful change. The combination of these virtues empowers leaders to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and make a lasting positive impact on the lives of those they serve.

Ahmed Saeed Mohamed, Managing Director, Fenaka Corporation

Ahmed Saeed Mohamed, Managing Director at Fenaka Corporation is well-regarded and one of the revolutionary leaders behind realizing the vision of providing much-needed utility services to island communities in Maldives under a central state administration. Ahmed Saeed Mohamed's visionary philosophy has resulted in remarkable achievements for the company. His sincerity and attentiveness to all around him are well reflected in his actions and business strategies, enabling a cooperative and harmonious environment among all stakeholders.

Hobbies: Reading books and religious articles

Favorite Cuisine: Maldivian, Garudiya (fish soup and rice)

Favorite Book:Why I Embarrassed Islam by Maryam Jameelah and Lee Kaun Yew’s leadership books

Awards &Recognition: Asian Utility Leader 2019