Fluent in Mandarin and leading since 35 years of age—how Kishan Jasani’s strategic mastery of language and numbers propelled him to become the dynamic CEO of Grant Thornton Malaysia.
Kishan Jasani never imagined he would one day lead an international accounting giant. Taking up the leadership role at 36, he is the Country CEO of Grant Thornton Malaysia, overseeing an impressive 800-strong workforce stretching from Kuala Lumpur to Cambodia. Yet, intriguingly, his ascent wasn’t merely about numbers—it was also driven by the ability to speak Mandarin.
“An interesting fact about me—I speak Mandarin,” Kishan shares confidently, highlighting a skill that distinguishes him in the global business community.
Humble Beginnings and an Unlikely Passion
Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Kishan’s early education at Victoria Institution (VI), a school synonymous with Malaysia’s elite, set a competitive benchmark. Yet, he admits his journey initially followed a conventional path: rigorous schooling, an emphasis on academics, and evenings spent playing in the park—typical, yet crucially formative.
However, Kishan’s true calling came unexpectedly during his A-levels, where accounting became his unlikely passion. He remembers vividly, “I was never one for accounting, never keen on finance, but having a family full of accountants, I thought, ‘Why not give it a try?'” It turned out to be a defining decision.
Using global exposure as a strategy
His academic journey led him to the University of Sydney, pursuing econometrics and accounting. But it was his subsequent experiences abroad that broadened his horizons profoundly. After Sydney, Kishan moved to Singapore, working with one of the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms and tackling the demanding financial services sector.
Yet, his true transformative moment arrived when he ventured to China, enrolling in Beijing’s prestigious Tsinghua University to master Mandarin. It was a strategic decision, deeply rooted in his business acumen. As Kishan himself puts it, “We serve a lot of clients from the greater China area—China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau—and the language of business there is Mandarin.”
This linguistic leap wasn’t just academic; it was practical and strategic. “When you pick up Mandarin, you get to serve communities better,” Kishan explains. “Your skill set becomes highly marketable. Employees look for you.”
Language as Leverage
His proficiency in Mandarin positioned him as an invaluable bridge between cultures, facilitating major investments into Malaysia from China. “I act as an intermediary. We speak to clients in Mandarin, facilitating investments, auditing, finances, and taxes,” he elaborates. “Being trilingual—Malay, English, Mandarin—allows me to connect cultures effectively.”
The strategic advantage of Mandarin became evident through trust-building. “Language breaks barriers and builds trust. If you speak their language, you’re already one step ahead,” he insists passionately. It’s this unique cultural fluency that has significantly enhanced his effectiveness as CEO, enabling smoother cross-border engagements.
Professional Growth Through ICAEW
Kishan credits his ICAEW qualification as another cornerstone of his success. “People say ICAEW is difficult,” he remarks candidly. “Yes, if you don’t study—but it gives you every resource to succeed.” Completing ICAEW while working full-time in Singapore, Kishan travelled weekly to Malaysia for classes at Sunway TES, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment. “I’ve not seen a more dedicated bunch of lecturers,” he fondly recalls.
ICAEW wasn’t merely technical training; it transformed his thinking. “It doesn’t just teach accounting—it teaches you how to think like a business leader,” he reflects. Indeed, ICAEW alumni include top executives across Malaysia and beyond, a network he is proud to be part of.
Becoming CEO: Leading Grant Thornton Malaysia
Taking the helm of Grant Thornton Malaysia at a remarkably young age was no small feat. Kishan admits, “It’s been a very steep learning curve.” Yet, he emphasises teamwork as critical to navigating challenges. “Managing isn’t a one-man job; it’s about empowering people. If you don’t have your colleagues, you don’t have a firm.”
He invests significantly in creating a supportive workplace, emphasising the youthfulness of his team. “The majority of our colleagues are below 35,” he notes. “They’re the key drivers behind our success.” Initiatives like family days at Sunway Lagoon and vibrant annual dinners are part of his strategy to keep morale high.
Facing rapid technological advancements, Kishan remains optimistic about the future of accountancy. With characteristic wit, he quips, “Are we going to be overtaken by Skynet? No—not anytime soon.” He views AI not as a replacement but as an enhancement. “AI doesn’t have intuition or emotional judgement. Accountants will remain essential.”
Always Climbing Higher
Beyond boardroom responsibilities, Kishan’s adventurous spirit manifests through trekking and rock climbing. His experiences at Everest Base Camp taught him valuable lessons about perseverance and pacing oneself—a mindset mirrored in his professional ethos. “Every step matters,” he says, reflecting on how patience and resilience have underscored his rapid yet steady rise.
His advice to aspiring professionals mirrors his own life principles: “Master a skill set. Stay adaptable. Build relationships. Your network is your net worth.”
Ultimately, Kishan’s journey to the boardroom encapsulates how strategic foresight—mastering Mandarin, choosing a rigorous qualification like ICAEW, and nurturing strong relationships—has made him a youthful force reshaping global business interactions. His story is testament to the transformative power of adaptability, cultural fluency, and sheer determination.
“Just like climbing,” he concludes, “if you stop moving forward, you’ll never reach the peak.”
