"Success is not just measured by wealth but by the wisdom shared, the lives impacted, and the legacy left behind."
INTRODUCTION
This biography is dedicated to my beloved family and dear friends, whose unwavering support, love, and encouragement have been the foundation of my journey. To my family—your sacrifices, wisdom, and belief in me have shaped the person I am today. Every challenge I have overcome, every success I have achieved, is a reflection of your strength and guidance.
To my friends—your companionship, trust, and encouragement have been my pillars of resilience. Through every triumph and trial, your presence has been a source of inspiration and motivation. This book is not just a reflection of my journey, but a tribute to the incredible people who have walked beside me every step of the way.
With deepest gratitude and love,
Dr. Tan Cheng Leng
Phase 1 : The Seeds of Ambition
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu
The story of Dr. Tan Cheng Leng begins in the heart of Malaysia, where he was born into a family that valued diligence, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence. From a young age, Dr. Tan Cheng Leng displayed an insatiable curiosity—one that went beyond mere childhood wonder. While other children were captivated by toys and games, he found himself drawn to numbers, patterns, and logical puzzles. His ability to break down complex problems and see solutions where others saw obstacles set him apart early on.
Dr. Tan Cheng Leng was raised in a traditional yet progressive household, deeply influenced by his parents’ values of discipline, perseverance, and the transformative power of education. From his early schooling at SJK (C) Chen Moh, PJ, he displayed a natural aptitude for mathematics and analytical thinking. His academic journey through SMK USJ12 and USJ13 was marked by strong discipline, leadership in co-curricular activities, and a growing passion for finance and business.
Driven by a thirst for excellence, Dr. Tan pursued higher education in Accounting and Business Management at INTI International University, followed by a Bachelor’s in Business Accountancy from RMIT University, where he deepened his expertise through hands-on industry exposure. In addition to academic success, he earned several prestigious professional qualifications, including ACCA, CPA Australia, CPFA, MIPA-AFA, CIA, and CTIM—showcasing his commitment to lifelong learning.
Recognized by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), Dr. Tan’s early ambitions have grown into a distinguished career in finance. His journey reflects the perfect blend of talent, resilience, and purpose—proving that true success lies not just in personal achievements but in creating lasting impact within the industry and beyond.
Phase 2 : Laying the Foundation
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
– Winston Churchill
With a solid academic background and a prestigious professional accreditation from the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), Dr. Tan Cheng Leng stood on the brink of a promising career. However, degrees and certifications were only the beginning. The corporate world demanded more than just theoretical knowledge—it required adaptability, resilience, and the ability to navigate complex financial landscapes with precision.
As he entered the professional world, Dr. Tan Cheng Leng was driven by a desire to make a lasting impact in finance. He began his career at Averis (RGE Group) as a Treasury Analyst, where he gained hands-on experience in key areas such as bank reconciliation, cash flow management, foreign exchange risk, and budget forecasting. This role sharpened his critical thinking and provided him with a solid foundation in corporate finance. In 2013, he advanced his career by joining Deloitte as an Audit & Accounts Supervisor. There, he audited companies across various industries including real estate, construction, manufacturing, and retail, while developing core skills in financial reporting, regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and strategic advisory. His ability to lead under pressure, mentor teams, and manage multiple clients prepared him for greater responsibilities. By 2015, Dr. Tan had evolved into a well-rounded financial strategist, ready to transition from specialist to vision-driven leader—equipped not only with technical knowledge but also with the strategic insight to drive business transformation.
- First Steps into the Corporate World: Cash Management at Averis (RGE Group of Companies)
- Mastering the Art of Financial Auditing: Deloitte (2013-2015)
- The Transition to Leadership
As he stepped into the professional arena, Dr. Tan Cheng Leng was fuelled by an unrelenting drive to make a meaningful impact in the financial sector. He was not content with just securing a job; he sought to master every aspect of his field, ensuring that his contributions left a lasting mark.
His journey had only just begun. The real challenge lay ahead—the challenge of transforming organizations, driving financial success, and making a lasting impact on the corporate world.
Would he succeed? The answer lay in the lessons he had learned so far and the ambition that continued to push him forward.
Phase 3 : Rising Through the Ranks
Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” – Confucius
By 2016, Dr. Tan Cheng Leng had already established himself as a skilled finance professional through his roles at Averis and Deloitte. Leveraging his deep knowledge in treasury and auditing, he began working as an outsourced professional accountant, collaborating with various firms and offering strategic financial insights. This consulting phase refined his ability to analyze data, assess risks, and advise businesses across multiple sectors—setting the stage for a more impactful leadership role.
Dr. Tan’s career took a pivotal turn when he joined North West Enterprise as Senior Finance & Accounts Controller. Here, he took on broader responsibilities that went beyond technical accounting. He led external audits, ensured regulatory compliance under MFRS and IFRS standards, and consolidated full sets of accounts across departments. His structured financial reporting allowed management to make more informed, data-driven decisions.
A key part of his role involved strategic forecasting, cost control, and long-term financial planning. Dr. Tan implemented advanced budgeting models and introduced risk assessment systems to anticipate market trends and optimize resource allocation.
He also managed procurement and inventory operations to prevent overstocking, reduce costs, and improve supply chain efficiency. His focus on smart taxation strategies further enhanced the company’s profitability and legal compliance.
Despite his success, Dr. Tan saw this role as a foundation for even greater responsibilities. His time at North West Enterprise not only demonstrated his capability to manage complex financial operations but also shaped him into a visionary financial strategist. With a well-rounded portfolio and leadership experience, he was prepared to take on executive-level roles and drive financial transformation at a larger scale.
