Chairman Career & Contribution
Group Chairman
Datuk Mohan Kandasamy
PJN., DNS., ADK., AMN., ABS. · AAII (Marine)
A seasoned Malaysian entrepreneur and corporate leader with over four decades of experience in maritime services, inspection and logistics technology, engineering solutions, TVET education, plantation, and diversified business operations. Recognised for his role in building, scaling, and transforming businesses, as well as for his contributions to industry development and social causes in Malaysia.
Personal Details
At a Glance
Full Name
Datuk Mohan Kandasamy
Date of Birth
22 February 1960
Place of Birth
Bahau, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Family
Married to Datin Parimala Davi Karuppiah · Two sons, one daughter
Education & Qualifications
Academic Foundation
Government Boarding School Education
1972–1977Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
1981–1982AAII (Marine) — The Australian Insurance Institute, Melbourne
1983–1986First Malaysian to obtain this qualification
Professional Experience
Career Journey
Caleb Brett (now known as ITS) — International Cargo Inspection
1982–1988- Began professional career in international cargo inspection services.
- Built strong technical expertise in inspection and maritime operations.
- Completed professional marine insurance studies while in employment.
- Achieved a major professional milestone by becoming the first Malaysian to obtain the AAII (Marine) qualification during this period.
Jardine Group — Inspection & Surveying Services
1988–1995Key Roles:
- Operations Executive → General Manager
- Promoted to Regional Manager (Singapore) in 1994 (Southeast Asia)
Key Achievements:
- Pioneered and established the Inspection Division, known as Jardine Surveying Services.
- Consultant to insurance companys on marine insurance related matters
- Expanded operations from a 3-person team to over 50 staff.
- Grew business footprint from 1 office to 5 offices nationwide.
- Undertook extensive management and leadership training conducted by Jardine, both locally and in Hong Kong.
- In 1995, executed a local Management Buyout (MBO) of the unit, marking the transition to business ownership.
Joint Venture with Socotec International
Post-1995- Entered into a joint venture with Socotec International (France).
- Expanded operations into Papua New Guinea.
- Appointed as sole representative for Socotec International in Asia.
Founder & Managing Director – D&D Control (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Post-MBO (business established 1988, consolidated under the Group in 2010)- Founded D&D Control (M) Sdn. Bhd., with operations originating in 1988.
- Introduced an innovative container monitoring system to address congestion at Malaysian ports.
- The system significantly improved operational efficiency and contributed to substantial national cost savings.
- Improved container turnaround time in the country from 12 days to 3 days currently
- Established D&D as a leading provider of ICT managed services for the maritime and logistics sectors.
Post-MBO Diversification & Group Portfolio Strategy
- Following the Management Buyout (MBO), Datuk Mohan led the diversification of the Group into a portfolio-based structure and today its segmented into:
- Wealth Generation Companies (Maritime Division – D&D Control / CLA),targetted for ipo 2030
- Dividend Companies (Engineering Division–Corrocoat Corrosion Technologies)
- Growth Companies (TVET Division – Accelskill Academysdn bhd)
- Start-Up Company (Digital / Software Division – RAIG Technologies / D-CLIX)
- Legacy Company (Estate Division – Metro Lagenda)
- Established a balanced portfolio strategy to manage cash generation, dividends, growth, innovation, and long-term legacy assets.
- The Group’s businesses today span maritime logistics fintech, engineering and corrosion protection, TVET and EV training, digital platforms, and estate/plantation assets.
- Focuses on group strategy, governance, capital allocation, and long-term direction, rather than day-to-day operations.
- Operating companies are managed by appointed CEOs and management teams, while the Group Office oversees group-wide strategy, performance, governance, finance, and treasury.
- The wealth-building arm operates independently in line with its investment mandate.
- The Group employs approximately 250 personnel across its businesses.
Group Portfolio
Diversification & Group Portfolio Strategy
Wealth Generation Platform – Maritime (D&D Control / CLA)
(Established 1988 – Present)
- Serves as the Group’s primary wealth generation engine through a digital FinOps ecosystem for container logistics.
- Positions CLA as a trusted industry platform connecting shipping lines, freight forwarders, forwarding agents, hauliers, depots, ports, authorities, importers, and exporters across the logistics ecosystem.
- Supports an ecosystem of approximately 8,000 logistics service providers serving over 200,000 importers and exporters, strengthening trust and structural efficiency within the logistics community.
- Established a strong presence in Malaysia and is expanding regionally across ASEAN, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, and Sri Lanka, in line with the Group’s regional growth strategy.
- Anchors the Group’s digital and maritime strategy by transforming CLA from an “alternative” solution into an industry necessity, supporting trade flow efficiency and financial discipline in container logistics.
Dividend Platform – Engineering (Corrocoat Corrosion Technologies, CCT)
(Established 2003 – Present)
- Acquired CCT from its previous owners and led the strategic rebuilding of the business.
- Grew the organisation from approximately 4 staff to around 70 personnel.
- Developed CCT into a leading provider of high-end coating and advanced corrosion engineering solutions for water concessioners, power plants, petrochemical, oil & gas, and industrial clients.
- Positioned CCT as a specialist, high-margin engineering business with regional project execution (Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei).
Growth Platform – TVET (Accelskill Academy)
(Established 2005 – Present)
- Established Accelskill as the Group’s growth engine in skills, TVET, specialising in culinary, mechatronics n EV-related training.
- Expanded into EV training centres, short courses, grants, and corporate training.
- Positions the TVET division as a long-term talent and industry pipeline, with a vision to transform into a TVET university over time.
Start-Up Platform – Digital / Software (RAIG Technologies / D-CLIX)
(Established 2011 – Present)
- Built digital platforms for sports associations and clubs, including subscription and FPX payment ecosystems.
- Established RAIG as a digital operating partner for martial arts clubs and associations, with a scalable national model.
- Forms part of the Group’s technology and innovation expansion strategy towards ASEAN and India.
Legacy Platform – Estate (Metro Lagenda/Kannal Estate)
(Established 1993-Present)
- Oversees the Group’s estate and plantation asset a 320-acre estate in Sungkai, Perak, focused primarily on oil palm and coconut cultivation and to include development of sustainable agricultural development going forward
- Acquired by the Group in 2016, the estate is managed using modern agricultural practices to enhance efficiency, productivity, and environmental responsibility.
- Has diversified into the cultivation of kelapa varieties such as Matag and DJ, alongside selected cash crops and integrated farming to strengthen long-term agricultural value and productivity.
- Positions the estate as a legacy asset reflecting the Group’s commitment to sustainable growth, environmental stewardship, and community values.
- Channels surplus value into staffs, community development and CSR programmes, reinforcing the Group’s broader social responsibility objectives.
Leadership Model & Group Governance
- No longer involved in hands-on daily operations of individual companies.
- Each business unit is managed by its own CEO and professional management team.
- The Group Office functions as the central office for strategy, performance oversight, governance, finance, and treasury.
- Provides strategic leadership, capital discipline, and long-term direction at Group level.
People Development, Mentorship, Philanthropy & Public Engagement
- Actively involved in mentoring young entrepreneurs and developing future business leaders.
- Strong advocate of skills development, entrepreneurship, and education, aligned with the Group’s TVET and talent development platforms.
- Deeply engaged in philanthropy and community development through Group CSR initiatives and personal involvement.
- Has also been involved in public and civic matters, reflecting a broader commitment to nation-building beyond the corporate sphere.
Recognition
Awards & Honours
2005
Darjah Panglima Jasa Negara (PJN)
2004
Darjah Seri Negeri Sembilan (DNS)
2004
Darjah Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN)
2003
Darjah Ahli Darjah Kinabalu (ADK)
2003
Darjah Kebesaran Ahli Bintang Sarawak (ABS)
Recognition
Other Recognition
Young Entrepreneur Award for Indian Entrepreneur
Best Company in MESDAQ Board (2005) – Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)
Personal Growth
Professional Development & Directors’ Training
Shipping in the 1990s Programme – Institut Kelautan Malaysia
1989Jardines’ Management Development Programme – Jardine Pacific Ltd
1990Finance for Non-Financial Managers – JT Frank Strategic Group
1993Laws Control Programme – Singapore
1999ROC Corporate Directors’ Training Programme – Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs
2002Finance Managers Seminar
2004Compulsory Directors Seminar – Bursa Malaysia
2005Mandatory Accreditation Programme (MAP) – Kuala Lumpur
2005
Membership
Memberships & Public Roles
Life Member, Council of Federal Datuks Malaysia
Member, Royal Selangor Shooting Association
Founder Member, Gulf-Gulf Cooperation
Chairman, Yayasan Pembangunan Sosial
Advisor, Kannal Care (CSR initiatives)
Contributions