By Aileen Anthony
Three Different Journeys
The story of 7Tujuh begins with three very different career paths.
Ferhan left Malaysia for the UK at a young age. Over the years, he built a career in automotive, logistics and travel services, managing ground handling for officials across Europe. For more than two decades, he honed his expertise in anticipating protocol, managing dignitaries’ movements, and ensuring smooth experiences in unfamiliar places.
Back home, Shah pursued a career in oil and gas, supplying equipment for a sector known for its volatility. He developed resilience in navigating fluctuating demands and cultivated a sharp instinct for managing clients and operations.
Zaireen, meanwhile, began her journey into corporate roles, where her skills in communication, presentation, and structure flourished.
The three may have taken different paths, but they remained close. And when the pandemic brought industries to a standstill, their shared friendship found new purpose.
COVID, Gloves, and a Turning Point
The pandemic was brutal on travel. Ferhan saw business dry up overnight. Oil and gas also slowed, hitting Shah’s sector hard.
Like many, they had to find ways to survive. The friends ventured into PPE trading, sourcing and exporting gloves at the height of demand. That brief period kept them afloat, but it was also a reminder that their skills and networks could be channelled into something more enduring.
By late 2021, Ferhan’s clients started calling again, asking about corporate and government travel. Malaysia had yet to fully reopen, but demand was restarting.
Filling a Gap in the Market
The timing could not have been better. Many small and medium-sized travel agencies had unfortunately gone under during COVID. The few that remained were either long-established names or large players with deep reserves.
“For newcomers, you have to find your niche,” Shah explained. “The traditional model of sitting in an office selling tickets doesn’t work anymore. Unless you’ve been in the business for 20 years, you can’t compete that way.”
Their niche was clear, a bespoke, concierge-style approach for corporate and ministerial clients.
“It’s about peace of mind,” Zaireen added. “We anticipate the unspoken parts of travel. That’s our edge.”
Anticipation as a Service
Corporate leaders, directors, and government dignitaries often have explicit requests—window seats, specific hotels, halal dining options. But just as often, their true needs are unspoken: seamless transitions, last-minute changes, and the reassurance that someone has thought ten steps ahead.
“For example,” Ferhan explained, “if a director general wants to travel, usually the PA will tell us, make sure he gets a window seat. But what we do best is the unspoken. We already know his habits, his preferences, and we anticipate everything else.”
It is this anticipation that allows them to be described as “flying butlers.” From managing check-in to escorting clients to discreet meetings, 7Tujuh takes on the invisible burdens of travel so leaders can focus on their work.
“We’ve had cases where clients say their PA doesn’t need to follow anymore,” Shah said. “They trust us to take care of everything. That frees up their staff to focus on other work.”
The International Edge
7Tujuh has built-in global capability, offering clients access to travel all over the world. Ferhan’s 22 years in the UK, along with his team there, means 7Tujuh is able to provide direct coverage in Europe. “We don’t have to depend on third parties and that consistency is what clients value,” emphasised Ferhan.
This international presence allows them to ensure reliability across continents. Whether it’s anticipating terminal transfers at Heathrow or advising on realistic itineraries in sprawling cities, 7Tujuh leverages local knowledge that others may not have.
Small Details, Big Impact
Their edge, however, comes down to the details that are often overlooked.
“Sometimes clients just buy tickets without realising the connections,” Zaireen said. “If you land at Terminal 2 in London and your next connection is Terminal 5, it’s not in the same building. If you only have 30 minutes, you’ll never make it. We anticipate things like that.”
Shah added, “If it’s a holiday, you can afford mistakes. But if it’s a work trip, you don’t want to look frazzled or stressed when you walk on stage. These small details matter.”
Growing by Word of Mouth
Since its incorporation in January 2022, Tujuh7 has grown almost entirely by word of mouth. One experience soon spread to others. A corporate client’s seamless conference trip became a referral to peers.
“Sometimes, we’re amazed ourselves,” Shah said with a smile. “One PA calls us, then suddenly another department hears about us. It spreads quickly because we anticipate everything. Clients are happy, and they share.”
Marketing budgets are minimal. As Ferhan put it, “We don’t need big marketing spends. Our level of service is our marketing.”
A Philosophy of Stability
Beyond service, the trio are clear about their philosophy: stability matters more than size.
“You can have 200 people and still not be stable,” Ferhan said. “Or you can have six people, be disciplined and prudent, and you’ll last. For us, stability is more important than chasing size.”
That discipline extends to spending wisely, taking calculated risks, and ensuring every service offered is something the market actually needs. “We’re not doing things just to please ourselves,” he added. “It has to give healthy returns and real value to clients.”
Friendship, Teamwork, and Respect
One of the most remarkable aspects of 7Tujuh is the friendship at its core.
“People always say friends can’t work together,” Zaireen noted. “But for us, it works because we all bring different strengths, and we respect each other.”
Differences of opinion happen, but they are never personal. “We always want the best outcome for our clients ,” Shah said.
Zaireen agreed, “It took adjustment, moving from friends to colleagues. But we learnt each other’s styles. At the end of the day, it’s always about the client.”
Their ability to balance professionalism with personal trust gives them a unique synergy. Strategies are divided naturally—Ferhan handling logistics, Zaireen managing operations, and Shah engaging with clients. Each plays to their strengths, creating a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Redefining Business Travel
For clients, the proposition is clear, 7Tujuh offers peace of mind, seamless experiences, and the ability to maximise time.
“If you want to get more done in less time without losing your mind, that’s what we’re here for,” Zaireen enthused.
From arranging unscheduled meetings abroad to ensuring dietary preferences are respected, their bespoke service redefines what travel can mean for busy leaders. It’s not just about moving from point A to point B, it’s about creating journeys that enable focus, productivity, and confidence.
Looking Ahead
As the world adjusts to a post-pandemic era, corporate and government travel has returned with renewed urgency. Conferences, summits, and diplomatic visits demand speed, precision, and discretion. 7Tujuh is positioned to thrive in this space, offering what few others can; bespoke anticipation rooted in know-how, trust, and global reach.
For the three friends, it’s also about building a business that reflects their journey. “We’re not just selling tickets,” Ferhan concluded. “We’re creating journeys where clients never have to worry about the details. That’s our difference.”
Why 7Tujuh? “That’s our year of birth. And now, you know our ages,” Zaireen jested.
