Face of the Future: Ammar al-Zein

“Entering the business at a young age, the work culture became an essential part of my life,” says Ammar al-Zein, director of the agri-products department at Zein Brothers & Co. “It better shaped me both on a personal level as well as professionally. I became a person who looks at issues objectively with the constant desire for further developing my self to a better position.” 
 

Working with the family business since graduating with a bachelor’s in business administration from the Lebanese American University in Beirut in 1998, he has become a respected board member for a company covering a wide base of fields from food and agri-products and fodder, to building materials and transportation. Encouraging entrepreneurship in his community in Lattakia, he is also proud to be the president of the local Syrian Young Entrepreneurs Association (SYEA). “I believe that SYEA today is a role model for entrepreneurship in Syria,” he explains. “Moreover, I believe it takes a leadership position with its initiatives and programs amongst all the NGOs which are operating in Syria.” 

Growing up on the shores of the Mediterranean, he has always taken advantage of the sea, becoming familiar with it through water skiing, diving, surfing, and many other activities, and encouraging his three children to do the same. “A person has to be thankful for what he has, but should always look forward to further improve and expand his limits,” he says. “One should be flexible as well, and recognize both his positive and negative attributes. This is what is going to help him understand life and move through it smoothly and successfully.” 

Did you ever live abroad? If yes, where did you live?

I lived in Lebanon for four years during my studies at LAU, and I have traveled a lot and visited most countries between China and Europe. 

What is the achievement you dream of establishing?

I dream of establishing and adding a new industrial department to my company. This is something I have been studying for some time. I just hope the study will yield positive results so that I can go on with my project and help in exporting products with the slogan “made in Syria” written on them. 

What is the one thing or thought that troubles you and keeps you awake and thinking at night?

Being worried about my kids. I just hope that my wife Hadiel and I can both be successful in raising them in a proper way, installing in them a sense of decency, an education, and the background needed to succeed in their future. 

Looking through your life, who is the one person that influenced you the most and why?

My idol is definitely my father. He is the person who had the greatest effect in shaping my personality. Since the day he graduated back in 1965 till today he has been working day and night but never has he failed to pay attention to any of his children. He was and is always there for us to give us advice, comfort, and support. I hope I could do the same for my children. 

Looking through Syria's past and present, who is the figure you admire the most?

As a non-political leader, the First Lady Asma al-Assad is definitely the Syrian figure whom I admire most, especially for her humanitarian, cultural, educational, and NGO contributions, as well as the fascinating image she portrays of Syria wherever she goes. We are really very proud of her. 

If you could, what one thing you would change in Syrian society?

I would definitely get rid of some of the newly developed habits like the tendency to gossip. 

Please give a one-word / statement answer:

I value: Wisdom

I'm fascinated by: A child’s creativity

I would walk a thousand mile to: find peace of mind

My favorite quote: “True modesty is the source of all virtues,” Prophet Mohammad (pbuh)

My favorite author: Najeeb Mahfouz

I'm currently reading: “Angels and Demons” by Dan Brown

Things that make me smile: A child’s innocence, and self-satisfaction in my achievements

Three traits I admire in people: Honesty, hard work, and true friendship