‘Strive to be a role model in your industry: it’s about inspiring others and making a real difference’ – A Plus Solutions CEO

Merve Cungar has firmly positioned A Plus Solutions as a leading consultancy firm with ambitious projects spanning nuclear medicine, biotechnology and sustainable agriculture. By prioritising innovation, client-centric services and a clear vision for growth, she is driving the company to new heights, both in Malta and on the global stage.

Merve Cungar’s journey to becoming CEO of A Plus Solutions is a testament to her adaptability and vision. Arriving in Malta 13 years ago with her young son, she quickly identified a gap in the market for comprehensive support services for international students. “I began my journey in academic consultancy, driven by a vision to assist students. From there, I expanded to help companies and individuals looking to establish themselves in Malta. It’s been a natural progression, allowing me to apply my expertise across different areas,” she explains.

For companies looking to expand into Malta, A Plus Solutions provides legal, financial and business set-up advisory services, as well as assistance navigating Malta’s regulatory landscape. “We also use our in-depth local knowledge to connect clients with key resources and offer strategic advice on market entry,” Merve says. “We provide a boutique-style service to our clients. When it comes down to it, life has its ups and downs, so you need to remain flexible. It’s not just about completing tasks and calling it a day. We engage in deep, meaningful communication, truly understanding each client to foster strong collaboration. It’s all about building lasting relationships.”

Drawing from a rich tapestry of experience across hospitality, textiles and the media industry, Merve has honed a versatile skill set that has proven invaluable in her leadership journey. Today, she finds the most enjoyable aspect of her role is the opportunity to innovate and create solutions that truly make a difference for clients. However, she acknowledges that staying ahead of market changes and ensuring A Plus Solutions adapts quickly to new demands will always pose a significant challenge.

Balancing work and personal life can also be demanding. “Being a female leader with a family means you need to excel at time management. I structure my day efficiently – today, for example, I had meetings at 9 and 10 in the morning, then I went boxing, and now I’m back for another meeting. I’m very adaptable. Even when I’m in holiday mode, if something urgent comes up, I’ll handle it. Ultimately, it’s about organising your time to fit your needs and setting aside moments for family and personal interests,” Merve maintains.

“For me, the ability to strike the right balance comes from approaching life with gratitude. Be thankful for every person and experience that touches your life and your company. This mindset can transform how you view both challenges and opportunities. I also believe it’s crucial to continuously push your boundaries and seek personal growth,” she continues. “It’s not just about business, business, business. You must expand your mind and tend to your mental well-being too. This inevitably has a positive impact on your business – it’s all interconnected.”

With Merve at the helm, A Plus Solutions has evolved into a multifaceted firm, offering tailored solutions across various sectors. The company is built on a foundation of integrity and continuous learning. “These values are reflected in our client relationships and how we approach challenges. We believe in being transparent, reliable and always striving for excellence,” Merve asserts.

Despite global challenges, Merve believes the business environment in Malta has remained relatively stable, particularly in sectors like finance and education. “We’re seeing a growing number of companies eager to set up shop in Malta,” she adds, “and this trend is playing a big part in modernising our economy and making it more resilient overall.”

In 2024, the company focused on innovation and client retention. “We worked hard to offer new services that meet the changing needs of our clients and ensure that our solutions are future-proof,” Merve explains, noting that the year exceeded expectations, with growth in both the academic and business consultancy sectors. “Our industry is seeing a boost from the growing need for professional services, the push towards digital transformation and an increasing focus on sustainable projects in the environmental and energy sectors.”

A Plus Solutions also made significant adjustments to its operations, integrating remote work solutions and focusing more on data-driven decision-making. “These changes have not only improved our internal operations but also enhanced our ability to offer more flexible and comprehensive consultancy services,” Merve elaborates. Yet, a significant challenge for the company has been visa issues experienced by Turkish students seeking to study in Malta. “It’s incredibly frustrating for us because these students are being turned down, and it’s preventing them from starting their MBA programmes here,” Merve notes, highlighting the complexities of international education in a post-pandemic world.

Moving forward, Merve’s vision for 2025 is clear: to establish the company as a global player in consultancy services. “By the end of the year, I’d like to expand further into international markets,” she affirms. Merve also sees consultancy in Malta evolving to become much more tech-focused in the coming years. “There’s going to be a bigger push towards sustainability and innovation. It’s an exciting shift that’s already starting to take shape,” she predicts.

For Merve, a key focus remains the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into consultancy services. She believes that balancing AI with human communication will be crucial. “The key is teaching businesses to use both AI and human interaction effectively, finding the right balance between the two. After all, life is all about balance, isn’t it?” A Plus Solutions is also working on several new projects, including partnerships with tech firms and investing in AI and data analytics to improve its service offerings and provide more customised solutions for clients.

As A Plus Solutions continues to grow, Merve’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration remains unwavering. Her journey from newcomer to influential business leader is a testament to the opportunities Malta offers to those with vision and determination. “Malta presents a wealth of opportunities for firms looking to establish themselves here. It’s become – and continues to evolve as – a strategic hub for companies wanting to expand or relocate, so we are excited about the future and confident that A Plus Solutions will continue making a positive impact on both our clients and the local economy,” she concludes.

This article is part of the serialisation of 50 interviews featured in Malta CEOs 2025 – the sister brand to MaltaCEOs.mt and an annual high-end publication bringing together some of the country’s most influential business leaders.