[1] Shiyam joined the Maldivian National Defence Force on 16 September 1986 and is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, UK.

After graduating from Royal Military Academy, General Shiyam began his career as an instructor in the Girifushi Training Center.

He has also actively participated in senior leadership level seminars and workshops like PASOLS and PASOC[clarification needed], while facilitating and hosting many joint training exercises of MNDF with foreign militaries.

Prior to this, General Shiyam held the appointment of Commander of MNDF Central Area.

General Shiyam has the honour of being the first Commandant of the MNDF Marine Corps on its inception on 15 March 2009.