Chef Symposium 2024: Dusit Thani Maldives shows Culinary Talent

The culinary scene in the Maldives reached a new high with the landmark Chef Symposium 2024, organized by the Chef’s Guild of Maldives. As the country’s sole member of the prestigious World Association of Chefs Societies, the Guild hosted this inaugural event. The focus was on advancing the culinary arts. It brought together a diverse group of chefs, innovators, and professionals from across the nation. This event, in turn, provided a vital platform for exchanging ideas, sharing expertise, and inspiring the next wave of Maldivian culinary talent.

Among the key participants was Pastry Chef Mohamed Abdulla from Dusit Thani Maldives. He stood out for his culinary expertise and passion for innovation. His involvement, highlighted Dusit Thani’s commitment to nurturing culinary talent and fostering creativity within the industry. Additionally, Chef Abdulla’s contribution underscored the resort’s role in shaping the evolving Maldivian culinary identity. Reflecting on the experience, Chef Abdulla expressed his gratitude:

“It was an honour to be part of such a landmark event. The Chef Symposium 2024 not only highlights the incredible talent in the Maldives but also provides a platform for collaboration and growth.”

Event Highlights

Panel Discussions: Addressing Industry Challenges and Showcasing Maldivian Cuisine

The symposium hosted two engaging panel discussions that sparked insightful conversations:

Challenges Facing Maldivian Chefs: This discussion focused on the difficulties that chefs in the Maldives face. Topics included workforce shortages, skill gaps, and the challenge of maintaining global standards while preserving local authenticity. Chefs and culinary professionals shared strategies to overcome these hurdles. By doing so, they ensured the growth and success of the culinary arts in the region.

Showcasing Maldivian Gastronomy to Guests: In this panel, participants explored how chefs can elevate Maldivian cuisine for international visitors. They emphasized the importance of storytelling. Furthermore, using locally sourced ingredients and creating unique dining experiences were discussed as key elements. These elements, in turn, help enhance the appeal of Maldivian culinary offerings.

Keynote Addresses from Culinary Leaders

Three inspiring keynote speeches provided a global perspective on the evolving role of chefs, sustainability, and leadership in the culinary world:

Jordi Noguera Pey, Executive Chef and Co-Founder of FOC Group, spoke about “The New Role of the Chef in the 21st Century.” He emphasized that today’s chefs are not only creators but also educators, innovators, and preservers of cultural culinary traditions.

Andrew JW Muller, Culinary Advisor and Certified Master Chef, delivered a compelling talk on “Sustainable Culinary Practices for a Greener Plate.” He urged chefs to adopt eco-conscious practices that align with global sustainability efforts.

Afeef Hussain, an Executive Coach and Hospitality Leader, addressed “Inspire Within You – The Leader of the Future.” His talk, in particular, focused on personal growth and leadership, key to guiding the future of culinary innovation.

A Decade of Culinary Achievements

The Chef Symposium 2024 also served as a milestone. A special feature, “Decade of Excellence,” showcased the Guild’s journey over the past ten years. This retrospective highlighted the Guild’s dedication to the culinary craft and its pivotal role in shaping the Maldives’ vibrant culinary landscape.

Additionally, the symposium saw the launch of several important initiatives:

Young Chefs Club: A new program designed to inspire and mentor up-and-coming chefs in the Maldives.

Chef’s Guild of Maldives Website: The launch of an official platform aimed at connecting and promoting the culinary community in the Maldives. The website can be found at www.chefsguildofmaldives.com.

CHEFDOM Vol. 001: The first edition of the Chef’s Guild’s annual magazine, showcasing Maldivian culinary talent, innovative practices, and emerging trends.

Driving Culinary Innovation

As the event came to a close, the symposium set a clear path for the future of culinary arts in the Maldives. The focus will be on advancing sustainability practices, fostering innovation, and honoring the nation’s rich culinary heritage. Dusit Thani Maldives congratulates the Chef’s Guild of Maldives for the event’s success. It also remains committed to supporting efforts that push the boundaries of culinary excellence throughout the country.

The Chef Symposium 2024 concluded with a vision for the future. It focused on furthering culinary arts in the Maldives through sustainability, innovation, and the celebration of local heritage. Dusit Thani Maldives congratulated the Chef’s Guild of Maldives on the success of the symposium. Furthermore, it reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that elevate culinary excellence across the Maldives.

Nestled at the southern edge of the Maldives, where the turquoise waters of Addu Atoll stretch deep into the Indian Ocean, Canareef Resort Maldives quietly evolves. This change doesn’t come from flashy renovations or new facilities. It’s driven by people. Those shaping the resort from the inside out. Meet Deepak Kannan and Shirhaan Sodig. Deepak, focusing on people and culture, and Shirhaan, managing technology and systems, play key roles in defining what it means to run a modern resort in the Maldives.

Deepak Kannan: The People-First Leader Building Culture from the Inside Out

He began his hospitality career in 2000 at the front desk of Radisson Hotels. Over 25 years, he built an impressive resume across the Middle East, including the iconic Burj Al Arab by Jumeirah and several IHG Crowne Plaza properties in the UAE and Oman.

He rose from Front Office Shift Leader to Front Office Manager with IHG, sharpening his skills in operations and guest relations. Later, Deepak stepped into leadership roles as Hotel Manager and General Manager at well-known hotels such as Bin Majid Hotels and Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, Excelsior Downtown Dubai, and Platinum Coast Hotel in Fujairah.

Moreover, In 2021, Deepak expanded his expertise by consulting for a major convention center in Chennai, India, where he set up their rooms division and operational systems. This experience highlights his versatile and strategic approach.

At Canareef, where he serves as Assistant General Manager, Deepak focuses on more than management. He builds a culture centered on teamwork and empowerment. He explains it simply:
“To achieve a one vision, one team spirit and a strong people-centric culture that will empower the talent we have into shaping Canareef to be the most desired resort destination in the region.“

His leadership already makes a difference. The team works closely together, supporting each other to deliver guest experiences that linger long after the stay. For Deepak, hospitality means focusing on people first.

Shirhaan Sodig: The Tech Expert Keeping Things Running Smoothly

Behind the scenes at Canareef, few guests know the name Shirhaan Sodig, but his work touches nearly every part of their stay. From reliable Wi-Fi to IPTV entertainment, Shirhaan’s IT expertise ensures the resort’s technology runs flawlessly.

With over 15 years in IT, Shirhaan’s background includes fiber optic networks, IPTV, CCTV, telephone systems, and vital hospitality software like Opera PMS and Micros POS. He started his career as an Assistant Computer Technician at the Secretariat of Addu City Council, where he built a solid foundation managing complex networks.

For Shirhaan, technology goes beyond hardware — it reflects a mindset. He shares:
“I believe there’s no such thing as impossible when you combine the right mindset with the right technology. In hospitality, every challenge is an opportunity to innovate, and that’s what drives me —using technology to quietly enhance guest experiences and empower teams to perform at their best.”

Before joining Canareef as IT Manager, Shirhaan developed his skills at South Palm Resort Maldives, serving as Assistant IT Manager and IT Manager. At Canareef, he led a major upgrade by implementing a resort-wide Fiber To The Home (FTTH) network, dramatically improving internet speed and reliability. He also created a custom IPTV app to enhance guest entertainment options.

Beyond Canareef, Shirhaan contributes as a visiting lecturer at Maldives National University, training future IT professionals. His qualifications include certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, CCENT, and a degree in Information Technology, blending academic knowledge with practical expertise.

Where Vision Meets Technology and Hospitality Flourishes

Canareef Resort Maldives offers a picture-perfect destination, but in today’s competitive market, beauty alone does not suffice. Travelers expect more: seamless technology, thoughtful service, and genuine hospitality.

That is exactly what Deepak and Shirhaan provide. Deepak shapes the resort’s culture and people, while Shirhaan ensures the technology supports that vision behind the scenes. Their combined efforts might not look flashy, but they build a foundation designed to last.

So when guests visit Canareef Resort, they get more than just palm trees and ocean views. They experience a resort powered by purpose, a team committed to making every stay truly memorable.

Dusit Thani Maldives Highlights Culinary Innovation at the Chef Symposium 2024

Event Highlights

Keynote Addresses from Culinary Leaders

A Decade of Culinary Achievements

Driving Culinary Innovation

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